Homemade Mothering Interview on Fox News Chicago

Fox News Chicago interviewed me yesterday for a story about the way McDonald’s markets products to children.  As a Homemade Mother, I never serve my kids fast food.  When we’re on the road I like to plan ahead and pack meals – something as simple as a sandwich with homemade peanut butter travels well and keeps the little ones happy. In a pinch, the kids’ quesadilla with rice, beans and organic milk from Chipotle fills them up without loads of questionable ingredients!

I do find it creepy when corporations market directly towards children. With colorful toys in the “happy” meals and a goofy clown, McDonald’s aims to attract the imaginations and appetites of our kids.  In my opinion, there is something wrong with trying to appeal to a group of people who are so vulnerable and impressionable.  It seems to be a heartbreaking abuse of the sweetest and most innocent members of our society.

However, I do not blame McDonald’s for the nation’s juvenile obesity epidemic.  Sure, McDonald’s directly targets children with rich foods and colorful toys.  But, as parents we are 100% responsible for the food going into our children’s mouths.  Because I do not find the foods served at McDonald’s to be appropriate or safe for my precious babies, I do not buy it for them.  They’ve never asked for it directly, and if they do I’ll just say quite simply, “No.”

My husband and I joke that should the kids ever ask for it, we’ll tell them McDonald’s is made from garbage, dog poop or dirt!  Icky!!

Check out the video and rest of the story here: http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/mcdonalds-ronald-fat-heavy-overweight-obese-obesity-kids-marketing-20110525

No Bull Docs on McDonalds Marketing Debate: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

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4 Comments for this entry

  1. Amber says:

    How very cool! I do agree that it is 100% parental responsibility to just say “no”. However, I do think that McDonald’s can do more to make their meals more fresh and healthy by using higher quality ingredients. But until the public demands it, they will just keep doing what sells.

    It was neat to put a voice to your face too!

  2. Kristy says:

    I had fast food for the first time as a junior in college when my girlriends all found out that I had never had fast food before and drove me en masse to a popular fast food chain. The fries I had were just fine, very salty, but fine and the burger was pretty gross…I hadn’t really been missing out!

    As a child my Mom just told it like it was and explained what most fast food was really made of and how it was prepared so I was adequately grossed out without any more prompting from her. And she always packed our own food and snacks for road trips. I think there is nothing wrong with the once-in-a-blue-moon-indulgence or convenience, but since there are so many great options out there, and at better prices, why bother?

    Nice job Maureen!

  3. Paige says:

    I agree McDonalds is junk, but we are ok with it around here. We eat it every once in a while and yes, we have fries, totally sugared up orange pop and all the junk that comes along with it. It’s not something that happens all the time and because of that I’m ok. If it was weekly or semi-weekly that would be a problem, but once every three months is no big deal. We try to eat homemade as much as possible but something it’s just not possible. I think it’s the parents’ responsibility to limit their child’s junk food intake, not McDonalds. Great news article, Maureen!!! You look stunning as usual!

  4. lynne says:

    You make me want to be a better momma. Thanks maureen!

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