McDonalds Birthday parties – Ergh... never again. WDYT, WWYD?

[Epacris]

while I appreciate other peoples food values if someone said to me "Sorry we don't do Maccas parties" I would be pretty miffed. Partly because I would feel like there was an element of snobbery and partly I would feel bad for my child and for the OP child as they would miss out on seeing their friend.

I would rather someone just RSVP's "NO" with no explanation but then thats me.

OK now I’m getting confused (I knew I would) because I’m getting conflicting opinions. Some say, please do explain, other say, I don’t want to know the details.

hmmm... i think i would be a little offended! sorry! only because if i were to have a maccas party for my child it would be because i thought my child would really enjoy it and i would then think.. well whats wrong with it? IYKWIM??

I guess this is the thing for me. Anyone having a McDonalds (or similar) party should be prepared for people to decline because there are people in our society (ME) that have strong, real and completely valid objections to them. JMHO.

Thanks again for all your feedback.

[Doing my best]

I guess this is the thing for me. Anyone having a McDonalds (or similar) party should be prepared for people to decline because there are people in our society (ME) that have strong, real and completely valid objections to them. JMHO.

Thanks again for all your feedback.

But would the people having the party realise that others may have an issue with it? I would think that if they thought others might have an issue with the crap food, environmental impact etc, they would make alternate arrangements as it would strike a guilt cord somewhere in their system.

I am not argueing with you, more giving an insight from a niave person who had never really thought about where your coming from until I joined BB..

[Epacris]

But would the people having the party realise that others may have an issue with it? I would think that if they thought others might have an issue with the crap food, environmental impact etc, they would make alternate arrangements as it would strike a guilt cord somewhere in their system.

I am not argueing with you, more giving an insight from a niave person who had never really thought about where your coming from until I joined BB..

Yep, I’m sure they wouldn’t, so no matter how polite I am and whether I explain (or lie?) declining will come as a rude shock. I really did want to avoid that, but I guess there’s just no way around it. Either I offend them or they offend me. Oh well.... that’s life hey?

[Doing my best]

Yep, I’m sure they wouldn’t, so no matter how polite I am and whether I explain (or lie?) declining will come as a rude shock. I really did want to avoid that, but I guess there’s just no way around it. Either I offend them or they offend me. Oh well.... that’s life hey?

Now I have thought more about this issue last night and today, I think next time you are invited, if declining, maybe do so without a reason. Unless you know the parent well enough to know that they won't be offended by your beliefs.

[Epacris]

Now I have thought more about this issue last night and today, I think next time you are invited, if declining, maybe do so without a reason. Unless you know the parent well enough to know that they won't be offended by your beliefs.

Yep, I think I'll just have to lie, unless I actually want the person to know what a *****y, self-righteous, snob I am.

[WeeMansMummy]

Its well within your rights to decline, but i would do so without a reason. If i were the parent id just think oh well thats one less kid i have to pay for And you know what... you went! And you tried! Against your judgement, you did that for your son. Which was a lovely gesture.

I totally respect that you want to instill your ethical views on your children, if you lived your life one way and had them live theirs another that would be hypocritical! And im sure if your son felt an element of fear at this particular party he wont be to fussed at not going back. And if the child inviting them is a very good friend you could always say sorry we cant make it but we would love to have him/her over for a play at another time to make up for it

I just want to add also that when i was a kid macca's parties were great, BUT these days there is absolutely no effort put into them. Just like the restaurants themselves that used to be impressive and huge and exciting. If anyone had ever been to the original McDonald's resteraunt (long gone now) in Co f f s Hr they will know what i mean!

[emc2]

I just want to add also that when i was a kid macca's parties were great, BUT these days there is absolutely no effort put into them. Just like the restaurants themselves that used to be impressive and huge and exciting. If anyone had ever been to the original McDonald's resteraunt (long gone now) in Co f f s Hr they will know what i mean!

I had a McDonald's party - I think I was 4 or 5 and it was good. I also remember we used to go out for dinner at either a local Chinese or Pizza Hut was so much better back in the eighties! Gigantic thick pan based pizzas they were.

[Glamourcide]

Oh yeah, I agree with these last few posts - I don't think I clarified in my other post whether I would give a reason or not.
And no, I wouldn't lol, as a PP said it's not a huge deal like a wedding or 21st, so there's no need to give a reason other than, 'Sorry, we can't make it'. Let them make of that what they will!

[Rivlas]

DD2 had a McDonalds party (20 years ago) and it was fun. We did a bulk order of hamburgers, chips and drinks so no toys were involved, then again, were toys given with meals.
It was a small party so easy to manage. I didn't hire a room as there wasn't one and took my own cake and handouts.

They supplied party hats and plates etc.

When they children had eaten they played on the equipment for a bit and the party was over in an hour and a half from drop off to pick up.

It was the only time we had or went to a mcdonalds party as I catered for them myself at home. As they got older the craze was Pizza parties but I still prefered parties at home.

I think no matter what type of party you go to or have someone will find fault. I am not having a go at anyone just pointing out human nature.

[Glamourcide]

I'd probably just assume that it was due to allergies/intolerances in the food served (which is fair enough, it's quite common these days) and shrug and know there's nothing I can do - have party at Macca's, Macca's food gets served. I try to make people aware when inviting them over for parties/get-togethers that I'm happy to accommodate for intolerances or allergies, I just need to know what they are first so I can make sure I'm prepared something they can eat! This goes for grown-up parties as well as inviting the girls' friends over for playdates

[Muffy]

Im with Hollo.. i would be offended.

Its not like im sitting there FORCING the food down your kids throat.. bring sandwiches or something if you feel that stronly about the 'food' issue.
Why let your kid miss out just because of your views?

[Epacris]

Why let your kid miss out just because of your views?

Ummm... because they are deeply held, extremely important (to me) and permeate my whole existence. What more can I say?

ETA: I suppose the only other thing I can say is “my kids, my choice”. Deal with it.

[Muffy]

But like i said no one is forcing you to eat the food or buy their little plastic toys!!!

But to answer your questions -
WDYT? Sounds a bit snobby to me!
WWYD? I would still go

[Epacris]

I think it is completely, utterly unrealistic to go to one of those parties and hover over my child and say, no you can eat that you have to have these sandwiches I’ve brought, and no you can’t have those plastic things that everyone else is having. It just would not work. Either they go and are involved in the party as is, or they don’t. JMHO.

[Astrid]

It is a tough thing to decline an invite. DD1 really does not get that many, but I did have one that I would not let her go to. The birthday girl as a frenemy to her and had caused way to many tears in this house. I declined the invite and I lied. Just told the mum we were away that weekend. Felt bad, but I would have felt worse being at their house wanting to have words with parents about their daughters behaviour.

Been at a HJ's party, very similar to the one you talked about. Really not fun at all, very stressful to be at and honestly the parent holding it had no clue that there was anything wrong with the place. It would have gone completely over her head if someone had declined an invite due to personal ethics. We do eat junk food and do eat HJ's, but I would be very inclined to decline another invite to a party there.

So I would say, decline but just say you already had plans and then take the family on a nice day trip somewhere.

[krysalyss]

In my honest opinion, so many people don't even bother to RSVP if they are or aren't coming that they will be glad to know that one person is a definite no.

It is an ethical issue but I wouldn't consider it the best time to discuss ethics so I would probably decline but give a different excuse. If you feel bad about that, makes plans for that day so you aren't actually lying.

[NaeNae]

OK now I’m getting confused (I knew I would) because I’m getting conflicting opinions. Some say, please do explain, other say, I don’t want to know the details.

Well me personally for a kids birthday party I don't think it requires an explanation if you don't intend on coming ... now a wedding or engagment or a "special year birthday" like an 18th or 21st THEN I would offer an explanation but seriously for a 5 yo if you can't make it you can't makeit ......

I think society thinks it needs to explain its actions for fear of reprimand(sp) or something but really a "sorry we can't be there" is all thats needed

[Epacris]

now a wedding or engagment or a "special year birthday" like an 18th or 21st THEN I would offer an explanation

Hehehe... So if I get a wedding invite to McDonalds I should go into more detail?

"sorry we can't be there" is all thats needed

Yep, got it!

And thanks again everyone.