There was a recent article in the Chicago Sun Times telling of the effect the “Golden Arches” has on our kids.
“Even carrots, milk and apple juice tasted better to the kids when they were wrapped in the familiar packaging of the Golden Arches.
The study had youngsters sample identical McDonald’s foods in name-brand and unmarked wrappers. The unmarked foods always lost the taste test.”
Of course this article leads to blame Mcdonald’s for advertising to kids. Sure, I will go along with that…a little. The spokesman for Mcdonald’s said “The fact is, parents make the decisions for their children and our research confirms that we’ve earned their trust as a responsible marketer based on decades of delivering the safest food,” (Walt Riker) HA HA HA!
I agree with one point Mr. Riker made, The parents make the decisions for their children. Now, I take my kids to Mcdonald’s occasionally. But I would like to point out that children watch you more than they do Mcdonald’s commercials. In the last 5 years, my daughter Emily (who is five) has counted points (“Mommy I can’t eat that, I don’t have enough points”) she has cut out sugar, (“I am on a no-sugar diet” she says. I respond with “Yeah, cause that cookie from the mall you had today had no sugar in it.”) she has tried slim-fast, “fasted”, and commented many times about needing to work out. (I must point out, for those who are growing concerned, she has never actually fasted, drank slim-fast, cut out sugar, or counted points.) Mcdonald’s had nothing to do with that influence, I did.
Because I personally struggle with my weight I am very conscious of what my kids eat. I have realized that I have to be equally conscious of what I eat around them, and how much. I want to teach them healthy, balanced eating. Yes, it is o.k. to have some fries sometimes, but you also want the fruit which is healthy for you.
While Mcdonald’s and other companies that market to children do have to be held somewhat accountable to their audience, I think that is equally important to note that we teach them to recognize the “Golden Arches”, as well. I think it will be a sad day when I blame a company for my child’s unhealthy eating habits, or any behavior caused by any product, that I bought for them.
I have to agree. We as parents are responsible for setting the pace. And, I try my best to model what is healthly to eat and not healthly foods are once in a while food. I cannot understand why people will blame a company for teaching their children for poor eating habits. That is not right.
I agree that our kiddos’ perceptions about food start with us! “The Devil made me do it” has never been an acceptable excuse!
I too posted this article on my blog when I read it. I totally agree with your comments though I didn’t post a article anywhere near as good as yours.Our kids do watch us and they wouldn’t know about McDonalds if we didn’t take them there. My kids love fries but they also love apples, cottage cheese and bananas and popcorn so it is all about balance….thanks for such a great article.