Happy Meal Lawsuit

[mjaclyn]

I just read this article about a mother of two from California who is suing McDonald's for directly targeting her children with toys in order to get them to eat an unhealthy meal. While I ABSOLUTELY agree that McDonald's uses toys to get kids to want a happy meal, you always have the option to say 'No' and not get them for your child. I am not against giving a child a toy with their meal.. it's a great idea. When I get my kids a Happy Meal (NOT often) the toys keep them busy after they've eaten.. I just think fast food restaurants should only include toys with kids meals that are good for them. I would gladly pay more money for a quick kids meal that was nutritious. How hard can it be to come up with something? Seriously? My kids eat healthy all the time at home. It can't be that difficult to come up with something that tastes good AND is healthy for kids.

If this lawsuit actually goes somewhere I hope it will push companies like McDonald's to change their kids menus, not pull the toys and serve the same crap.

Article

 

[mommasita]

So who forced this parent to buy the Mc Donald's? Did they push her in against her will.

INSANITY

 

[Heidict]

While I can certainly understand the role of the annoying child in the backseat begging for a happy meal and a toy, I don't understand how it is McDonalds fault that the parent doesn't have the ability to so "no" to their child.

Here is the great thing about McDonalds. You don't need to purchase a happy meal in order to get the toy. Many times I have swung through the drive-thru and gotten something to drink and a toy. No fries or nuggets involved.

This parent feels guilty because her children are more then likely overweight and instead of taking a look at what she has done wrong and how to change that she decides to blame the big bad evil McDonalds for her lack of parenting skills. No amount of money is going to help those kids though.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I disagree with the principal behind the lawsuit. 100%.

McDonald's doesn't make people unhealthy. People make people unhealthy.

 

[SC Minnie]

DD used to beg for happy meals and got a 'no' most of the time. Fast food was a 'treat' or something we did on a rare occasion when we were in a time crunch.

Why can't parents say no to their kids anymore? Do they think a little disappointment is going to scar them for life???

 

[TheDisneyGirl]

Not sure what to say here really. I am by no means an advocate for this insane mother. I mean, how often are they going?!?!

My family, or my children, go to McDonald's maybe 2 a year, if that. I don't think the food they offer is the best at all, but twice a year is not bad..and if my daughters want a treat for something special and they choose McDonald's collectively, then we'll go. They get a cheeseburger happy meal and split it with a milk each, they eat the 'bad fried fries' and they enjoy the toy, they play out in the giant slide/playground for an hour and we go home. My children are not heavy and are your normal active kids. They'd rather play in that playground than eat.

By taking the toy option away from them is unfair..who didn't love getting that box with the toy inside? NOW with that said, we are maybe on the not so common side because we don't go that often, and others out there do, maybe like that woman suing. Yes, McDonald's is unhealthy, watch Super Size me if you need more proof than feeling ill eating it yourself more than once a week. But saying a toy entices a child to eat unhealthy is wrong. My daughters will opt out of fries when we tell them.

Parents are not bringing up parents, we are bringing up children. If your child is obese and eats Mcd's or the like often, you are the one and only person to stop it. BE A PARENT!

 

[mhsjax]

My kids never got a happy meal from me. We did and still do eat fast food occasionally but I refuse to purchase happy meals. Believe it or not, they are fine, they survived, imagine that. I agree with those pp that said it is the parents job to say no. McDonalds is a business they will do what they have to do. I hate all the alcohol commercials making everyone look so glamorous, but it is my decision as to weather I buy it or not. They are a business same as McDonalds, both in moderation are fine, but both can be deadly if done too often. Personal Responsibility is all it takes. I hope this mom loses this case and then they should turn around and make her pay court costs for wasting time. Sorry, I see it is a class action law suit. This mom needs to shut up and do her job. Be a parent, say no.

 

[SaraJayne]

So this whacko is blaming McD's for her inability to say "no".

 

[TheDisneyGirl]

While I can certainly understand the role of the annoying child in the backseat begging for a happy meal and a toy, I don't understand how it is McDonalds fault that the parent doesn't have the ability to so "no" to their child.

Here is the great thing about McDonalds. You don't need to purchase a happy meal in order to get the toy. Many times I have swung through the drive-thru and gotten something to drink and a toy. No fries or nuggets involved.

This parent feels guilty because her children are more then likely overweight and instead of taking a look at what she has done wrong and how to change that she decides to blame the big bad evil McDonalds for her lack of parenting skills. No amount of money is going to help those kids though.

Perfectly said.

 

[jen0610]

DD used to beg for happy meals and got a 'no' most of the time. Fast food was a 'treat' or something we did on a rare occasion when we were in a time crunch.

Why can't parents say no to their kids anymore? Do they think a little disappointment is going to scar them for life???

It's not just parents - it's grandparents, aunts and uncles, older siblings, family friends.

I have to have the conversation with my parents at least 4 times a year, and mine are 15 and 13. I keep telling them there is this wonderful new little word. Learn it, Love it, Embrace it, and Use it. It's so easy to say - Noooooo!

My dad just chuckles at me and mom calls me a smart butt(the other word though).

I am serious. Every Monday and Tuesday, my dad picks my DD up to take her to dance class and drops her off. Per my moms instructions, he has to pick her up 2 hours before she has to be there, so he can stop and buy her dinner. HELLO!!!!!! The kid can eat before she goes. There is food in our house. But, nooooo, that isn't good enough for her precious granddaughter. She does the same thing with my son, if dad is going to run him somewhere, he has to pick him up early enough to go buy him food.

Just find me a brick wall and let me bang my head on it for a while.

 

[Becky2005]

If this lawsuit actually goes somewhere I hope it will push companies like McDonald's to change their kids menus, not pull the toys and serve the same crap.

Article

Actually, I believe this is the goal. It has been going on for quite a while now to get rid of the toys in the kids meals.

Honestly, it's not like you HAVE to give your kids the french fries & pop! My youngest ALWAYS asks for Chocolate Milk for his drink and there are Apple Dippers.

Of course, I'm in the minority and assume people don't go to McDonald's because they want a nutritious meal. I'm assuming they go to McDonald's because they want something as a treat and/or are in a hurry (hence "Fast Food" concept!).

As we know though, EVERYTHING that is not perfect for the children is someone else's fault.

 

[C.Ann]

Whenever I hear something like this (or any other situation where somehow a mom or dad is "blaming" someone else for items that are "available" to their children if the parents choose to buy said items), the very first thought that comes to mind is:

"Who is the parent?"

Not McDonald's.. If you don't want them to have Happy Meals then exert your authority as the parent and say "no"..

It would really be pathetic if that case actually went to court..

 

[MomofKatie]

Why are you even taking your child to McDonald's if you don't want them to have a toy or eat fast food? If you want healthy food, eat at home and let the kid play with one of their own toys. Or go to a restaurant that offers healthy food and bring a toy from home.

And there are somewhat healthy choices available, if you are willing to ask for them. A regular hamburger with no cheese, apple slices or a side salad, and milk is pretty good as fast food meals go. Junior can still have a toy while eating a marginally "good for you" meal (about as good as McDonalds gets, anyway).

 

[John VN]

I have yet to see a McD at the end of a dead end street that had gates close after one mistakenly drives into the parking lot and will not open until that person orders an unhealthy kids meal.

Just say NO.

 

[Bilberry]

Saw this article on Dr Eades Twitter sight:

http://twitter.com/DrEades

The CSPI suit is unlikely to prevail, thankfully.

http://overlawyered.com/2010/12/mcdonalds-sued-over-happy-meals/

 

[FireDancer]

So this whacko is blaming McD's for her inability to say "no".

Ding ding ding.

No matter what any ad says the consumer (or in the case of a minor their guardian) can choose not to buy the product the ad is selling. If you really really can't say no then go get a bunch of cheap crap at the dollar store since that is all those happy meal toys are anyway and give them one with the healthy meal you decide to feed them instead of McDonald's.

 

[Disneychix]

I agree with the PP who mentions why the person who's suing even goes to McDonalds in the 1st place. If you don't like it, don't go there!

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Before you declare that this sort of legislation has no chance in court, consider the fate of Joe Camel. I am a huge proponent of personal responsibility, but advertising directed at children can lead to some very unfortunate circumstances.

 

[Disneyland1084]

People can always go to McDonald's and just buy a toy without a Happy Meal.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I disagree with the principal behind the lawsuit. 100%.

McDonald's doesn't make people unhealthy. People make people unhealthy.