Comments on: Why suing McDonald’s leaves a bad taste in my mouth

By: Amy

Amy — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:20:18 +0000

@Liz – Your dh should get together with B’s friend and ask them to mail the toys. Or maybe he could buy them on eBay? At the very least, he could get a hamburger with apple slices and milk.

By: Eternal Lizdom

Eternal Lizdom — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:56:47 +0000

Here’s the new challenge… having a husband who wants his own set of Marvel Happy Meal toys. Ha!

By: B

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:28:21 +0000

I actually know somebody who will take their kid to McDonald’s (or another fast food spot) each week to get the new toy in the series. If the Mickey D’s they went to doesn’t have the newest one? They actually drive to another one. Those are the parents that need to learn how to say the word NO!

My kids don’t have access to things that I don’t give them access to. Suing isn’t going to take away the stupidity and spinelessness of parents who want to blame the toys for feeding thier kids crap. Would I prefer that McDonalds and other fast food joints were a bit healthier? Of course. But even with the unhealthy standards, if it is only an occasional treat it won’t kill us.

By: victoria wesseler

victoria wesseler — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:45:37 +0000

I totall agree with you, Amy. What’s next? Suing the sugary cereal, candy, or ice cream companies because their packaging and/or incentives entice the consumer? The only ones who benefit from these lawsuits are the lawyers.

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:48:08 +0000

Kris – You make a good point. I guess it goes back to the concept of “it takes a village.” How can we help each other raise our kids to be positive, contributing members of society? Thanks for giving us another viewpoint to consider.

By: Kris

Kris — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:17:18 +0000

I’m going to break ranks here a bit.

Yes, parental responsibility is paramount.

But we live in a society in which there is just so much to say no to.

I’m glad for those of you who have kids to whom the toys don’t matter at all. In our family, especially at certain ages, you’d think one of my kids had lost a winning lottery ticket if they didn’t get the toy they’d hoped for. And then there’s the matter of the child wanting to go back again and again to collect the whole set.

Of course I say no. And yes, the passion for the toy eventually fades. But it creates stress that didn’t need to happen. I’ve always wondered why the meals are called “happy” when they more often than not bring misery.

I’ve noticed shirts at Kohl’s in the boys’ dept that are sold with a toy. You think the kid is going to ask for the shirt and then never wear it? Of course, because he never really saw the shirt in the first place — he was looking only at the toy. Every time I see something that “comes with a toy” I blame McD’s. Or maybe I should blame Cracker Jack, come to think of it!

Anyway, do I blame them to the extent of abdicating my own responsibility? Of course not. But I would like us to take back our society — to make this an easier place to raise kids. Why do we have to let the corporations keep making it harder? If not the lawsuit, what kind of action would get their attention?

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:54:34 +0000

@Kristi – Great point about the toys pushing non-age appropriate stuff. And I’m so glad that several of you believe it’s the parent’s responsibility to make — and to teach our kids to make — healthy choices. I think fast food falls into the “everything in moderation” category. Chances are if we expose our kids to healthy, fresh food the majority of the time, they won’t like the fast food much when they do get it.

By: Michelle@Gotchababy

Michelle@Gotchababy — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:03:16 +0000

Well said, Amy!! I heard that news clip was thinking, “really?” While my kids love that big goofy clown, they know I’m the mom. I agree with Kristi about the PG-13 movie toys though–they make me crazy. Not an age-appropriate for anyone who may be buying the meal.

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:38:36 +0000

I couldn’t agree with you more. Very well said. I have a McDonald’s right across the street from where I live. GASP. If it were up to my daughter, she’d be having McDonald’s for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That is not an option. So I have to say no quite regularly. I have no problem with that. Also, when we do buy meals, she will ask for a happy meal simply because of the toy. I have to remind her that I’m not getting a happy meal just because she wants the toy. Also, I explain to her that a happy meal is no longer enough for her because she’s older now and needs to eat more than just 4 nuggets. So again, I’m denying the toy. She deals with it and we’re all happy. There’s no issue here.

By: Kristi

Kristi — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:29:50 +0000

I agree!!! So ridiculous to sue a company over something that parents can control. It is up to the parents, not a restaurant, to teach kids to make healthy choices and also up to the parent to decide when the kids can have a “not so ” healthy meal. I only have a problem with it when the toys offered and marketed to young ones are from a PG-13 movie. If they are going to provide a toy, at least make it age appropriate. And many fast food restaurants and even some sit down places offer prizes with meals, so why pick on Mcdonalds? If you are going to sue, at least sue everyone.

This lawsuit just says “parents you aren’t in control, your children are.” And my girls typically pick the apples and milk when I give them the choice but occasionally if they want fries or apple juice I let them, but tell them it is a treat. Parents should be accountable for teaching their kids about nutrition, and as Liz said, we can’t blame toy companies and restaurants for our decisions. They aren’t forcing us to go there or to buy the meals.