The Maccas dilemma - what are your thoughts?

Disclaimer - OK, this is not a Maccas bashing thread or a go at parents who feed their kids Maccas.

DS has been invited to a 3rd birthday party at Maccas. It's in the afternoon/early evening. I do not know the child/parent the invite has come from (it was in the pocket at CC).

The background is that DP and I don't eat Maccas. I used to work there when I was a teenager and in my early 20's. I worked in the kitchen and on the front counter and I know how it's prepared, how oily it is etc. At the first store I worked you could get a free meal on your break each shift and after a couple of years I went completely off the food (this was back before the healthy options range and all the other choices they have now - there were about 7-8 meal options back then, no McCafe's etc). So, DS knows Maccas sell coffee because I've been through drivethru to buy coffee with him in the car. On our last big car trip we stopped at a Maccas to use the toilet and DS came inside, saw there was food/cafe and asked for a milkshake lol. I got him some apple slices.

I don't have anything really against Maccas as an occasional food but it just doesn't sit right for me, that DS has it this young (he is not quite 2.5yrs old). And this is going to sound very much like a "when I was a kid I had to walk 100 miles through the snow with no shoes to get to school" comment but I was seriously about 9 years old before I went to a Maccas party. I know things are very different now but is it a common thing to go there for a 3 year old party?

My concerns/thoughts are:
* if he goes, this will open his eyes to the food options and he will ask everytime we see the golden arches
* if he doesn't go, will this mean that he is not invited to other kids parties because it will get around that he doesn't/isn't allowed to eat the food?
* if he doesn't go, will that mean I get labelled a weird uptight mum for not wanting him to eat there?
* if he doesn't go, am I making it a forbidden thing (even though he wouldn't know at this stage) and therefore even more attractive? (thinking down the track here).
* Do I have the right to censor his experiences in this way? i.e. it's not harmful, IMO, as a once off meal and maybe I should be letting him make his own choice about it

Does anyone know what the typical food/meal is for a toddler party?

I am interested in your thoughts/experiences with this situation. Please be honest!! I won't be offended as I can see both sides of the situation and I understand the attractiveness of not having to have heaps of toddlers invade your house, no washing up etc I guess I just would be more comfortable if this experience were happening when he was 5 instead of 2 so I feel really torn. TIA.

if he doesnt go i dont think you'll be labelled, just RSVP saying thanks but u already have plans.
FWIW i think 3 is a bit young for a macca's party

I wouldn't choose a Macca's party for my child, but on the other hand, I probably wouldn't have stopped her going along at that age.

For our background, we don't eat at Macca's, except on long car trips when we need to stop for lunch or dinner. DD has been once with her Nana too, when we were on holidays. So she thinks that "NocDonalds" (she can't even pronounce it correctly yet - and she's five!) is for holidays only. She hasn't had a birthday party invite there yet (not that the food supplied at indoor play centre parties and the like is any healthier BTW). She sees Maccas obviously whenever we eat at a shopping centre, but she always asks for sushi. ;)

I take the attitude that I watch what she eats for everything else, but at parties she is free to eat whatever and however much she wants. She has thrown up once after a party, but that was at someone's house and probably had as much to do with the sun exposure and the fact she'd been out late the night before at another party. :hide: The lesson to her was clear and she refuses to overeat. She is the only kid I know whose lolly bag stays in the cupboard for weeks before DP and I finally get through it!

So far not worrying about parties but focusing on her diet everywhere else is working for us. DD is a fantastic healthy eater but very good at self-moderation. And food has never been a battle ground. She never feels like she's missing out, but we are satisfied she's eating well.

HTH!

To be honest, Macca's food is no worse than some of the rubbish I have seen dished up at some kids parties, especially the ones at indoor playcentres. So from that aspect, I have no issue Maccas, at least you have some idea what is in the food, rather than wondering what is in that el cheopo sausage roll.

I have no problem letting my girls go, the only issue I have is with supervision as they get older. Normally at DD1's age, I would just drop off, but at Macca's or similar I stay as it is a public area. As a parent it is a pain in the bum to have to hang around these places.

Ok will try to answer these directly now.
* if he goes, this will open his eyes to the food options and he will ask everytime we see the golden arches
Quite possibly, kids just seem to pick up on brands so quickly. DD1 was barely 2 and everytime we drove past a Maccas we would hear "chippie" come from the back seat. So just be prepared.

* if he doesn't go, will this mean that he is not invited to other kids parties because it will get around that he doesn't/isn't allowed to eat the food?
Who know really, depends on how you handle it. If are are over the top, then it may scare some parents. I would be more inclined to make up a reasonable excuse about not being able to go, than say "we don't eat that food"

* if he doesn't go, will that mean I get labelled a weird uptight mum for not wanting him to eat there?
As above, depends on how you deal with it

* if he doesn't go, am I making it a forbidden thing (even though he wouldn't know at this stage) and therefore even more attractive? (thinking down the track here).
At this age, I would not say why he is not going (if that is what you decide). When he is older and can comprehend more, then discuss it with him.

* Do I have the right to censor his experiences in this way? i.e. it's not harmful, IMO, as a once off meal and maybe I should be letting him make his own choice about it
I would be inclined to let him make a choice, you never know he may hate the stuff.

Best of luck! To be honest since dealing with more parties these days, I would take the Maccas party over some that DD1 has been to lately.

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To be honest since dealing with more parties these days, I would take the Maccas party over some that DD1 has been to lately.

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Exactly that! A lot of play centres food is absolutely rubbish compared to Maccas. We went to a party at our local roller-rink a couple of weeks ago and I was astounded at the rubbish that was served up - even my DD who enjoys the odd bit of junk food barely touched it!:shakehead:

I do find a Maccas party at 3 a bit young - but how old is the other child turning? And who knows the family cirumstances behind their reasonings for having it.

Personally I would send my kid along and I wouldn't over think it. It will be what it is and the outcome (ie the new found knowledge of Macca's) will be as bad or as good as you let it to be...Does that make sense? In otherwords if you make a fuss about not eating Macca's etc then their is a good chance your child will latch onto that thought and want it even more, whereas if you go along, enjoy the party and not talk about it anymore your child will forget about it by the next day.

My 14 month old was invited to a maccas birthday party for my besties 4 year old. I brought some water and half a banana for him to eat. He loved playing on the equipment and being around the other kids he wasn't all that interested in the food. I did get him a couple of chicken nuggets and some fries but I ended up eating most of them :redface: cos he was just too busy having fun. He drank his water (No way DS would get softdrink) and ate his banana in the car on the way home! He had a wonderful time being around other kids and playing on the equipment.

Good luck mama!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk so please forgive my spelling mistakes!!

From the perspective of someone who also worked at Maccas (in recent years) and is married to a manager - nope, no problem with you saying no. I reckon 3 is a bit young for a Maccas party, to be honest - even just the recommended games, never mind the food!


Sent from my iPhone so forgive the speelung misstacks ;)

It's really your decision, if you don't want to go then don't.....you don't expose your child to that food etc until you are ready or want to.

Just wanted to really say that they shouldn't need to know why you are not going, just say nicely you are not free. I wouldn't go into why, I'm sure it will not affect anyone else opinon of you etc.

I think 3 is a bit young for a Maccas party too.

DD1 has had Maccas, on car trips etc. We get her a happy meal with nuggets, apple, and water and she eats the apple and nothing else, lol. Although I would give it to her infrequently when I have to, I don't think I'd want her going to a party there either.

Just say you're busy :)

I have found in the past with CC that alot of parents tend to invite all the kids in the room and I would quite often turn one down as my kids didn't mention or interact with the kids.
That set aside...yes 3 is probably young for a Macca's party. An afternoon evening party would be a struggle for most 3yr olds I reckon as in overtired or just not in a party mood, it would be with my kids.
It's also possible that this child has older siblings who know of Macca's and he or she has had an early introduction to Maccas due to them having had it.
My DS1 went to a Macca's party when he was 3. It didn't end up with him asking for it afterwards, I just did not 'brand' the party so he really didn't think anything of where or what he is eating.

Macca's have come along way in food. It's probably better than a party pie, little boys and chips and sweets party that may be held at home or play centre that would also end up with a lolly bag.
Most of the kids parties will be a Happy Meal that would consist of either a cheeseburger or nuggets or wrap, choice of either fries or fruit, water or juice and toy.
The cake would more than likely be a Macca's icecream cake. I don't think they have any games as such, the kids would just play in the play area.
Hope that helps. Good luck with your decision.

i had my birthday at maccas when i was 7 3 is wayy too young to be having a maccas birthday
my DS eats maccas but he also eats pizza and fish and chips we only have junk once a fortnight and yes everytime we go past he says maccas but we just say no and keep going yeah its a pain and it might not be something ur willing to put up with

Brace yourself. This year we've had a round of 4 y.o. parties and every single one of them (without exception) has been maccas/HJ's.

I loathe them. The food is usually nuggets/hamburger with chips and the nominated softdrink (just watch this because they do happily serve coke to kids this age). Followed by a lurid-coloured icecream cake. Missy E usually picks at the food, drinks all the fizzy drink then enjoys playing on the equipment. So I've come to accept that's what the experience is about for her. Like others said, the food served up at play centres and even at home parties can be just as bad. Yes an association forms with the brand, like it does with all the brands in our lives, it's about how you live the other 99% of your time. The weight you put on brands etc right across your whole life will determine how much your child is influenced by them.

Socially, it's not necessary to explain why you're not attending, just a polite 'sorry we can't make it this time' will do. And FWIW yes I do think you have the right to censor his experience at this age, in the same way you might choose to limit his television viewing or keep him away from other environments that you don't feel are developmentally appropriate.

In reply to your questions -

My concerns/thoughts are:
* if he goes, this will open his eyes to the food options and he will ask everytime we see the golden arches

My DS does ask for McDonalds as he has eaten there sometimes (Macca's is one of those 'good at the time, urgggh why did I eat that?' afterwards foods in our house :) and we will occasionally stop there on the way to my parents house which is 3 hours away). I just say no. As his mum, I make the decision on what he eats. He can ask all he likes, it doesn't mean you have to give it to him. We actually drive past one every day and 9 times out of 10, he will not ask but he sometimes see's those yellow arches and asks.

* if he doesn't go, will this mean that he is not invited to other kids parties because it will get around that he doesn't/isn't allowed to eat the food?
* if he doesn't go, will that mean I get labelled a weird uptight mum for not wanting him to eat there?

This is totally up to you and how you turn down the invitation. I would just say you are busy if you really don't want him to go, you don't have to say you don't want him eating McDonalds

* if he doesn't go, am I making it a forbidden thing (even though he wouldn't know at this stage) and therefore even more attractive? (thinking down the track here).

Not sure about this one. I guess it will be harder as he gets older, but you also make the decision to firmly say no to something. I guess it all ties in with the once off meal question

* Do I have the right to censor his experiences in this way? i.e. it's not harmful, IMO, as a once off meal and maybe I should be letting him make his own choice about it
I believe you do have the right to censor. It's a great thing to be teaching so early about what are good foods. My DS asks every single day if he can have a lolly - the answer is generally no. He knows it's not great for him and he is learning that although it tastes good, he can't have them all the time. He can however have unlimited fruit and vegetables :)


Does anyone know what the typical food/meal is for a toddler party? To be honest, I think that the first few years of toddler parties (Mum's group so same kids parties for the last 4 years), there was always good healthy foods and as they have gotten a little older, there has been more of the 'fun party stuff'. At the 4 year old birthdays we have just been to, there was food there that never would of been at their 2nd birhtdays etc. It was more of the party pies, sausage rolls, potato chips and fairy bread. The best thing about kids parties is I find that my son never eats much there anyway. There is so much going on and he is much more interested in playing.

If it was my son (and this is totally just my opinion) I would weigh up how friendly he was with the child and if I thought he'd have a good time. I think 3 is a bit young to be holding a birthday there but that is the parents choice I guess. If I thought my son would have a couple of hours of fun, and I could meet some of the other child care parents, I would probably go.

I wouldn't. but then I'm also shocked at the sorts of things people put on at kid's b'day parties. so the food's about on par really. Exposure to teh brand would definitely be my bigggest concern.
if you don't really know them,then it's easy to make an excuse and not go if you're not comfortable with it. Turning down on invite shouldn't rule you out for all other parties - although if they're all at maccas you might have an issue :)

Kaz, this was my thread when the issue came up for me: https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...t-wwyd-157693/

ETA: Kaz, from my thread, what I leant was: don’t go, don’t say why, just politely decline and leave it at that. :hug:

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To be honest, Macca's food is no worse than some of the rubbish I have seen dished up at some kids parties, especially the ones at indoor playcentres. So from that aspect, I have no issue Maccas, at least you have some idea what is in the food, rather than wondering what is in that el cheopo sausage roll.
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My first thought too.

We have Maccas/KFC rarely - once every 4-5 months if that. And then it's only for the nuggets and some fries. My kids (3 and 20 months) just aren't too interested in it. I purposely don't buy the kiddie meals with a toy when we do go there.

Probably going to the party won't make your DS want maccas all the time ... and I guess if you go, and he does become enamoured of ol' Ronald McDonald, then it will just be up to you to not go there in future- know what I mean? By the same token, you shouldn't feel obliged to go when you don't know the parents etc. Just say you have other plans.

I wouldn't go and I would just make the excuse that unfortunately you can't come as you already have something else on. We also don't eat Maccas at all but my mum took the girls there last school holidays when she had them (I wasn't impressed) but apparently the girls didn't like the food and didn't eat anything except the fries :lol: so I don't think she will take them there again - FWIW she never let me go to Maccas until I was 9!

LOL ahh and I read this thread when only yesterday did I drop invites off to 10 of my DD2 friends (she is turning 5) Hungry Jacks party...

Never realised so many parents would have a issue with celebrating a child's birthday... I have seen tables and tables of lollies, chips and junk at a home party, play house party...

I watch what my kids eat around home and dont see the problem in letting them have a fun and some "bad" food every now and then. At least at hungry jacks they get chips, burger/nuggets, drink... that's it, at a home party they can sit at the table at eat limitless amounts of food if they arn't watched...

Each to their own...

I think DS was about that age when my sister took him to McD's with her friends and their children - without my prior knowledge or consent! Her friends were doing it as a nice treat, it is a nice treat, their children are same age as my DS... and while I was horrified, I didn't have a go. She was giving DS a nice treat, one that wouldn't harm him (like cow milk does at least!) and as a one-off it isn't a problem. He got to play longer with his friends, and when we visit my mother there are few friends for him, so it's nice he gets included in some things.

DS is so used to fresh veggies and home-made chips and generally nice food that he wasn't fussed. He doesn't ask for fast food (we've done it a couple of times since then, mostly on long journies where there's no-where else to eat) and isn't overly fussed about it. He doesn't even think the packaged fruit is that nice, he's too used to the real deal. I think the meal deals are fries, burger/chicken nuggets, ice cream/fruit and juice/water/carbonated drink.

So I would let your DS go - but take some fresh fruit in your bag just in case!

It is funny how some of my opinion has changed since the other thread. In that I said I would likely decline the next HJ invite, but DD1 is going to one tomorrow :lol: Just hoping this one is better than the last, at least this time I am leaving DD2 at home with DH.

we dont eat Maccas either and i guess i wouldnt make a big deal about it (especially as it is just a random kid from CC IYKWIM) and just say sorry can't make it. you are not going to damage your DS or anything, promise :hug:

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It is funny how some of my opinion has changed since the other thread. In that I said I would likely decline the next HJ invite, but DD1 is going to one tomorrow :lol: Just hoping this one is better than the last, at least this time I am leaving DD2 at home with DH.

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I guess it all just depends on the totally unique circumstances you are presented with at the time. :hug:

i have pre booked my 4 and half yrs 5th birthday party at maccas....i myself cant stand the stuff.....but i think its ok.

he has a 5th bday party at hungry jacks on sunday. When he does have maccas/hj he will always go for the juice never the soft drink so at least im doing something right lol

my 2 and half yr old eats maccas when we have it....which is not often....

its ur decsion....ur his parent.

I have not yet read any responses

My kids eat Mcdonalds, however I do not agree with young children's parties there. My DD is almost 4, and I have denied her going to a party this weekend at HJ's. I can accept the food as an occasional food, however I can't accept the soft drink/slushies at this age..

I don't think it would impact your DS being invited to future parties.. But if it doesn't feel right, don't go :)

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I have not yet read any responses

My kids eat Mcdonalds, however I do not agree with young children's parties there. My DD is almost 4, and I have denied her going to a party this weekend at HJ's. I can accept the food as an occasional food, however I can't accept the soft drink/slushies at this age..

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You know you can chose the juice or water option.. they don't HAVE to have soft drink.

DD has been to two this year at HJ's i honestly dont see a problem because she knows its an 'occasional food' i think its important for them to realise that thats just what it is, a treat.
she barely eats the food as she doesnt really like it (im quiet happy about that) and she normally has juice not soft drink.
Hun its so totally up to you what you do :hug:

My DD had her 3rd party at maccas (shock horror!) so obviously I don't see a problem.
To me party time is time to eat crap etc because regardless of where you have a party you are pretty much going to be eating crap.

secondly the happy meals do offer options, you can get chicken wrap instaed burger or nuggets and apple slices over chips, water for drink.

Yes my kids do see the golden arches now and ask for chippies but they know its only for every now and then not a regualr thing. To us its about moderation.

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. It's raised a few more issues I hadn't even considered (like the toys) which is good.

Jennifer - food is not a battle in this house either, and I have taken a similar approach at previous home parties in terms of him eating what he wants. We do have unhealthy food at times at home but generally not take away type foods. I think I'm projecting my attitude about Maccas cause I really don't like it much (taste, texture etc).
Astrid - thanks for the reminder that the food is probably no worse than at a standard party.
Ang - the birthday child is turning three, DS is not quite two and a half.
MD - thanks for your comments about branding and censorship. We are pretty careful about what DS is exposed to on TV and we have that luxury because he's an only child and we're not big TV watchers anyway. I know that branding is very powerful and he will be exposed to it as he grows up, I guess I'd like him to be able to hold a more in-depth conversation about it (good and bad points) as he comes into contact with brands than is possible right now but maybe that's a small point since we'll be able to talk more down the track.
mrscricket - the opportunity to meet other CC parents is quite appealing and one of the reasons to attend. This is a reasonably small town and it's likely that DS will cross paths with this group of kids his whole childhood so getting to know the kids and parents a bit better would be good. The flip side to that I guess is that there will be other opportunities down the track too.
Epacris - thanks so much for posting your thread link, I didn't see that and it was an interesting discussion. I particularly identified with the posts of Polly and Gigi in that thread because that's kind of how I feel - not overly impressed with the corporation/food/culture but don't want DS to miss out socially or be too imposing of my own attitudes on him in this area (food) so I'm sitting on the fence in a state of indecision :rolleyes:
Beatrix - :hug: Your DD is turning 5. If DS were 5 (or nearly 5) I wouldn't even think twice, he'd be going.
Shell - :hug: I hope you don't interpret my posts as being snobbish or judgemental, my issues with the food come from eating too much of it as a teenager lol.

Just to throw another element into my decision (DP doesn't have strong feelings either way) I realised today that MiL will be visiting over three days that week and the party is on the middle afternoon of her visit. She's in town for something else (her own agenda) during the day but this would take her evening time with DS that day away (the party is on a work day, after CC and I think the parent has invited some of the kids that attend on that day). I'm not sure if MiL would mind or not that he went so might get DP to check with her (although she's likely to just defer to whatever we want to do and say she doesn't mind).

I'm leaning towards taking him because he's pretty verbal and I think if there's talk in the lead up or on the day at CC and anything is said to him about him not going he will know he's missing out and to me that is more important than any objections I might have. I am trying to learn to let him make his own choices, even if I don't like them. If there's no safety issue etc then I try to leave it up to him. It's not always easy though but I keep reminding myself that kids learn to make good choices by practicing making choices. Besides, if he gets hyper on the sugar/fun/excitement and doesn't go to bed on time, I don't work the following day so we can sleep in or have a quiet day, no dramas.

Ah I'm still a bit torn but now it has more to do with the timing - 5:30pm after a whole day in care/at work already and in the middle of MiL visit. I guess there is a valid reason to say no and delay the introduction to Maccas until he's a bit older and will better understand the concept of 'occasional' foods.

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You know you can chose the juice or water option.. they don't HAVE to have soft drink.

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Yep, if given the choice, that would be great.. But after having a party staff member give a soft drink to my 2.5 yr old while I had my back turned tending to the baby, has unfortunately given me the bad impression of the parties at these places. .

hun you do what feels right for you
FWIW- my twins and boof had their 2 year old birthdays at maccas- double shock horror!!!!
the food was almost not an issue-
the maccas had an ace play area, the party lady was very engaging and the kids were more interested in that than the food
We chose maccas as it was a good way to cater for a group of people and we couldnt have a party at home. It also had a mc cafe so it gave all the mums a chance to have a coffee whilst and something to eat whilst the kids were being entertained.

Maccas is a treat food with my kids and an occasional food as i am sure it is with most kids. My 8 year old twins know it is very high in fat and calories and although they like it, they know it is not good for them and would prefer sushi as their take away option when it comes to that! So having a maccas party at 2 years old has not impacted their liking of the food.
you dont have to justify your parenting choices to anyone. You do what you feel is right for your family and seriously he isnt going to be scarred for life if he does/doesnt go. Stick to what you believe in and what works for you guys!!

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LOL ahh and I read this thread when only yesterday did I drop invites off to 10 of my DD2 friends (she is turning 5) Hungry Jacks party...

Never realised so many parents would have a issue with celebrating a child's birthday... I have seen tables and tables of lollies, chips and junk at a home party, play house party...

I watch what my kids eat around home and dont see the problem in letting them have a fun and some "bad" food every now and then. At least at hungry jacks they get chips, burger/nuggets, drink... that's it, at a home party they can sit at the table at eat limitless amounts of food if they arn't watched...

Each to their own...

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My Thoughts exactly its one time i dont think it would hurt...and most the time my kids arnt interested in the food anyway they just want to play on the equipment and play with other kids...

You are the only one who can decide.
The first Maccas party DS1 was invited to was for a 5th birthday.

I woudlnt be worried about them asking for it every time they see a fast food place. Even if they do just say no and keep driving/walking etc.

Serioulsy, DS1 knew what McDonalds was well before we ever went there. Advertising and merchandising are everywhere. whether one likes it or not, unless one lives in a cave, there is a chance one's child may be exposed to it, and then ask for it every time they see the fast food outlet anyway. Or they might just say look theres maccas ocasionally like my kids do. The first time we took them there, DS1 took 1 bite and said 'yuk dad, can I go home and have a sandwich?' :D

DS's first time at a Macca's birthday was also the first time he'd been to one, and he was 2. He had a great time with the kids he knew, only ate the chips and it was months later that my mum took him to Maccas, against my will and she was sneaky about it. She has this irrational thing about 'traditions' - as long as they're HER inventions, they must be adhered to. She has invented a memory of always taking us to Maccas. We did used to go, but it wasn't every weekend, and if she could, she'd take my DS every weekend. She chuckled with glee when she realised DS finally recognised the iconography, where before he never noticed the arches. She's so freaking happy that she inculcated him to the 'brand' and I would like to punch her for it. But that would be uncivilised, so I haven't done that ;)
DS has only ever been invited to two parties there, and we've attended both. The one a few weeks ago I was able to leave him at and collect him again at the end. It didn't cut into my values and I reconciled myself to it before sending the RSVP. He really did enjoy the party because his kinder friends were there. It didn't make him like it any more or less. Without my mother's influence, I think it would have just been another type of party. Because of my mum it was a party at a place he already knew about. As it is, give DS a choice between Maccas and sushi and sushi still wins hands down, despite my mother's best efforts to subvert me :p

I took my DD1 to a Macca's party the other weekend. we could only choose between cheeseburger and nuggets but we could choose apple juice instead of soft drink. DD1 ate one nugget and had one sip of her juice. I just made sure that she ate before the party so she wasn't hungry when we got to the party ;) She does mention Macca's when we go past now but it's only mentioning the playground! A one off won't damage him for life, but remember you are the parent, so it is up to you whether he goes or not. My DD2 is 2.5 and couldn't go to the party because she was sick. She was upset at first but now she's fine. She isn't scarred for life because she missed out and that is after her sister talking about how much fun she had etc and all DD2's friends were there too. As for being labelled an uptight parent, no one needs to know why your DS isn't going. Just say no. They don't need an explanation. And you're not an uptight parent!