Originally Posted by
Nightshade
??
Esplain please
Seems to me parents buy food for their children, so the toy in it makes no difference as parents who feed their kid a steady stream of crap are going to do it whether there is a toy or not. So if parents actually parented it would be a non-issue, this doesn't even bring in the argument that kids sit on their asses all day and get no exercise, and of course the parents allow it.
My feelings are mixed because I think it is a good idea to help push for healthier eating...but then again, I dont think it is right for officials to intervene by telling businesses that they cant give out incentives with fatty / salty meals.
Toys do make a difference. I dont think McDonalds would offer free toys if it had no bearing on the sale of their Happy Meals. Kids want the toys. They will beg their parents for the Happy Meal. Sadly, some parents will give in. You say that if parents actually parented, it wouldnt be an issue. But you and I know that not all parents parent the way we would like them to. And yes, kids need more physical activity...that is one thing I push for in my program. And I disagree that parents just simply allow for the kids to sit on their ass...but i think (in my experience) they dont always have the luxury of choice.
Originally Posted by
danni*j
Yep. That's why when I watch my nephews everyweekend, I will take them to McD's or where ever they want, but they get thier ass outside for a few hours. Its not just the happy meals that have toys making the kids fat alone, its parents not motivating or making thier kids active. My littlest bro in law who is 10, litterally plays video games for about 8 hours a day during the week (along with going to school) and about 14 hours on weekends. and his mother lets it happen. I try to get him to be active and play outside with him, but it's a futile effort.
Dont generalize too much...I know many of my parents would love if their kids got more exercise on the weekends, but access can be a problem. Streets and parks arent exactly safe for playing stickball with your friends anymore.