Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

DD wants a McDonalds party

73 replies

welshbyrd · 07/09/2011 14:42

Im quite happy to have it there, now sure how other parents are going to feel?

Would you allow your DC to go to a McDonalds party?

I do not want to go ahead with it, without advice? DD would be heart broken if nobody turned up

OP posts:
exoticfruits · 07/09/2011 19:08

I would be very judgy of precious parents who can't relax once in a while.

HoHoLaughingMonster · 07/09/2011 19:09

I'd be happy to take DD to a Maccy Ds party.

In fact I think a Mcdonalds party would be a genius way of weeding out those annoying snobby and precious parents who always put a downer proceedings anyway...

You've got me thinking now Grin

scottishmummy · 07/09/2011 19:09

yes,but all the lentil munchers and holier than thou types will judge.and wrestle their organic lil conscience's as they step into the temple of hydrogenated fats and cheap merchandising

BUT everyone else will love it,esp the weans

sparkle12mar08 · 07/09/2011 19:11

It's everything that McD's are, everything they stand for. I hate it. They exploit their workers and suppliers at every single stage of their business, and their advertising practices start with targetting pre-school children! Read Fast Food Nation by Eric Schloss - it's a terrifying eye opener. Why on earth would I as an adult knowingly choose to partake in such an awful business? And that's why I'd look askance at in invite to a party there, little if anything, to do with the food itself tbh. I wouldn't ever, ever dream of saying anything to my child, the birthday child, or their parents however. I would keep it entirely to myself.

Hulababy · 07/09/2011 19:14

Do they expoloit their staff?

It's a long time ago now but when worked at Burgerking DH did briefly work pt as McDonalds too. I know they use a lot of students and sixth formers, but they did use to pay the going rates, and the hours were fair and they gave you a free meal too during your shift. Has all this changed?

scottishmummy · 07/09/2011 20:25

middle class chatteratti love to bump gums about McD,tesco,starbuck.its just what they do

madamarcati · 07/09/2011 20:39

Upahill/Piglet/Chipping In-Don't ger me wrong i would be very appreciative of the parents and child for inviting my DC.And as I 've said before I don't have a problem at all with it, it's just somewhere in the back of my mind , a party centred round a fastfood would just feel a little inappropriate.It's probably totally irrational-well it is, but you don't have any control really over what associations there are in your mind!

pigletmania · 07/09/2011 20:40

My nephew and niece used to work in MaccDs and really liked it. They had no complaints, it provides employment and pays the going rate.

Oggy · 07/09/2011 20:42

Would let my son go (in fact he's been to one) and would not judge the parents but would (to myself) not entirely like it because I really dislike their approach re marketing to very young children and we deliberately never go there for that reason.

That said, my son has been begging to go lately (because of the toys in happy meals - point proven!) and we have decided just to bloody take him so he gets a dose of realism rather than building it up in his mind.

Also admit to being a hypocrite because I hate these crappy breakfast cereals for the very same reason but do let the kids have variety pack cereal on holiday as a treat.

NattyNanny · 07/09/2011 20:44

madamarcati - it's not centred around fast food - it's centred around the bright colours, the party, the hats, the balloons, the fun - the kids leave half of the food Grin

Think of it as wanting your birthday at the The Savoy - it's more about the image than the food.

MammyT · 07/09/2011 20:48

I was a bit sniffy when the 1st invite popped in the door.. Some 5+ later I've no problem. McDs is no worse than chips and nuggets in those play centres and the entertainment is very good.

The only problem is that the veggie option is rubbish so vegetarians usually have a 'cheese burger' - ie no meat cheese burger.

scottishmummy · 07/09/2011 20:51

true.regurgitated misshapen chicken and chips at soft play isnt exactly nutritious food either

its a kids party
so long as they enjoy no harm

Laquitar · 07/09/2011 21:28

This thread reminded of Anna Envy, my school friend, her mum was 10 steps ahead of the other mums, she travelled to USA and to UK and coppied lifestyles. So when the first chain (similar to MacDonalds) opened in our country Anna had her party there. This was the coolest thing anyone could do, we all wanted Anna's mum. She used to feed her frozen ready meals too-they were imported and very expensive, we were all very Envy. We only ate homemade food.

Amazing how things change....

Anna is still alive btw Grin. She came to the school reunion last year and she looked as always stunning.

ByTheSea · 07/09/2011 21:31

I don't eat McD's and I don't take my DC there but I'd have no problem with them going to a party there. They've been there with other people and friends.

scottishmummy · 07/09/2011 21:34

we only eat misshapen chicken and chips at soft play
i dont get all snippy at a party

youarekidding · 07/09/2011 21:36

I'd send DS and spend the saving I'd made from feeding him that night on Wine

youarekidding · 07/09/2011 21:40

and FWIW MacD's are the first restaurant chain to take on the governments initiative of advertising the calories on the menu boards.

pigletmania · 07/09/2011 21:41

madam no different to other childrens parties i.e. soft play, Splashzone and others which serve up fast food. No the parties are not centred around the food, the kids spent most of the time on the soft play within MaccDs and most of the food was left anyway. We had party games in the room, much like any other party really.

LikeACandleButNotQuite · 07/09/2011 21:42

I think you should go for it: The 'normal' mums will be fine, and the PFB mums will simply lahhhhrve spending the day bleating on about how little Fauntleroy has never had this sort of food before and what a 'cultural experience' it will be for him, and how 'these things' are good for very rare treats, whilst trying to prise a chicken nugget out of his mouth and swap if for a rice cake.

pleasenap · 07/09/2011 22:06

Oooh definitely! I always wanted one, and so my friends booked one for me...for my 21st. AND it was STILL fab - got to sit in the Big Birthday M chair and everything! Brilliant! (That was many moons ago....I assume they still have an M chair??!) Go for it - why not! If its what your DD wants then why not. I'd be happy for my DC to go.

Nospringflower · 07/09/2011 22:11

Have never taken my 3 children to McDs and have never known anyone have a party there but if someone did I'd still let my children go.

exoticfruits · 07/09/2011 22:15

You are not going to get through childhood without similar. It may not be McDonalds, but it will be fast food-it goes with iceskating, bowling etc etc.You are going to have to make them miss a lot of parties if they have to have healthy food at all times.

A1980 · 07/09/2011 22:18

Go right ahead. McDonalds isn't that unhealthy. The chicken nuggests in a happy meal only have 140 calories......

Most "party food" is far worse. Pizza, sausage rools, etc.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread