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My Kid(s) Eat McDonald’s and I am a Good Mother

May 11, 2012 By Emily 46 Comments

 

McDonalds I'm Lovin ItThat is right.  My son eats McDonald’s, and I am not ashamed of it.  In fact, I celebrate it.

There has been a lot of talk about bloggers working with McDonald’s. The talk turned from how McDonald’s works with bloggers to degrading and judging parents and their choice to feed their children McDonald’s. I have actually not worked a campaign with McDonalds, but I wouldn’t hesitate to do so.

As a parent I strive to not only make healthy choices for my son and baby to be, but also to teach them why those choices are okay so that they can learn healthy habits.  We make it a goal to be active almost every single day.  Just as it is important to give your body an occasional rest day, it is important to learn and understand that eating food like McDonald’s one day out of many does not make you a bad parent or a bad person.

I am not advocating eating McDonald’s everyday.  I would not advocate eating any fast food or processed food everyday or all the time.  Eating healthy is about balance.  And finding that balance can be really hard.  Eating at a place like McDonald’s teaches my son it is okay to indulge every once in a while, AND it teaches him to make healthy choices from a menu that has all kinds of foods on it.

Blaming places like McDonald’s for your weight gain or for making America fat is taking the person out of personal choices.  Yes, if you eat a large Big Mac and fries with a soda and a shake everyday, you are going to gain weight.  But it is your choice to order that food instead of the many other healthy options McDonald’s has on their menu.

If you look at my own personal story, you know that after I became a mother I let my weight creep up.  Not because I was eating McDonald’s, but because I wasn’t making consistently healthy and balanced choices.

Now I eat McDonald’s once or twice a month.  It is nice to have a break from cooking, and to be able to feed my family and not break the bank. So what do I love at McDonald’s?  I love their oatmeal, french fries, the salads, and smoothies.  I have been known to enjoy a burger.  However, now when we eat there I make sure we balance the rest of our day with healthy activity and other healthy food choices.

There has been quite a stir on FB recently as people respond to the accusations that McDonald’s is paying bloggers for good press.  One person (and I am so sorry I don’t have the screen shot) actually said something to the effect of I not only judge you for feeding your children McDonald’s, but after reading this article I now know you are ignorant and greedy.

Really? Guess what?  You know those disclosures at the bottom of blogs whether they be a picture that says sponsored post or a written statement?  That means bloggers are getting paid.  McDonald’s is not the first and they won’t be the last company to tap into the mega strong community of bloggers.

However, most bloggers (and I say most, because there are always a few that don’t) work really hard to partner with brands they already use or support in their daily lives.  I personally have turned down high paying posts due to the fact that it isn’t a product my family would use or one I could support.

Another lady had this to say:

McDonalds Moms

I am appalled that this woman thinks it is okay to question a mother’s love for her child.  And that people agreed enough to like the status.  Yes, I love my son with all my heart, so much so that I will not ban him from eating foods.  Parents who do that end up with children who venture to friends houses or school and eat what they aren’t allowed to at home.  And often times that leads to guilt induced eating.  I watched this happen to several friends through out my life.  Some that weren’t allowed to eat sugary cereal, others not allowed to drink pop.  And almost every single one of them ended up with issues associated with eating. I love my son enough to give him the tools to understand all food, and use it as fuel.

I support McDonald’s and their outreach around the community, with Ronald McDonald house (which has been helping families in medical crisis for 35 years), their commitment to improve their sustainability, and their commitment to providing healthier options on their menu through their changing together program.  Plus they have created a simple steps program to help adults learn to make healthier choices using their menus as well.  As a mother and a blogger I would consider it a privilege to work with a company like McDonald’s.

Ronald McDonald House Charity

We as parents are hard enough on ourselves.  We do not need to be judged based on misinformation.  This mother’s day resolve to judge less and breathe more.  What works for one family may not work for your family, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad choice, or that mother is a bad parent.

I give my kid(s) McDonald’s, and I am still a good parent.

Disclosure: I have not worked with McDonald’s on a formal campaign, but I have shared part of their family values message and in return received a few coupons.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% honest and my own.

I realize that people are on all sides of this issue, and I welcome a healthy conversation.  Please keep your comments clean and respectful. This is a family blog.

  • Biography of the Author(Read Below)..
  • Latest Posts (view them )..

Emily

Emily is a wife & mom living in Las Vegas. The owner and writer at Our Knight Life, Emily loves sharing her two adorable boys and journey through motherhood. Emily has run four half marathons to date and is always training for her next big race. She also enjoys creating healthy recipes for her family and sharing family friendly product reviews.

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Filed Under: All, Eats & Treats, Parenting Posts Tagged With: Opinion

Comments

  1. Robin says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    My daughter loves McDonald’s and because of this we go there on lunch dates. Would I choose McDonald’s to go out to on my own? No. But, my daughter loves going there and I love seeing how excited she gets when I tell her we finally get to go there. The one thing I appreciate about taking her there is, she enjoys her food but doesn’t indulge in it. She always has food left over even with the now smaller happy meals. I also love McDonald’s oatmeal and yogurt and will eat their salad on our lunch dates and have learned to enjoy myself. I have also posted on my blog about being OK with going to McDonald’s and am not blogging for them. People annoy me when they are very judgemental of other parents. Just because I do things differently than you does not mean I love my child less. Thanks for this post, I enjoyed reading it.

    Reply
  2. Cassie says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    Well said! No person has the right to judge another and draw the conclusions you are a bad parent over this! I truly believe “if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.” A lesson many of these bloggers and mothers should maybe try to learn themselves and pass along to others.

    Reply
  3. Veronica R says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    Great article! Amazing what people will say online, but would never say in person to someone else.
    I love your following statement:
    “What works for one family may not work for your family, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad choice, or that mother is a bad parent.”

    Reply
  4. Kerri O says

    May 11, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    I don’t eat at McDonald’s but I think you make excellent points. Healthy living is about balance. I eat paleo, but I danged sure have a Starbucks a couple times a month. I won’t bash bloggers that choose to work with McDonald’s, we should work with brands that are a good fit for us and respect that in other bloggers.

    Reply
  5. amber says

    May 11, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    Shame on people. If only the worlds problems were that minor that a bad mother took her child to the golden arches. Seriously, people need to wise up just watch the news, or read the newspaper and see what horror is really out there. Such a shame for people that are totally clueless at what kind of a person someone is to try and make them feel bad , words can be hurtful and can’t be taken back.

    We went to McDonalds after school today and it was YUMMY! Great post Emily.

    Reply
  6. Kim @ Coffee Pot Chronicles says

    May 11, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    I can’t and won’t eat this stuff anymore because the high fat content sends my stomach into fits of rage and my taste buds just can’t handle it. Of course, if it came down to eating a single cheeseburger versus eating nothing when there are no other options and my stomach was growling, fine.

    I believe everything is fine in moderation. People know McDonald’s and other fast food isn’t gourmet or healthy (if you’re being very specific about what is and isn’t healthy) and still choose to it. That’s okay. And in your case, you’re smart to know that once in awhile is okay (again, moderation) but too much of it is not a good thing. I’m not here to judge you because you choose to eat it. It works for your family and even though I don’t consider it good for my household, I’m not going to tell you you’re wrong (because you’re not).

    Great post!

    Reply
  7. Twingle Mommy says

    May 11, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    I took my kids to McDonals today! it’s freaking hot here in Vegas and I was wanted them to run around and burn some energy off after being stuck at NEIS all morning. I don’t feel guilty, it’s a treat for them and me. They play and run arund in the AC and I can sit there and enjoy the (kinda) peace. Win/win right?

    As to the fact that brands work with bloggers, is this news? I work with various brands all the time. Am I a ba mom for working with Purex instead of an all natural company? Of course not, these ladies need to get a life and get off the judgement train. I always hear about the war on women by congress/meda etc. I hate to break the news to everyone, the war on women is being waged by……WOMEN!

    Reply
  8. Jen says

    May 11, 2012 at 3:34 pm

    I love you and I love you more for posting this. Why do people think there is only one way to parent, their way? Wouldn’t life be boring if we were all the same? I love McD’s sweet tea & French fries. My daughters favorite is the smoothie.

    Reply
  9. Leanne says

    May 11, 2012 at 4:01 pm

    Loved this! Thank you! My kids get fast food sometimes, too. I’m not ashamed.

    Reply
  10. Not So Average Mama says

    May 11, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    We don’t eat at McDonalds, but you do make some good points in your post. Fast food literally makes me ill….well almost all food makes me ill anymore. I do however get coffee at McDonalds 🙂

    Reply
  11. Megan says

    May 11, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    I like their salads!

    Reply
  12. Stef says

    May 11, 2012 at 5:12 pm

    We go to McDonald’s occasionally– usually when we’re on the road going somewhere. I’m not proud that we eat there, but it’s a choice I consciously make. I think it’s fine in moderation and I like how they are giving apples in all the kids meals. It is what it is.

    Reply
  13. Kathleen says

    May 11, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    Amen. I am so tired of other mothers being so judgmental. I actually heard one say the other day that she wondered if moms who fed their kids McDonalds even loved their children. What kind of question is that? My children eat fast food on occasion, not everyday and they are all healthy as can be.

    Reply
  14. Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says

    May 11, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    When did it become okay to judge others? I hate that we can’t all be adults and support each other. Parenting is hard enough without having some mom with her panties in a wad throwing judgement at other moms.

    Reply
  15. Nicole says

    May 11, 2012 at 8:28 pm

    I do think it is all about balance. I personally wouldn’t take my kids there or other similar places if it can be avoided, but it has more to do with how the food was gathered, how their food is prepared, and what is in the food than the junk food aspect. I think it is good to have a piece of pie, some potato chips, and things of that nature every now and then. Personally, I just prefer them to be unprocessed, but that is my lifestyle choice. The kids I do feel bad for are those that have parents that only choose to raise their children on that kind of food, you can’t get proper nutrition that way and it leads to all sorts of long term health problems. The only real complaint I have with places like these is when they try to pass off something as healthy or good for you when it is not. I also wouldn’t be against the whole food industry as a whole raising the bar and putting out healthier, better quality food in general.

    Reply
  16. trisha says

    May 11, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    I am getting a giggle out of your undisclosure..lol…

    trisha

    Reply
  17. Kerri says

    May 11, 2012 at 8:37 pm

    Everything in moderation is key. I like how McDonalds is offering healthier options. The grilled chicken snack wraps are a favorite. We order them without the sauce because the girls like them plain.

    Reply
  18. Apryl @ Christian Clippers says

    May 11, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    My kids love McDonalds!

    Reply
  19. Virginia from That Bald Chick says

    May 11, 2012 at 9:34 pm

    All things in moderation, right? My kids get McD’s about once every two or three months as a rare and special treat. It doesn’t make me a bad Mom, either.

    Reply
  20. Brandie @ Home Cooking Memories says

    May 11, 2012 at 9:56 pm

    Bravo! I agree with everything you said…it is about moderation and balance. I can’t understand why statements regarding a parents love and their choice of a restaurant would ever be used in the same sentence.

    Reply
  21. Notorious Spinks says

    May 12, 2012 at 1:22 am

    Well all I can say is …my my my!

    Reply
  22. Michelle says

    May 12, 2012 at 3:31 am

    Well written! Being a parent is hard enough without having to defend ANY choices you make.

    Reply
  23. Anne - Mommy Has to Work says

    May 12, 2012 at 7:23 am

    We go once a month maybe. I love their food. I know it’s not great for me, but I don’t go that oftern, either. No should judge…if they went everyday maybe and ate junk each time. But to each their own, as long as everyone is healthy and happy!

    Reply
  24. Adelina Priddis says

    May 12, 2012 at 7:52 am

    I hadn’t really delved into this issue, but I did see te article on Facebook. Thank you for your opinions! I agree full heartedly with everything. If we give our kids the choices and knowledge, they will be able to make right/good choices. No one way is right for anyone, but the judging among mothers needs to stop. I see it so much and it is very sad.
    I personally enjoy McDonald’s, but we eat there maybe once a month, just because even they are expensive for us, lol.

    Reply
  25. Mamaa KC says

    May 12, 2012 at 9:08 am

    We never eat at McDonald’s and I’m not a fan of their food but I don’t judge other people for their choices. You’re completely right that it’s about BALANCE and doing what works for your family. A couple of times a month isn’t going to harm anyone and special outings and treats are fun for kids {and parents} and make everyone feel good.

    I can’t understand how people can be so judgmental of others when we ALL have things we could be judged for. Let others live their life as they choose and live your own. 🙂

    Reply
  26. Marcie W. says

    May 12, 2012 at 11:05 am

    I’ve loved McDonalds my entire life and am PROUD to say I love treating my children to the occasional Happy Meal. It’s pathetic that as a society people would ever blame a restaurant for being overweight or a song for an act of violence. Take responsibility for your own choices people!! Everything in moderation is my motto!

    Reply
  27. Toni @ A Daily Dose says

    May 12, 2012 at 11:55 am

    I am so tired of the mommy wars. Just because you don’t want to feed your child fast food doesn’t mean I am hurting my child by doing so. I agree with you it’s all about moderation and that’s awesome that some choose not to eat ff at all but it doesn’t mean they are right and we are wrong kwim.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      May 12, 2012 at 3:20 pm

      Toni, It was not my intent at all to create Mommy Wars. In fact I hate them. I am the kind of parent that believes every child is different, and thus parenting will differ accordingly. Your child your choice. I have no problem with you not taking your children to fast food places, that is your choice and I have friends in real life who don’t and I support their right to make that choice.

      The part in which I wrote about parents who don’t let their children ever eat something, was meant to show a lack of education one way vs the other. I believe our job as parents is give children the information (whether it be food or something else), and then when they are old enough let them chose what they will do with the information we have given them. The children I grew up with you had issues with food as a result of not being allowed to eat certain things, were not informed why they weren’t allowed to do that, but just told it was bad. Just as the parent who brings their child up eating fast food 5 times a week isn’t really arming their children with proper information either.

      This post was directed at the people who spoke out for bloggers working with McDonald’s and because they didn’t personally believe in eating there, they felt it okay to judge and use harmful statements to those who do. I am tired of the Judgy McJudgersons feeling like it is okay to make someone feel bad for a personal choice. At the end of my post I said: “We do not need to be judged based on misinformation. This mother’s day resolve to judge less and breathe more. What works for one family may not work for your family, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad choice, or that mother is a bad parent.” I am sorry you took offense to my post. It was not my intention at all.

      Reply
  28. Glenda Cates says

    May 12, 2012 at 1:08 pm

    I am one of the bloggers who has worked with Mc Donalds and and I am not ashamed that I did as I like there food and the way my husband works it is easy for my husband to stop and grab my son some food once a week otherwise I would never be able to work as he wants to stay outside all day so when his dad gets home he takes over watching him and he makes dinner and since my husband works from 9 am till 10 pm at night and I know he is tired I do not feel so bad when he stops by there to grab Charlie some food. I also have worked with Subway and I Love there food and it is healthier but there is nothing my son would eat from there. Another place I would Love to work with would be Sonic but I also know it may not be considered healthy by others but I Love there food. So I think it should be everyones choices as to what eveyone feeds there family and people should not makle negative comments to others.

    Reply
  29. HilLesha says

    May 12, 2012 at 1:29 pm

    Great post! What a lot of people don’t understand is that ANY food can be bad for you if you don’t eat it in moderation, including vegan food. 🙂

    Reply
  30. Courtney says

    May 12, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    For the longest time I felt guilty eating there. Well I love my McDonald’s french fries, so I gave up on that guilt trip 🙂

    Reply
  31. Jennifer says

    May 12, 2012 at 6:54 pm

    love this. We eat McDonald’s. My kids love it, my husband and I do too. All things in moderation. I can’t stand when people blame fast food for making them over weight.

    Reply
  32. Tammy says

    May 13, 2012 at 7:14 am

    I am not a mom that has worked with McDonald’s. My comment is my own opinion, 100%. Although I don’t think that a child should be eating at a fast food restaurant everyday, once or twice a week isn’t bad. Have you noticed that they have made the Happy Meals healthier? The serving size for the fries is smaller, and they include apple slices in the meal. You can also request milk as a drink.

    Reply
  33. Melissa says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    This is such a great post Emily! I agree with everything! We usually eat McDonald’s on road trips and it’s a great treat!

    Reply
  34. Amy @ Oh So Savvy Mom says

    May 13, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    Awesome Emily! You said it all. Moms just need to chill out sometimes. You’d think that as a society we’ve advanced far enough that we’d be past this mommy mudslinging and policing each other. It is disappointing. But it is heartening to know there are strong, good voices out there who are not afraid to call for an end of the silliness.

    Reply
  35. Donna says

    May 15, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    My son hates McDonalds. Wendy’s</whispers). 🙂 And I miss their fries. lol. Seriously, though, people should not be so judgmental. I try to be the best mom I can, but I know I make mistakes. I have my "bad" mommy moments, who doesn't. I truly wish women would be more supportive of each other instead of cutting each other down, every chance they get.

    Reply
  36. Rachel says

    May 20, 2012 at 2:16 pm

    I agree that people are too quick to crucify …

    Reply
  37. Tom Shewbridge says

    June 19, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    Moderation definitely is the key. There are some healthy alternatives on the menu. And I agree with your assessment of the childrens hospital, been a big time supporter myself, I have had the honor of transporting some of these great kids as a Paramedic….

    Reply
  38. Robin says

    October 11, 2012 at 10:56 am

    Why even bother going to Mcdonald’s to indulge when there is nothing healthy on their menu?

    Best bet is to stay away from any fast food. Why subject yourself from putting bad into your body? Especially children!!!!

    People’s mentality today think its okay to put bad into their body sometimes to “INDULGE”??? WOW?

    I suppose they have the same thinking pattern that it is okay to smoke 1 or 2 cigarettes a month?

    Reply
  39. Robin says

    October 11, 2012 at 11:03 am

    Not ashamed that you and your husband are lazy people? What time is your child eating the fast food junk? after 10pm? Think of what you are telling us.

    Reply
  40. sharron says

    March 15, 2013 at 9:06 am

    I love how parents try to make valid excuses and statements justifying their terrible choice to feed their precious children such “food”. Any loving parent that has done their research on healthy nutrtion for children, as well as their research on the list of unpronouncable ingredients, that are not even technically food products, but additives and chemicals, in the products served at such locations, would know that this is some of the worst stuff you could put in your childs body. I wish I could talk some sense into all theparents that say they “treat” their child to Mcdonalds… Ya, treating them to a health risk that is not going to do anything good for them other then enstill terrible eating patterns and behavior. To the parents that say they only go for the play place, lol, those things are a breeding ground for bacteria and are on the way to being banned, you are way better going to an open air park and letting you kid run around! To the parents that say its the only cheap way to feed a family, ever heard of spagetti, or chicken and rice, there are many many meal options, under $7, that will feed a family not only dinner, but sometimes lunch the next day! Please, stop making excuses for bad behavior, and start caring for your childs health, nutrtion, and future!!

    Reply
  41. Angie B. says

    November 30, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    Thank you for this article. I’m tired of people putting down parents because they let their child have soda, or mcdonald’s, or candy once in a while. Like you said, I wouldn’t do it constantly but one or twice a month isn’t the end of the world. I think there are bigger things we need to worry about in this world that chicken nuggets and lollipops

    Reply
  42. Neesa says

    June 19, 2014 at 11:53 am

    Disgusting. Fast food is addicting and if your feeding it to your kids all your gonna do is make it so when there teenagers all they will eat is McDonalds. And who the hell goes to McDonalds and orders a salad?.. Get real, thats like looking for a hug in a whore house. Almost any fast food place is healthier than McDonalds. I seen a girl feed a one year old a McDonalds burger an it was outrageous. Take care of your kids, smarten up. The only reason people love it so much is because its cheap, you can feed a family of 5 for $20, if thats the case.. Maybe you shouldnt have so many children if you cant afford to feed them properly. And regarding thr whole ‘judgement’ issue, you are the one judging McDonalds haters for being smart and not feeding garbage to kids. Feeding your child dog food is healtheir than McDonalds. I turned into a McDonalds hater after throwing up there food three times and never ate it again, but when I still ate it.. Everytime I walked into McDonalds all I seen was very unhealthy Obese mothers with there soon to be obese kids, do you agree with that people? I never once seen a healthy mother with healthy children eating McDonalds, but I have seen overweight mothers eating it with older children refusing to eat it. What a sad world. You all need to grow up. I know a family that gave their child diabetes. I know many families who have led to their childrens obesity, those families deserve to have their children removed from them by social services.

    Reply

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