Happy Meals and an Unhappy Mom

I couldn't resist the urge to comment on this news from yesterday. Apparently, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has convinced a lady in San Francisco to file suit against McDonald's and their Happy Meals. It seems that McDonald's has a sinister, evil plan to (gasp) sell fast food burgers to children. The 41 year old state employee has reportedly said, "We have to say no to our kids so many times and McDonald's makes that so much harder to do. I object to the fact that McDonald's is getting into my kids' heads without my permission and actually changing what my kids want to eat."

Are you kidding me? Re-read what this mom just said (with a straight face I might add). Of course you have to say "no" to your kids, lady. It comes with the job description of a parent. If I had a dollar for every time I have said no to my four kids I'd own McDonald's (although that may not be a good idea right now). Your job is to raise your kids responsibly, not be their best friend.

Then she says it makes it "so much harder to do." Really? Poor little baby. Can't stand up to your children. I feel like the guy in the Geico commercial now..."maybe we should stroll on over to namby-pamby land" and get you some guts for parenting. News alert to our friend from San Francisco (which should have been our first clue that there was something wrong), parenting is hard. It is not for the weak of heart nor is it for those who want to avoid difficult situations.

Lastly, she adds that they get inside the kids head with their advertising. Excuse me, isn't that what advertising is supposed to do? If she wins this lawsuit, I'm suing Ford for making me want a new truck, M&Ms for making me give in to my chocolate addiction and P90X for making me believe I could have that stupid beach body thing they talk about. While we're at it, let's just sue all the advertisers who reach out to our kids and remove all responsibility from our shoulders.

Here's a great idea for this lady (and anyone else who cares to listen). Don't take your kids to McDonald's. Even better, turn off the TV and make your kids go outside and play. This way, you take care of the healthy stuff and the "awful advertising plot" with one wide stroke of genius (or should I say, responsible parenting). Leave the Happy Meals alone and let McDonald's sell what they choose. If you and I start parenting like we should and stop buying the crap inside the box, McDonald's will get the hint and start serving asparagus burgers or whatever else is good for us. But don't sue the guys for selling their product. It's not their fault that Junior has gotten soft around the middle...or that you have gotten soft between the ears.