 December 16th, 2010
10:00 AM ET
A California woman is suing McDonald's claiming the fast-food giant uses toys to market directly to young children. Monet Parham, a Sacramento, California, mother of two small children filed the lawsuit Wednesday in San Francisco along with health, nutrition and food safety advocates Center for Science in the Public Interest . CSPI is seeking court approval to proceed as a class action. Parham, a 41-year old state employee, says her kids repeatedly ask for Happy Meals, mainly for the toys. "We have to say no to our kids so many times and McDonald's makes that so much harder to do. I object to the fact that McDonald's is getting into my kids' heads without my permission and actually changing what my kids want to eat." Michael Jacobson, CSPI's executive director accused McDonald's of "one of the most insidious marketing practices–dangling a toy in front of a small child." Jacobson called the practice "unfair, deceptive and illegal' in California and many other states. "The food industry has a responsibility not to intrude into families by using sleazy marketing techniques getting kids to pester their parents." Read the full story on CNN Health - "Woman sues McDonald's over Happy Meals" Previously - "San Francisco bans fast food toys" |
  Recent Posts
Jesus Christ ice pops made from frozen, inadvertently blessed wine. No, we can't believe we typed that, either. http://t.co/8eLcJriH 10:23 pm UTC, May 18 2012
Our @kittenwithawhip is moderating Restaurant 101 @GoogaMooga Sun. 11:15-12:30 w/ panelists @asytsma @kkrader & @mylastsupper. C'mon by! 9:34 pm UTC, May 18 2012
If you had Zuck-style cash, where would you take your pals for IPO dinner? We're thinking we'd just rent out New Orleans. You? 8:23 pm UTC, May 18 2012
RT @ChefBradleyO: @eatocracy In its honor, a twice-baked blue cheese souffle, for your consideration: http://t.co/swcaPfNX 7:50 pm UTC, May 18 2012
RT @qualityrye: Writing a four-star review can be as stressful as a goose egg b/c if you get it wrong, you've wasted your readers' hard-earned $$ @eatocracy 5:11 pm UTC, May 18 2012
 |
 |
|
© 2010 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Help | Advertising Practices
Ditto on all the "NO" comments. But hey! Maybe it's time to turn the TV off and stop watching so many commercials. My kids don't ever even see McDonald's commercials. So, I don't even have to fight the battle. It's called recorded TV-no annoying commercials!!
I'd like to countersue her for the absolute stupidity of her parenting skills. I Am in the market for a lawyer who wants to preserve the rights consumers have to make decisions for themselves and their children. This lady clearly needs a class in parenting skills. What a joke that she is using up our courts and legal system for her inadequate enforcement as a parent. CSPI, I have, in the past, supported some of your efforts. NEVER AGAIN, since you took on this garbage. You should be ashamed of yourself.
It's called discipline...if you knew how to raise a child you wouldn't feel the need to falsely accuse someone else for you stupidity.
All of you PMSing women are pathetic. If you can't teach your kids yourself how to live and eat, the you shouldn't have kids in the first place. You are more of a problem than McDonalds will ever be.
Maybe I should Sue the Pepsi Company for my addiction to Dr. Pepper, it all I drink, and I can't afford the Dentist bill, so if there are any Lawyers out there that want to back me on this contact me at Davyou5@aol.com
Appalled by the lawsuit against McDonalds – The reason your child is over weight is the fact that you oder a double cheeseburger large frie, and super size the damn coke!! Your too lazy yourself to change thier diet, If you don't want an overweight child they have side orders such and the apples and juice or milk – its NOT the damn toy in the Happy Meal making them fat, Thats a reward for them and cheap reward at that! ITS YOU – THE PARENT!!! You should start making healthy decisions for your child, plus its not bad if they have fast food once in awhile!!
Monet Parham and the CPSI need to get a clue about parental responsibility. No means no. No requires repetition. If you don't want to repeat a "No" then don't have kids Or better yet, set an example for healthy eating that your children will follow. If they don't want to follow then ignore their McDonalds requests, or create some sort of punishment when then they continue to ask. If you have to do to McDonalds then buy the Happy Meal with salad and milk leaving out the burger fries and soda.
Monet Parham kids sound like they are being led by parents who don't care to put the time in. The CPSI appears to be just another group supported by a set of lawyers hungry for money and fame. And they can go to hell for encouraging the abdication of parental responsibilities.
this law suit is so stupid. its not about mcdonalds getting into her childs head, its about her not being a strong enough good parent to tell her spoiled child no.
Why are these lunatics targeting only McDonalds. Wendys and Burger King both have kids meals with toys. What about sodas. They are one of the worst things for you (not that I am trying to have them banned). As for Ms. Parham, if she is truly a paid advocate for a state agency, then why is she using her position to benefit her children. After all, that's one of the proponents of her lawsuit - she states she constantly has to tell her children no. What about the advertisements for cereal, music, toys. I know my daughter sees a commercial and says "I want that". My response is either no, you have to earn it, you can pay for it yourself, or wait for your birthday or Christmas. I don't just run out and get her the item.
Wow my kids not over weight hmm why is that she eats like a horse and runs around like a chicken with her head cut off II dont have an over weight kid and taking her to fast food she likes it and at home she its corn green beans peas she loves vegis and she eats candy well gramma and grandpa got her into eating sweets she likes her tv but she watches it for 2 min and than she goes and plays stops watches tv somemore and goes and plays she also loves outside so how can you say that you wonder how many self rightous parents with over wait kids are commenting to this I do agree we have a problem with obesity but parents need to shove their kids out side and say go play like my parents did to me
Lets look at who else has sued mcdonalds hmmm someone that spilt coffee on themselves and got burnt because she didnt know coffee was hot who the hell in their right minds dont know coffee is hot and on the subject of toys the chain of fast foods and even other eat out places have been offering kids things for years. Yes granted kids want the toy more than the food but it keeps our kids happy and quit. And kids meals are only $4 at the most so why not are you going to buy them something that costs more from the regular menu and they end up not eating it all. Im sorry why dont we sue buisness with unsalted parking lots or companies that put up perverted billboards or how about singers for not wearing enough clothes. Or how about we reenforce spanking now growing up what happend when we did not listen I remember a certain phrase that scared me wait till your father gets home now where is that fear i see kids now and they walk all over their parents my kid throws a fit in the store me or my husband take her out to the car instead of giving in. And its not so much as the fatty food but parents letting their kids sit in front of the tv. wait lets sue tv companies for making kids fat too.
When are parents going to act like ADULTS! Just becaus McDonalds gives away toys in their happy meals does not mean they are trying to give our kids fat saturated foods. It was when i was growing up and still should be the responsibility of the parent or the adult in charge of the children. You the parents hold the vital key in what they eat. If you feel that the food at a certain estabishment is not wholesome for your child. then DON"T go there. Too many parents expect everyone to police their childrean rather than them do it themselves. That is why we have so many youths today that feel society owes them something. WHY you ask? Because mom and dad won't even excersie the common sense thing today which is I am the the responsbile party for my childrens well being. TOO BAD lazy parents. Own up and do the right thing. Quit trying to force your lazy parenting skills on the rest of us.
SHAME! SHAME!
It infuriates me that a government employee uses the government to destroy our freedom to choose. Clearly the best time for government intervention would have been in time to prevent this failure of a parent from having her stupid kids in the first place. This weak willed socialist is a pathetic product of a sector of society that takes no personal responsibility. This is the same sector that expects government handouts, wants criminals awarded with citizenship and can't bring themselves to define the very people that want to murder all of us for fear that they might get offended.
I was just thinking about what's next, such as movie theaters. Are people going to start suing them too, because the theaters "target" children with Disney movies while stocking their snack bar with candy, popcorn and soda? I can just see it now! Apples and oranges, tofu and soy milk at the movies! Wheeeeeeee
I think it's not so much that there are fast food establishments as it is that they are marketing unhealthy food through a medium that is very appealing to kids. Toys are an intricate part of many kids' lives and using toys to market unhealthy choices is a dangerous way of influencing kids' choices. As a youth, you are more prone to believing what people say, even as an adult people are influenced by people they admire such as athletes, actors, and musicians. Obesity is such a problem in America that it is important to educate children, and it is everyone's responsibility, about how to eat healthy and exercise. If McDonalds uses toys to sell food with high fat contents, a lot of sugar, and tons of sodium it is setting kids up to be obese as they age. Now, I don't agree with McDonalds being sued because a parent can't say no but i do not like how they are using manipulation to make kids want their food solely for the toy. Everyone wants the best for the future and I think it's not so much about the lawsuit as it is about getting corporations to realize the impact they do have on the future and how they can use it for the betterment, not the decline, of health.
So who drives the minivan up to Mcdonalds in your home? the kids or the adult that should know better than to stop there in the first place. hmm
No one in my family even drives a mini van or eats at McDonalds. I'd kindly like you to keep you uninformed remarks to yourself. Especially when what you say isn't pertinent to the presented information.
This article disturbs me on so many levels.
The first and obvious observation is that a parent is struggling with telling her kids no. Parenting can be a major inconvenience, always having to tell your kids no, praising them when they are good, etc. etc. can be very time consuming. Monet Parham's comment that "...I object to the fact that McDonald's is getting into my kids' heads without my permission and actually changing what my kids want to eat" is almost surreal it is so unbelievable that someone could think this way. It's the parents' responsibility to teach their children their values and show their children how to think for themselves so that outside entities cannot infiltrate and consume their thoughts. The parallel between cult and fast food is a little to blurry for my tastes.
CSPI's executive director Michael Jacobson's comment that "one of the most insidious marketing practices–dangling a toy in front of a small child" could apply to so many different venues. How did Burger King come out unscathed? What about Wal-Mart, Target, etc. It seems that every place I take my son has strategically placed toys and other objects that children find fascinating and I always have to say no. I believe this is called marketing and my response is parenting.
"The food industry has a responsibility not to intrude into families by using sleazy marketing techniques getting kids to pester their parents." Guess Monet had better not let her children watch any TV. It's not only the food industry that is trying to get kids' attention. I do recall as a child requesting a specific type of cereal due to commercials pumping the toy inside.
Furthermore, isn't marketing by nature "sleazy"? Isn't the goal to get people to buy something they really don't need? What's next, suing Anheuser-Busch because images of hot babes made someone drink too much beer?
"Sleazy" advertising to me is the commercial run in Minnesota showing California as a great place to visit; many celebrities plugging the virtues of CA and ending with the Governor sipping wine with the ocean in the background. If there is truth in advertising then they should show homelessness in San Francisco, riots in Oakland and helicopters with search lights looking for fugitives or whatever it is they're looking for at night, or interviews of common people who received an IOU instead of a tax return.
It's seems that there are more important issues facing California and focusing on using toys to entice children should not be a priority. Not to mention the cost of these types of lawsuits. Taxpayers should not foot the bill because one woman doesn't want to say no and an organization is trying to use this to further a cause that would not be an issue if some people had the personal integrity needed to raise their own children without making their inadequacies a public problem.
While your suing mcdonalds should you sue all the fast food places that offer toys??? How about we sue walmart cuz everytime we walk into the store our kids ask for TOYS!! Lady this is an excuse for your lazy parenting!! I have three kids who ask for happy meals!! When I don't want them to eat a happy meal I simply say NO!!
So is she going to sue Burger King too?? This is ridiculous.
I am going to sue Toys R Us how dare they advertise toys to my child with out my permission.
WOW. As a mother of 4 small children I have to say NO dozens of times at the grocery store checkout line where they conveniently place all the candy and toys. Yes it gets tiring and yes my kids will sometimes pitch a fit but I would never sttop to suing the grocery store or the candy/toy companies for placing those items where my kids can see them. Give me a break. I am their parent, it is MY job as their PARENT to tell them no and stick to it. If they pitch a fit then so be it, at least we're at the checkout counter and on our way out the door anyway. It's much simpler to avoid a Happy Meal toy...DON'T GO TO MCDONALDS PEOPLE!!!!! Stop clogging up our courts with stupid and irresponsible lawsuits. Is that the kind of example you want to set for your children? Your children are going to be faced with all kinds of temptations as they get older...peer pressure to drink, smoke, have sex, steal, whatever. Teach them the word "NO" now and they'll learn how to use it when you aren't around to sue the bad influences. Get a life and set a better example for your children.
I'm next in line to sue McDonalds because they have a drive thru and I'm gaining weight. I'll stop my whining when you stop yours. GET REAL. Another sue happy american...
You can go in to any McDonalds and buy the toy. Noone is forcing anyone to buy the food. Why does she want ANY more government control. She needs to take control and quit being a bad example for her children.
OK, my boyfriend wates X rated moves and then becomes sexually interested when I may not be. So, can I sue the porn industry for "getting into my boyfriend's head (no pun intended) and approaching me with amorous intentions when I'm busy or just simply am not interest? Yea! I can sue over this? Perfect. Or maybe I could just say No. This woman is a media seeking, undercover activist for Michelle Obama and she is stupid to the 10th degree. Shame on her. Just tell her children why they can't go to McDonalds. I think McDonald's should sue her for slander.
What ever happened to personal responsibility and thinking for one's self and being a parent? Simple – Civil Rights.Movement. I THINK it was supposed to give fair and equal treatement to all and to all the same opportunities to better this country. Instead, since that didn't work real well, we dumbed down and passed laws to make it look intelligent. Just another dumb person looking for some deep pockets. Yawn.
Your the parent no means no. It's really the mother to blame she's not in charge of her own children. If she says no they should know to back off and if they dont it's simple. Whoop they ass.
I have your back on the one, Cass! An old school azz whoopin' works every time.
well i think it's right
McDonalds needs to be wiped from the face of the earth. Along with Glee and Dancing with the stars. And the Jonas brothers. I want Ronald's head on a stick by sundown.
I'll take care of Ronalds "head" for ya.
Anyone who stands up to McDonalds is a terrorist and needs to be sent to prison for life. I am petitioning the Tea Party to draft legislation to make this a law. DONT TREAD ON MY HAPPY MEALS LIBBIES.
McDonald's is acting legally within it's own best interest. Their marketing of Happy Meals with toys is, according to her kids, doing exactly what it was intended to do – with no harm to the children through the toys themselves.
Ms. Parham should do what is in her children's best interest. If she feels like the Happy Meals and toys add nothing to her children's well-being, then don't buy them. If she feels like the toys are appropriate for her kids, but doesn't want the food, buy the Happy Meals, and donate the food to someone else.
Filing this lawsuit is more an indication of this Ms. Parham's inability to adequately parent her children on what they can and can not have. Appropraite parenting includes the ability to tell her kids no or that they can't do things when it does not promote their well-being. A lawsuit will not improve her or anyone else's ability to be a good parent.
Admit it, you work for McDonalds. Is this Ray Croc's grandson? Or maybe one of the 14,000 lawyers they own?
Grimace is a cretin
Poor thing. You must be thirsty after all that snarking, and switching your name so many times on one thread.
Here, I had my minion make you some oolong tea. It's soothing, my friend, sooothing.
Big time! Its time for a big fat quarter pounder... Serve me up!
The only thing more annoying than me is you. Admit it. You have no life either.
What do you mean. I never changed my name on this thread? What are you referring to? Go back to making my fries and getting owned in warcraft.
Wonderful. I now have two official minions. Minion #2, I require a bagel. Please be prompt.
Actually grimace I got nothing against you. I got mad love for you. I am just bored off my arse and saw a bunch of racist and backwards people saying how much they love Mcdonalds. Its like a sport, and the targets are, well, fat. Long live grimace. and the minions. Thanks for the tea, it was quite soothing. Back to work now, fun hour is over.
Would you like butter or cream cheese?
My new minion(s) have lifted my mood. I can now go back to grinning. Cream cheese. And the bagel must be toasted.
Go back to Trollville, douse yourself with gas and I'll toss the match. Poof! Troll be gone!
I am not a troll. I am a level 80 Paladin with uber tier 7 gear. Anytime you wanna duel I am ready.
I'd rather eat dirt than duel with you.
I love you.
I love me too and Richard "Palmer" is my best friend.
And you're a tool....I think a hammer that hasn't been banged in a while.
Dude I banged your momma last night. And now she's suing McDonalds. I dig her thong.
So my mom died 3 years ago. Please crawl back in the toolshed.
well that makes things awkward
What an idiot! If you can't control your kids don't blame someone else. I bet your kids want toys when they go through Walmart too, going to sue them as well? Make them take out the toy aisles? Any judge that doesn't throw this out needs to be thrown from the bench!!
Actually yes, take out the toy aisles. Good idea. Now we're making progress. And ban cigarettes and alcohol. Then we all might live longer
The comments of this story paint a better picture than the story itself:
- Someone calling the plaintiff a "spook"
- Someone saying "In texas we are allowed to shoot people like this"
- Someone "praying" for the entire state of California to fall in the ocean
- About 9 million passionate pleas to have her beheaded
My conclusion is if you stand up for something you believe in (the foundation of America) then, in 2010, You will be beat down by the masses if they disagree with you. I wonder what the "CNN Comments" would have been back in the 1950's when we integrated the school system. Not everyone agreed with that either. Or giving women the right to vote.
She is allowed a redress of grievances, regardless of what you think. Get over it.
And to all you racist sickos advocating murder (hiding behind you anonymous web browser)... please, get some professional help. You took the time to actually, in public, state that someone should be killed IN A COMMENT ABOUT PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY...
"teach your children well"
How many times are you planning on positing this?
about 50 more times
Maybe 60
Ahahahahaha.... go eat another burger with ronald
pressing 5
The comments of this story paint a better picture than the story itself:
- Someone calling the plaintiff a "spook"
- Someone saying "In texas we are allowed to shoot people like this"
- Someone "praying" for the entire state of California to fall in the ocean
- About 9 million passionate pleas to have her beheaded
My conclusion is if you stand up for something you believe in (the foundation of America) then, in 2010, You will be beat down by the masses if they disagree with you. I wonder what the "CNN Comments" would have been back in the 1950's when we integrated the school system. Not everyone agreed with that either. Or giving women the right to vote.
She is allowed a redress of grievances, regardless of what you think. Get over it.
And to all you racist sickos advocating murder (hiding behind you anonymous web browser)... please, get some professional help. You took the time to actually, in public, state that someone should be killed IN A COMMENT ABOUT PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY...
"teach your children well"
The comments of this story paint a better picture than the story itself:
- Someone calling the plaintiff a "spook"
- Someone saying "In texas we are allowed to shoot people like this"
- Someone "praying" for the entire state of California to fall in the ocean
- About 9 million passionate pleas to have her beheaded
My conclusion is if you stand up for something you believe in (the foundation of America) then, in 2010, You will be beat down by the masses if they disagree with you. I wonder what the "CNN Comments" would have been back in the 1950's when we integrated the school system. Not everyone agreed with that either. Or giving women the right to vote.
She is allowed a redress of grievances, regardless of what you think. Get over it.
And to all you racist sickos advocating murder (hiding behind you anonymous web browser)... please, get some professional help. You took the time to actually, in public, state that someone should be killed IN A COMMENT ABOUT PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY...
"teach your children well"
If she wins, it will open a flood gate to anyone or companies who adversities on TV, newspaper, bill boards or any other type of adversities. Just think, then stores will be sued next for placing displaces at the doors and registers. Just wait; you might be sued next for advertising Nike shoes or a shirt with a logo on it as you walk around. Becasue you got into someone head without their permission.
ms parham, here is an idea for you:
buy the food, give the toy to your children, and give the food to a bum.
that way you can feel good about yourself as a compassionate liberal, and set a good example for your children.
McDonald's has had toys in their Happy Meals for decades. My parents never had a problem with it. If they didn't want me to eat there, they said "no." The problem here is not the establishment. It's people's inability to parent. This country needs to stop being so sue happy, and stop blaming everyone else for their short-comings. Saying no to your children isn't going to kill them. It will make them better people and teach them a valuable life lesson early on: you can't always get what you want.
It's disgraceful that she is tying up our court system with such nonsense. The courts are already overloaded.
Like the other comments say. "Learn to tell your kid, NO." It's pretty simple. Be a parent. It's your job. I personally don't understand how a person could honestly be so stupid as to sue over something like this. Not only is it foolish, but the simple truth is. YES! McD's does put a toy in their and market to kids. It's their job. They are a business. Cracker Jacks did it, Laffy Taffy had jokes on their wrappers, and almost every cereal box in the world has give away if you clip the UPC's. It's called marketing, its what companies do. Let them do their thing and if you don't like it, be a parent and tell your kids how it is. Say NO. I am sure your parents told you no as a kid. It won't hurt them.
Yes, They do it. (rewarding kids with toys for eating stuff that is bad for them) Yes, other companies do it. Its wrong. So we try to change this practice. Welcome to America. Just because others do it does not make it right.
Stare at the truth for a while and you might see something.
This is a ridiculous lawsuit and I hope McDonald's wins. I have a 5 year old daughter and we have no problem with McDonalds because we go there very rarely. I like the way they include a toy with the happy meal and since my daughter knows it is a treat to go out to eat at all, she accepts it when we say no. There is nothing wrong with telling your children no. It's called parenting. I support McDonalds because this is a unneccessary lawsuit limiting freedom of expression and speech and is accusing the wrong guilty party. Parents should have both the freedom and responsibility to make food choices for their children with out interference by the government. Companies like McDonalds should be able to develop creative marketing campaigns without fear of frivilous lawsuits. Shame on the courts for even allowing this lawsuit to proceed.
I hope that global, multinational, rainforest – killing company wins too! They they can keep poisoning our population for decades to come. LONG LIVE THE GOLDEN ARCHES.
Silly for anyone to think they can challenge the evil empire.
this is a gross example of Conflict of Interest. She is a state employee, naming herself as a plaintiff in what is clearly a "sponsored" lawsuit for her own personal enrichment. The Fair Political Practices Commission needs to launch an investigation into her actions and motivations. Write to your legislator and demand an investigation.
I'm not an advocate for McDonald's, but I do know that you're able to just purchase the toy by itself (especially the popular ones from movies). It's not difficult to say no to a child. They're not missing out on anything by skipping out on the McDonald's, other than grease and a lot of sodium.
Yes you are. You work for Mcdonalds. You messed up my order.
Whatev
I can't be a good parent and say no to my kids, therefore I'll sue.
Way to teach them how to work the system.
Just say, "no".
Why don't we just say "NO" to the kids and focus on our schools instead? I understand the concepts of business and marketing, but when schools have to sell their wings and bulletin boards and distribute those "special" paper book covers for company sponsorship, then it get ridiculous.
Because the Tea Party just abolished the Department of Education, and College tuition now runs around 10-40K a year. Duh me no understand your argument.
I was unaware that it was considered illegal to have to tell your child, "No."
If you don't want your child to have a happy meal, don't buy them it.
Are we going to sue the grocery store chains for placing the brightly colored boxes of cereal with cartoon characters on them at child's eye-level? It's marketing, if you can't handle it by being a responsible parent that teaches their child how to eat properly, that's not the company's fault.
Yes, we ARE going to sue the grocery stores for selling sugar coated Bull#$^&* to our kids at eye level. General mills is just as bad as Fat Ronald. Any company that aggressively markets poison to my kid is going down. This is the first shot in a long war. All you fools coming to Fat Ronald's defense are going down in flames. Up next: ALCOHOL MARKETING.
PLEASE McDONALD's DO NOT SETTLE THIS CASE. I AM NOT A FAN OF YOURS, BUT THIS CASE IS HORRIBLE. I CHOOSE TO LIMIT YOUR FOOD FOR MY KIDS (if my husband did not like you they would never have it) BUT THAT IS MY CHOICE AND I WILL NOT BE SUING BECAUSE I CAN NOT SAY NO TO MY KIDS.
This is ridiculous. Lets sue all commercials on TV that market anything for kids. Turn off the TV and read to your kids. I should be suing her for creating monsters she can not say no to. My kids when I say a firm no are ok with that. They have plenty of other toys and they know McDonald's toys are crap anyway. I hope this case is thrown out of court.
ROFL, I hope this chic loses horribly and loses a ton of money in the process. Of COURSE they market towards children, its a childrens meal! Whose fault if the parent is not providing a healthy meal to their kids? Its certainly not the kids fault, its the parents! Our society certainly has collapsed..
I think instead of wasting money suing a public corporation or outlawing business practices (San Francisco) perhaps the cities and people should spend more money on looking into School lunches – our kids are exposed to them everyday and 9 times out of 10 they are just as bad if not worse than what McDonald's puts in happy meals – they just don't serve them with toys.
Right on my kids will not touch a school meal because they are so bad and they will eat McDonald's about 5 times a year.
Its not McDonalds fault you cant say no to your kids and discipline them accordingly. My kids learned early on that you dont always get a HappyMeal when visiting McD's and they are fine by that. CAuse they know that if they throw a tantrum we leave and they get nothing. Happy Meals are like a treat for them... after getting shots or passing a test in school.! Her kids are probably obessed and she needs to blame someone other then herself! I hope she looses. Sad thing is her kids are going to grow up not understanding the word NO!
Seriously? This is as bad as when the lady sued because her coffee cup didn't say "caution contents are HOT."
My two daughters are in college now. They never ever ate at Mcdonalds. I have never eaten at Mcdonalds. Just don't go there if you don't like them. How about you be the parent. Did you kid make you go to Mcdonalds? Wow, some parent. Roll over fido.
Two all beef patties, special sauce....
If you just completed that jingle inside your head, then you, too, have been brainwashed.
the near by place lets you buy the toys separate of the meal. iam sure other restraunts do the same.
Before Happy Meals there were toys in cereal. I know because I pestered my mother constantly to buy me the cereal with the best toy in it. It worked one time. I didn't eat the cereal, but I did play with the toy. Parents just need to be parents. I'd love to blame "bad marketing people", but on this one I say just be a parent. I say no to my kids, and I don't blame them or anyone else for asking. It is still my choice.
Wow, seems like there's a lot of people coming to the defense of McDonald's. I guess they really have done a great job of brainwashing out society. Maybe instead of putting toys inside Happy Meals, McDonald's could get together with the tobacco corporations and put a pack of cigarettes inside.
Mike this has nothing to do Mc D's brainwashing society or tobacco companies. This is all about a lazy parent not wanting to be a parent and take responsibility for her own actions.
Eric is a brainwashed cretin
mike is brainwashed
See the difference between McD and cigs, Mike, is that when tobacco companies market to children, they are marketing to people who aren't legally old enough to buy cigs.
Yea, marketing is shameless. It's shame that we can't decide for ourselves when information is given to us. O wait..isn't that "free will"?
And I am not defending McD's. In fact, I wouldn't be upset in the slightest if they closed. But they won't close if people keep CHOOSING to go there. Toy or no toy.
Smoke up, Johnny. Go suck Ronald's diick
Right on mike.
mike must let his kids do whatever they want and swears they are perfect angels
So now someone can sue because they are a bad parent? My parents had no problem telling me no either. I really hope this woman loses. Unfortunately, she probably won't...
Mcdonald's ought to teach this self-righteous woman a lesson. They should close down all McD's in the state for one month and post her home address online so people know where to send their complaints.
From the look of the size of mom's backside, I say she likes McDonalds just as much. Get control over your kids and eating lady! Tell your kids no. And if they ask agian, do what I parents did, threaten them if they ask one more time. Grow a pair.
I took a cue from another user and checked out her Facebook profile. She's worried about some toys in her kids meals from McDonalds, but if you look at her picture, her cartoon is dressed up in a teeny top with a thong hanging out. Yes, that's perfectly appropriate.
I don't think that is her facebook profile. She is from Sacramento and that profile is from St. Louis MO. I could be wrong, but I think it is someone else.
This is the most absurd thing I have ever read. Seriously? Say no to your kids and quit whining. Toys have been given out with kids meals everywhere for how many years?!?!
Doen't make it right honey. Evil marketing of toys that lead to diabetes will be struck down in this country eventually. We get it, you don't . You just haven't been enlightened yet.
I want ronald's head on a stick by sundown.
While I would like to see the happy meals nutritional value improved, this case belongs to McDonalds. Effectively, she wants to curtail McDonald's right to free speech.
This lady has to get real! I cannot believe that an attorney would even agree to take this case! I feel bad for the folks at McDonald's. This is just so silly! Is she going to sue every other place that offers kids meals with toys in them?
She's not, but others will and WE WILL WIN. Destructive marketing that hams the population will come to an end in this world soon. Marketing works. That's why McDonald's is so worried about this stuff. Without a new generation of artery – clogged kids, they go out of business.
The problem is America is becoming one of the weakest countries in the world because we are afraid to exercise any of our rights especially freedom of speech. Tell your kids NO. If they need spanked then beat their asses. If they are getting bullied at school make them stand up for themselves. and if your a parent and you are not parenting your child then you need your ass kicked. Seriously suing over a toy thats worse than that moron that burned herself with the hot coffee from Mc D's. Why can't anyone just take a second to think about what they are doing. If any judge awards this lady any monetary settlement for her stupidity and makes Mc D's change their advertising policies that will just prove how bad this country is getting.
Beating your children? "kicking parents' asses"? And then you blame others for the sorry state of the country. Look in the mirror.
Eric is not an idiot. I was raised with strict rules and was disciplined when i did wrong. My parents were parents and taught me right from wrong. When i got in trouble i got the belt. When I was told no then it was no and that was final. Its ridiculous that this woman is such a weak parent that her toddler just runs right over her every day. Weak parenting is the reason there are so many teens doing drugs and getting into trouble. WEAK PARENTING!!!!!! So when your kids are fat and useless and in trouble dont cry to me about it.
McDonald's has a marketing strategy that focuses on kids the same as Dave & Buster's focuses on the "kid at heart" side of adults. It's the parents responsibility to ensure a healthy diet and eating habit for their children regardless of the child's personal eating preferences. I have two children of my own and they do not decide where we eat our meals nor the nutrition value of each meal. Whats next, should we file a lawsuit against Toys R' Us for making toys look like too much fun, or Chuck E Cheese? This lawsuit is not legit and reflects poor parenting on any parent who lets their children make adult decisions for them.
This is nothing new.
How was it any less of an "insidious marketing practices–dangling a toy in front of a small child" to offer a free Dick Tracy decoder ring for kids in the 1950s IF they bought the right brand of cereal!
My Facebook page says it all: " McDonald's did not make the child fat, bad parenting made the child fat". Next on the list, Cracker Jacks and cereal boxes, both hold the promise of a toy or a prize. Stand together for Free Will, or in my case Free Bill!
this lady & ppl like her make me SICK abusing freedoms that they dont deserve or contribute to:-(
Two handy phrases that my children knew very well growing up:
'no, not today'
'it's good to want things you can't have, it builds character'
This is a matter of parental responsibility, not a matter for a lawsuit.
This is totally ridiculus. I think the lawyer should have his head examined along with her.
It is the parents responsibility to bring up their children to understand life is not equal or fair at times. NO is a very useful word and should be used often if necessary.
It amazes me that parents send their children to school and want the teachers to not only to educate them but teach them values.
We are becoming a nation of litigation. Look at our congress and senate, we are loaded up with lawyers. They write laws in such a way that people don't understand them.
McDonalds should not back down on this or give in.
California- "Land of Granloa" A lot of fruits and nuts, Whats left over id flakey.
Hey Canada, shut up and go back to being America's Hat
This isn't about parental responsibility. This is about the obesity epidemic that is costing our country over $76 billion EACH YEAR. It isn't entirely McDonald's fault, there are many reasons why we are in this mess and we need a variety of solutions to get us out of it. Ending the marketing of junk food to kids is just one of the solutions. Blaming the problem on parents is not getting us anywhere.
I wonder how many of the self-righteous parents who have commented have overweight children who will end up costing our county a fortune?
Mike rules. Right on mike. 50% of our country will have diabetes in 30 years.
Well well well.. This dumb lady basically is saying "Advertising is against the law". Your the parent, decide what your kid wants to eat, not the child! If you seriously think that McDonald's is brainwashing children then obviously your IQ levels are low.
Anyways... If I was Mcdonald's I would totally flip the case on her.
What happened to taking responsibility for your own children? Why take it to the courts? Tell them no and stick to it. The court system should not have to parent her children. If she can't do it, give them to someone who actually WANTS to be a parent.
I hope her case makes it to court and the judge tells her NO. Then she complains and the judge tells her NO and hits her with a contempt of court fine. Rinse and repeat.
Then she has to tell her kids NO, so they find a lawyer to sue her for not letting them get everything they want.
Makes me ashamed to be a Californian.
if you dont like california, leave! Thats what the conservatives say to the liberals about america. LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT. Youre a terrorist arent you?
This lady needs to get a life. She is trying to get free money. Leave these resturants alone. Be a mom and say no if you think it is bad for your kids.
Yeah, leave these restaurants alone. Let them keep destroying the rain forests and giving us diabetes! Its our right to become fat heart-diseased drags on society.
How stupid. Can't she just not feed her kids the Happy Meals? It is none of her business what other parents feed their children. All she has to do is grow up and be a parent not a friend. Tell them no when they want junk food. She should not be wasting the court system's time on this.
foolish..from tony the tiger,cracker jacks,snap,crackle,pop, sugar pops,sugar smacks,ovaltine...this is nothing new..
this mom is just trying to game the system.
REALLY!!!!????? This female must be a grade a B!TCH!!! That can't handle her own kids. Maybe Child Services needs to look into this...
IDIOT! You can BUY the toys separately! At McDonalds OR on ebay! Sheesh! Be a PARENT and just say NO!
"The food industry has a responsibility not to intrude into families by using sleazy marketing techniques getting kids to pester their parents."
REALLY?
What happend to a parent's responsibilty to shield their children from marketing? If your kids watch junky, ad-filled TV then they will be pounded with ads for junky toys and junky food.
Learn the power of the word "NO". NO you may not watch that TV show. NO we will not eat that for dinner. NO you may not have that toy.
Parents who try to be "best friends" with their kids or who are just to lazy to put up with a tantrum are doing no one any favors. Their kids will hate them when their grown.
Is it just me, or when you were happy meal age, did you think the toys in them were stupid and cheap? I just liked the food. I could take or leave the toy.
THIS WOMAN IS CRAZY AND MONEY HUNGRY, CONTROLL YOUR KIDS...I SEE TV ADS ON GREAT STUFF AT NEIMAN MARCUS, IM NOT SUING THEM FOR SPENDING MONEY THERE I DONT HAVE! IF THE KIDS THROW THE HAPPY MEALS TOYS AT HER DAILY I BET SHE WILL STOP GOING TO MCDONALDS!
I can be a dogged consumer advocate and I frequently complain about business processes and poor customer service. But I feel this suit is ridiculous. If this is a big issue for this woman then it makes me question her parenting skills. Courts should screen out suits like this.
BTW, next time somebody trots out the term "free enterprise", snicker. It ain't here!
Where does it say in the great parenting guidebook that being a parent would be easy? I'm tired of people trying to blame everyone/everthing for their lack of parenting. She better never take her kid into a grocery store – her child might ask for a candy bar, Walmart/Target – her child might want a toy or anything else on the shelves, or even a gas station – might want a soda. You are a parent, saying no comes with the territory. At what point do you teach your child no means no and to not ask again? She has the right to not set foot into a McD's or even have the TV on to see a commerical. This is the type of story that makes me dread when my children get into school. They are going to be in classes with whiney, inconsiderate brats.
There's a great parenting guidebook? Funny... My neither of my kids came with one.... Hmmmmm.
If this was really about the toy then one can purchase it seperately, without buying the food. On many occasions I have done so for my own child.
If what she's objecting to is the crummy food, not the toy, she can ask to buy only the toy without food. II'm sure the kids don't want the food anyway. From what I've heard, most McD's will sell the toy on its own if asked. Otherwise, I agree that if parents say NO always and enough times, the kids WILL get the message and stop asking for the toy/Happy Meal. It just takes some common sense for Mom & Dad to figure that one out. But then again, I guess that's the problem here!
All she needs to do is say NO! For goodness sakes she is the mother nobody is twisting her arm. If she can't say no to her kids now I shudder to think what they will be like when they grow up. RESPONSIBILITY WOMAN IT IS YOURS NO MCDONALDS.
"We have to say no to our kids so many times and McDonald's makes that so much harder to do."
Oh you poor, poor woman! You have to say, "NO" to your Children? What is this world coming to?!?
You decided to have kids. You wanted the "CHOICE", you got it. You have children. Parenting is not for wimps. I have 6 kids. "NO" is something EVERY child must hear.
If more parents said, "NO" to their children more often we'd have a lot better behaved and a more respectfull society in general!
This makes me angry beyond words. Yes, of course McDonald's is marketing to children (my mom would occasionally buy me happy meals and I ate two bites of the disgusting, unhealthy food because I wanted the silly toy...she should've been firmer), but if you're essentially saying to your attorney that you're unfit to make your own decisions for your children, then you're unfit to reproduce & make ANY decisions for your children. This is so frivolous. And sh** like this happens all the time. We, as a country, spend so much money and resources on absolute JUNK. Like any parent, this woman needs to learn how to raise her kids. Children NEED to hear "no" or "maybe another time" occasionally. Limit your child's TV time so they don't see McDonald's commercials. Start a backyard garden with your children and let them help you plant healthy foods. Then, cook said nutritious foods with your children and let them help. They will LOVE being involved and they will want to eat their veggies. SPEND TIME WITH YOUR KIDS so they don't need a cheap, made-in-China piece of junk to play with! Kids don't rule the household! God, I hope she loses the lawsuit and every penny she's spent on attorney fees. This lawsuit is an absolute joke. Yes, McDonald's makes money off the general population's poor choices, but it's not their fault. Should they serve healthier food? Of course. But when our laws and regulations discourage small, local farmers and encourage mega-farms and companies injecting our foods with additives, hormones, and corn by-product, then what do you expect? God, people, make your own decisions. If we demand less junk, eventually healthier foods will be more available. BE A PARENT!!!
This ridiculous woman would be the first one to take help from the Ronald McDonald house if something life threatening happened to her child... you need to sell a lot of burgers to fund that place... I'm sick of the gimmie mentality.. she isn't doing this for her child.. she is a greedy grabber... and if you don't like McDonalds don't eat there.. but they will still help you if YOUR kid gets sick. Get off their backs...
Remember, the idiots at Center for the Study of Science in the Public Interest are behind this. This is a bogus socialist organization formed by Jewish Radicals in the 1960s. They are neither scientific or in the public interest.
The suit which is without foundation should be thrown out.
Crap like this, among other things, is what helps make the folks in San Fransisco seem so RIDICULOUS.
All of these posts have very valid points. And why does McDonald's (or any other company for that matter) have to do business her way? This is just a ploy to get money out of the company that will eventually cost the consumers and the taxpayers money, not to mention tying up our court system for frivolity. It's time our courts start rejecting these kinds of reckless lawsuits.
I find it completely convenient for someone to make ridiculous claims against a major company over something as frivilous as a toy. It is obvious to anyone who is doing their homework that you can purchase the toy without the happy meal. This lawsuit is all about personal agenda and if this lawsuit sucessfully passes it will just open the floodgates for thousands of frivilous lawsuits. To Monet, stand up and be a parent. I guarantee you that I have heard far more "No." answers than "Yes." answers as a child. Part of being a child is having other people make your mind up for you. Are you going to sue candy companies now for having brightly colored wrappers and appealing flavors?
Anoth stupid state employee, fire the birch!
An Obituary printed in the London Times – Interesting and sadly rather true.
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend,Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or a paracetamol to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
Why doesn't she just buy the toys and throw the meal way? Typical SEIU member–unable to think for herself.
This is pure B.S. You can buy the toys without the meal if you're claiming that your kids want happy meals mainly for the toys. If you don't want your kids eating McDonalds then be a mom. Tell them no. If they ask a million times then say no a million times. People are fighting so hard for the wrong things nowadays. She's trying to have our government take more of our rights away. What, you want them to tell businesses more things they can't do? Yeah, way to help the economy.
I am hoping that we will reach a point very, very, very soon where the Plaintiff in these stupid time-wasting lawsuits have to cover the costs of the trial. Put that in your Happy Meal!
Whe I was growing up, if we wanted to go to Mcdonald's we were usually told No. The problem with kids eating Happy meals is not McDonald's – it's the parents. If a parent really cared about what their kis eats they, the parent, will make a good choice. I'm not saying kids shouldn't go to McDonalds or that McDonalds is bad, but it's all about moderation and the word "No'. Oh and since this is a free economy I think Mcdonald's has the right to advertise and sell whatever the company wishes.
She needs to get a life and realize that she is responsible for her own actions including the parenting of her children. Yes, my children like McDonalds. It is a treat and at my discretion when we allow them to have it. Everything in moderation
I am glad I live in Texas where we can tote guns and shoot people like this !
Yee Haw good buddy... Please lets build a wall around your Sorry State and keep idiots like you in there so you can shoot each other.
I am a responsible parent advocating murder. See billy, we don't like what that person said so we kill her. Hey mary, that is a fat black person we hate so we will shoot her.
A law suit based on "they make it harder to tell my child 'no' "??? Are you kidding? If they prevail, I'm one step closer to becoming an expat ....
I am going to sue Pizza Hut, Toyota, Wal Mart, Toys R us, McDonalds, Nintendo, Proctor and Gamble, Victoria's Secret, Wells Fargo Mortgage, Panera Bread, Apple, .... ALL these companies advertise and make me either want things or think about stuff that might not be in my best interest.... food, toys, money, cars, cute sexy girls in next ot nothing ( there goes more thoughts!!!) , a mortgage ..... making my life a living NIGHTMARE.... I am POWERLESS under their control!!! THANK YOU for blazing this trail for us California Lady!!!
I see women like this every single day. This has nothing to do with Happy Meals, McDonalds or her kids health. It has to do, almost always, with her NOT WANTING TO GET A JOB. These are the same women who coach their kids into acting out of control so they can collect Disability/SSI since their kids have 'ADHD' or 'defiant personality disorder' – these are the women who have babies literally as meal tickets, so they don't have to work.
So my question to her is, who does she think she is? So she doesn't have to get a job that pays very little, like the people who work at McDonald's? Is she above them? What's her educational history? Has she ever had a job in her life?
Maybe her kid needs to get taken away if she's unable to parent. I think we need to pull more kids away from parents who have kids only so they can exploit them for their own financial gain, all the while, ruining their lives in the future.
Lady, you had a choice when you were pregnant about what to do with this kid you can now not afford to take care of and have little skills to do so. Nobody feels sorry for you. Get your tubes tied so you can't have any more kids.
the retard needs to get a job instead of trying to come up with ideas of lawsuits for her income!
Really? Need to use the word "retard".....
just like that woman on "Hoarders". she admitted that her injury law suits were her "job"!!! glad they got that on TV, i'm sure her lawyer will have a harder time defending her constant injuries now!!!!
Check out her facebook photo... FAT! Who would have guessed?
Why not just turn OFF the TV?
Dear Otherhand
What do you mean this lawsuit has nothing to with her (in)ability to say no? The article even says that she has a problem saying no because her children are being brainwashed. So they see McD's commercials...So turn off your TV lady and try a book. They have no commercials. TiVO their fave shows and fast forward through commercials, if you must. She isn't taking this to a "higher level" by sueing and getting a court involved. She's saying "I should be able to sit back and collect money from people that I CLAIM have negatively affected my children." Now, if there was some kind of abuse going on, I'd be all kinds of on her side. But she is making a choice, and a poor one at that. My children won't eat McD's except on possible very rare occassions or when they are with their grandparents. Giving your children rules is good. It helps them function in a society where you have to be on time for work or – gasp – get fired. She is finding a way to skirt her responsibilities. She isn't a better mother for this lawsuit.
I believe you, and most others here, are missing the point. It is all well and good that there are responsible parents in the world that tell their children no and teach them to make good decisions, etc. That is of course essential. Her statement about it being difficult to tell her children no is simply an example of the impact that child marketing has on a parents personal lives. Child marketing is not passive, it aggressive and I see it as unethical and something that society should not accept. Most parents simply accept it as a part of the world but I don't know that we should. She is making a public statement that McDonalds has gone too far with it child marketing approach. The suit (legal action) is to stop a certain marketing technique; it is not a financial suit.
Companies can aggressively market all they want. I'm still the parent, I pay the food bill, the cable bill, etc. If I say no, my kids know I mean NO and don't keep bugging me about it. Why? Because they have learned begging isn't cute in dogs, even less so in children and it's not the way to get anything out of me. I'm a parent, I'm not here to be their friend I'm here to be their mother, period. How can marketing work on the kids when I'm the one with the money and no fear of telling my kids no?
We live in a free world. Companies can market (and yes I'm in marketing) all they want. I remember as a child watching Looney Toons and asking my mom for pretty much every toy on every commercial. My mom said no, explained why she was saying no and that was it. If you don't want companies to market to you, go live in one of the oppressive countries that limit freedom in general.
oh and it's hard to not watch commercials and get temped since tv programms are available 24/7 on hundreds of channels...let just sue them all....
crazy people try to force their way onto others.
I like my happy meals and stop screwing with my toys.
or else I sue your assss woman!
it's hard to say 'no' to robbing a bank because there are banks and commercials everywhere...
so is it hard to not eat when there is supermarket and commercials eerywhere...
it's hard to say no to "not work" because there are jobs everywhere....
well, that's basicall what her logic is saying....
Turn off the TV and Mc Donalds and all the other evil corporations can't get into your kids heads. And, ditto on everyone else, NO. If children aren't taught to deal with disappointment and the word no early, they are going to have a very hard time as adults.
As a parent I like to be able to take my kids to Mcdonalds for a treat. They enjoy the meal and the toy. My kids are both healthy the have a perfect BMI. Just because some parents cannot control themselves or their kids does not mean the government should take away my choices. Whats wrong with people? What's next?
Make it simple. Ban marketing to children. Market to the parents without reference to children or children's toys. Make truth in advertising a requirement. McDonald's could market all they like to adults but would not be allowed to say that their products are healthy or fun. Don't allow pop-up adds on the Internet that are directed at children. Children are not those who purchase products so it seems reasonable that the marketing be directed at those who are.
Certainly parents are the biggest problem. I did not even mention McDonald's or any of their ilk to my son until he was invited to a birthday party at one. He was about 6. By then he was already "programmed" by me to prefer home cooked and healthy food. He was not impressed by the food he got there. There were kids in his school who would not eat home cooked burgers. He thought they were nuts. He loved salad bars because of the variety of choices. We did occasionally go to McDonalds but it was not a big part of our lives. It was usually if I had to work overtime. Two working parents or single parents, like me, do have it tough but planning ahead can cut that difficulty way down. My personal feeling is that parents have become way to lazy to do this. There was a time when the family's well being was the first thing on the to do list not the last.
What it takes is to provide a good role model in what you eat and to actually cook good food for them. Make them home cooking snobs if necessary. "Nja nja, my mom cooks better than McDonalds."
How long had McDonalds been selling these toys???? How bout you teach your kids to repect their parents when they say no???? Maybe don't bring them their at all???? How about" tell me your entire menu schedule for these bratty kids because if ONCE you feed them junk food" I tll you to go scratch on your complaint lady... The most assine lawsuits, what happened to frivilious??? Who in gods name, the attorney, would take such a complaint to be files an ambulance chaser maybe??? thanks, Michelle Obama. for your healthy eating crap you just started a wave of lawsuits...
Dear Richard Hertz who said:
"Here is another parent who does not want to take responsibility. She states that it is hard to keep saying no. Growup! When you had that child you accepted a boatload of responsibility and that includes breaking their little hearts when you know something will hurt or harm them. I am so sick and tired of these CA arrogant aholes who think it is their responsibility to get us to go along with them. I just wish the "big one" would finally show up and wash that state out to sea. I hope it get sthrown out and she has to pay for all legal fees. That should keep her quiet. I hope!"
Hi. I live in California, am a praent of three little boys and share the same sentiment with the rest of the posters who think this is a ridiculous lawsuit. And that parents should parent. Please don't lump all Californians into the same pool. As for the big one comment, thanks. I'm glad you think everyone in California deserves to die.
When did children start bringing in an income? When did children start driving to fast food restaurants? It's a decision made by their parents. Why aren't we suing parents for their inability to properly take care of their children? When do we start holding parents responsible?
It's just so sad - and preventable.
Just yesterday I saw several, obese four to five year olds driving through the McDonald's drive through - whipping out their credit cards to pay for those enticing, fat laden meals. I guess they all had booster seats. I'm not sure how their chubby little faces could see over the steering wheel - but it's sad. Just very sad.
You win at life, man.
You wouldn't be happy if it was a crack dealer trying to sell you 5 year old crack with a toy would you? Guess what? The food from McDonalds has the same end effect as crack. It kills you. Their practice of marketing their unhealthy food to children is shameful. I'm a parent and my kids don't eat fast food, yet they still ask for it. They want the toy, plain and simple.
What is your point? That this not a ridiculous lawsuit? That parents shouldn't just simply say no? Do you give your children the meal just because they ask for it? Then I guess that's on you, not McDonalds. Are you also going to sue the pizza place because you feed your children pizza?
Your an idiot. Comparing crack to McDonald's food. A complete and utter moron
If McDonald's and the other fast food places are guilty of making our children unhealthy, what happens when all this crap on the TV and Internet start influencing their lives? If any one has a pregnant teen, sue MTV for the show Teen Mom. If your child becomes a degenerate, sue for any of the multitued of reality programs on TV. They become a drunk or drug addict, sue all the Hollywood so-called role models for their lifestyles of alcohol and drugs. This lawsuit is completely ridiculous. We are all influenced by the things around us and make decisions based on those influences everyday. But we need to take the lessons learned in childhood in to account when making those decisions. As a child, Friday night was our night to eat out. We were taken to McDonalds. I never remember begging to go to McDonalds for a Happy Meal just because of the toy. The toy was used as a tool to make us eat. Once we finished eating, we got the toy. If you didn't eat, you didn't get a toy. Neither my sisters or myself were obese kids. If this woman and other parents who agree with her don't want their kids eating McDonalds, don't go there. If they don't want them enticed by the advertising, turn off the TV's and computers. That is their right as a parent. But the rights of those parents should not dictate how other people choose to raise their kids. If they don't want to have to worry about telling there kids no, they need to find a cave in the middle of nowhere to live. If this woman was so concerned about healthy eating for the kids in this country she would work to promote healthy school lunches.
Ok if your kid wants the toy soooo bad, by the happy meal take the toy and throw the meal out. No ones forcing you to feed them mcdonalds. Mcdonalds should sue her for bad parenting.
Seriously, the court should take this up, and let McDonald's collect punitive damages. If she cannot pay, she should be made to work at the drive through asking "Would you like a happy meal?" all day for a week.
I am struck by the complete lack of social/legal awareness here. This lawsuit has nothing to do with her ability to say no! Why is the average American so simple minded?! Marketing to children is a purposeful circumvention of only protection a child has...the parent, and that isn't ethical. She is thinking quite a bit bigger than most parents do; she doesn't only say no, she takes it to the courts. Good for her!
I am struck by the complete lack of social/legal awareness here. This lawsuit has nothing to do with her ability to say no! Why is the average American so simple minded?! Marketing to children is a purposeful circumvention of only protection a child has...the parent, and that isn't ethical. She is thinking quite a bit bigger than most parents do; she doesn't only say no, she takes it to the courts. Good for her!
We are not simple minded. This isn't a new practice, like I state further down below, I was asking for toys when I was a kid over 30 years ago. I guess we should ban all toy manufacturers from showing commercials too. How about cereal? It is a parents job to shield their children from things, such as marketing. If it's such a travesty turn off the tv, don't go to these place and don't have your children talking to anyone else.... Don't take away my rights and freedom for the "good of society". Give me a break.
**Otherhand** Just to clue you in, every store does the exact same thing. Here is where you need to think, when you are standing in line to checkout at the counter, all the candy that is right down there at eye level with children??? Oh, son of a gun, I guess we need to sue every store now, I will get on that right now! Thanks for the idea, friggin' genius.
How can you honestly go after McDonald's for marketing to kids with toys? Might as well go after video game companies too. While your at it, go after Toys-R-Us, Mattel, and any company that markets their product to little kids. This is just ridiculous, if you can't control your kids maybe you need to reevaluate what's wrong here and stop blaming McDonald's for your inability to parent.
This is about as idiotic a lawsuit as can be. Number one, if you don't like McDonald's Happy Meals, don't buy one . Number two, you don't have to buy a Happy Meal to get a toy. You can buy the toy outright, and I know you can, because I used to moonlight at McDonald's, and besides that, I have done it many times myself, in many different McDonald's stores. So you can take your kid there, make her eat a salad with lo fat dressing and water, some yogurt and fruit, and buy her a 99 cent toy. Or is this too easy?
you can always just buy the toy.
Who does this woman think she is to tell me how to raise my children if she can't control hers? It's my responsibility as a parent to say "no" when approriate and it should be my option to take them to McDonalds for a Happy Meal if I choose. My family enjoyed occasional trips to McDonalds for Happy Meals when my children were small. My daughters are both grown and are fit and healthy. I guess that's just sheer luck apparently.
it tells me maybe she needs to quit her job and start being a parent. she just cant say no.
You know, you could turn the TV off and spend some time with your children so that they don't see the commercial with the toys. You could use this as an opportunity to teach them the value of a dollar by making them use their own allowance to get their HappyMeal – if, after all of the hard work to earn the money, that is still what they want. You could tell them they could eat a HM and give the toy to charity. Or you could order something else off the menu. Something that – gasp – they have to share. Made McD's a whole lot less enjoyable for me as a kid.
OR you could teach your children that the best way to get through life is by pissing and moaning about the fact that you don't have any will power.
What about Burger King and other fast food place that has toy meals. I am gonna ask you to drop the suit and never come back to McDonalds. Its a option dont want the kids eat McDonalds then stay away from it!
MOST OF THE TIME THEY DONT EVEN EAT THE FOOD JUST WANT THE TOY THEY TAKE ONE BIT THEN THEIR DONE
GIVE ME A BREAK START FOCUSING ON PREPARING THEM FOR SCHOOL
Oh poor is me It is so hard to say no to my kids. I am such a looser parent. Get real or get out. It is stupid stuff like this that has the whole world laughing at us. The judge should kick her out of court and fine her for being an idiot. That aside the Judge will probably award her a couple million $. What a sad statement.
I'm just glad the majority of the comments on here aren't agreeing with this lady.
WAR EAGLE
The lawsuit will not hold water. McDonald's sells the toys for .50 each with out the purchase of food.
So are we going to make Toys R Us stop playing toy commercials?
This is just another waste of money and time.
How this mother's case is even being considered completely baffles me. Really, have we as parents really lost control of our children, their eating habits, and what they see on TV? My 4yr old daughter has no control of what she wears, watches on TV and no control over what she consumes unless I as her parent give it to her. Of course she sees Mc Donald's and may want to eat there and begin with "I want" but she also understands no means no. Where do we draw the line? Do we start attacking air ports for selling junk food/ snacks in the same store as toys, surely toys lure the children in and soon children catch sight of the unhealthy snacks and so on? Really this is ridiculous. Fast food restaurants should be able to sell toys with their meals if they so please. We make decisions on a daily basis and how we can't seem to control our own children is astounding. If you have an obese child don’t blame the fast food industry for your child, blame yourself as the parent for not cooking or planning in advance to ensure your child eats a healthy balanced meal. Parents need to learn to take responsibility for their failure to be effective parents, teachers, and role models for their children.
sounds like someones having a hard time paying for Christmas this year,or x mas as this"mom" would call it.. For real though if shes gonna sue McD's why dont she go after every food company in the world..plenty of cereal company's out there use cartoon characters to market their product,chip companies,candy ect..heck i have chicken nuggets in my freezer right now shaped like mickey mouse....UNREAL
Unfortunately, far too many parents are trying to be buddies with their kids and make no effort to actually parent them. If a parent is making nutritional decisions based purely upon the child's desires, well, you'll have a 500 lb. 10 year old. They'll live on frosted flakes, happy meals and pop.
she must be friends with the lady who sued McD's for the hot coffee.
DOES ANYONE HAVE A HOT CUP OF McDONALDS COFFEE THAT SHE CAN SPILL ON HER LAP????? IT IS NO WONDER THERE ARE SO MANY "STUPID" LAWSUITS, LOOK AT ALL THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ARE BEING PUSHED BY "LAW?" FIRMS.
If you want your kids to stop hearing about McD's and all the toys, learn to parent. Turn off the TV!!!!!!! You are teaching your children that if you want to be a low life, free riding, non-parenting mom, sue, sue, sue. Be a parent!!!!
I have two children and it is my job as a father to raise my children, not my TV's nor McD's.
As too restricting McD's and their toys, WOW! When did our government become so big that it can make laws based on the fat content in a meal? What is next? The government was designed to protect us from having our constitutional rights taken away, not to make laws that are VERY un-constitutional. I am so sad when I see the money wasted by the government pursuing matters that should be dealt with by parents, not the government. Stand-up and be a role model for your children!
I am so sick of the idiots in California. That state and the people who live there are the worse people in this country. I pray for the day a major earthquake hits and slides that sorry state into the ocean.
Right because there are absolutely no good people there! Kill them all. Texas rules! Yee Haw. I am a responsible parent advocating murder. See billy, we don't like what that person said so we kill her. Hey mary, that is a fat black person we hate so we will shoot her.
You mean, "worst"? Go back to 9th grade
Unbelivable. McD's does offer healthy choices as well. It's up to the consumer to make a smart choice. McD's "getting in their heads", sparking a lawsuit- it's unreal.
Step up and parent your kids. Kids want to do all kinds of things that are bad for them. Parent them and lead them to what is good. Mcdonalds is not the problem, lazy parenting is the trouble.
OH COME ON! WHOS THE CHILD AND WHOS THE PARENT!! I DECIDE what my child consumes by what I PURCHASE for him. It's not like McDonalds is hanging around the playground handing out free toys with food like some drug pusher! I guess they should outlaw toys r us commercials too, boy would i love to not hear "I want I want I want" to a toy that they see on tv and think they need it. COME ON SOCIETY! TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS PLEASE!!!
OMG, the horrors! How dare SHE have to be the one to parent her own children and tell them no! I tell mine no all the time when it comes to eating garbage. Not a big deal. They get to help make dinner at home, which they enjoy more anyway.
Her children will turn out like her,...sheep. Baaa, baaa, baaa. Can't think for themselves, just be led around by the commercials on TV. Baaa, baaa, baaa......
Really??? These so called comsumer groups filing suits on everyone's behalf are a joke and if the judge allows this case to proceed he too is a joke. I deal with attorneys all day every day and they are only out for themselves and could care less about anything other than making money and they are the only ones that make money in a class action lawsuit. And the mother, tell your kid now. Who cares if he cries, part of life. Suck it up and move on or give your kid to someone who can parent.
If she can't be bothered to say "no", perhaps she shouldn't allow her child to watch television so the commercials are not an issue. Or is that too much trouble too, to not let the TV babysit your child?
We should all start lawsuits against every company in the world that advertises, because they're getting in our heads, and making us want to buy their products. I hope she loses horribly, loses every penny she has, and ends up homeless. Then she can beg for McDonalds to eat.
I take my kids to McDonalds everytime they visit me. WHY?? Because they don't have one close to them, and it's a treat. They will bug me and their grandma till we give in, which we normallly do. They know it's a treat and not something they get everyday they are visiting. It's not hard to tell a kid no on anything, your the parent...not them. A kid will always choose desert over a decent meal, fast food over something healthy, but you as an adult have the ability to fix a good meal or provide one some way or another! I work in a sandwich shop, and even there it's amazing how many kids get a cookie by throwing a fit, or parents tell me their kids don't like any veggies, so they don't force them (most of these kids are 5 or 6!!) I truely don't get it...since my own kids will pretty much eat anything you put in front of them.
Quit attacking this woman! She is an American by god and this is the American way! Don't like something? Something causes you to make a uncomfortable decision? You have to make personal decisions and not have them made for you? The obviously something is wrong and a lawsuit is in order. This is the USA, the greatest country in all of Christiandom, and this is our destiny! Fight for what's your girlfriend!
??? ok, didn't get it... what's the point your trying to make?
David, I am ashamed to share the same name as you. How can you support this woman? You are right, there is something wrong. This woman does not know how to parent. She cannot turn off the TV or say "no" to her children. I would bet that in 10 years her children are sitting in prison blaming others for everything wrong in society. Point the finger at others, "it's their fault, sue, sue, sue." Good idea!!!!
It's really sad if you couldn't tell that was sarcasm.
what in the world is wrong with this woman???? it's people like this that make me sick! i have 2 small children too, and i have NO problem telling them NO! it's really not that hard.... 41 years old and you can't say no to your kids.. that's pathetic..... i hope she realizes that these children will probably walk all over her for the rest of her life because of the stupidity she has in parenting and the fact that she can't say no is gonna make it so much easier for them! and for that matter... why not sue all the fast food chains??? they all have toys as well! oh and how about the nice resturaunts that give crayons and coloring paper??? or better yet, lets sue every freaking store out there that sells toys and candy.. this woman needs to be put in a mental hospital cuz obviously she's freaking crazy....
People will sue for anything. Can she seriously not control her own kids? As a 41 year old woman you would think she would grow up. I hope she loses this no basis lawsuit. Absolutely ridiculous
Apparently Mcdonalds has been kidnapping children and force feeding them happy meals to brainwash them into loving the toys. Its a conspiracy!!!!!!
Seriously? Get over it and get back in the kitchen where you belong, lady.
THANK YOU!!!! :)
another great lawsuit example of what happens when people refuse to take responsibility for their own actions as well as "what's good for me is what you need to do". What's next, a lawsuit against every cereal company that markets toward children with products infused with sugar? I probably shouldn't say that-it'll be next...
Maybe we should sue Santa Claus as well. He's guilty of dangling toys in order to encourage kids to behave and look forward to Christmas. Entering through the chimneys without parents' permission and delivering toys to kids who behave themselves. How dare he alter a child's behavior for his own agenda!
I can't believe this is actually being taken seriously... it's depressing to see that this is the state of our society these days. Where's the personal responsibility? By letting kids watch tv or going to McDonald's, you ARE giving them permission to "enter into your kids head". Kids are supposed to watch things and impulsively want them. It's a parent's job to tell them no and teach them about life.
I can't believe this person is in the same species as me... she should be sent off into another planet with other like minded people. There they can sue each other until they're all blue in the face. I'd like to live in an environment of reason and common sense, thank you very much.
I'm sorry but has the driving age decrease to age 6 in California? If her child can actually drive herself to McDonalds to fulfill her desires for a Happy Meal, maybe, maybe there is a case here. Otherwise, be a responsible parent and say, "No."
but she's constantly being bugged by her children. you know, that incessant whining that there's no way to stop other than caving in. you know, because it's abusive to make a child cry because they can't get everything they want in life. as my father used to say "crying never hurt anyone"
Absolutely! When I became a single mom my dad gave me the best piece of advice ever – he told me sometimes you just have to say "Because I said so". I had been a mushy kind of mom before, but they learned that when I said that it meant "I am the parent, you are the kid, and I have made my decision". There was a lot less whining and crying to get their way after I learned to say that and stick by it. It is never to late to teach your kids that you are trying to help them by making better decisions for them and for them to learn to respect that. They are teenagers now and 'because I said so' still ends some of our discussions without argument.
Wow you're suing because you're a terrible mother. Congrats. How about you act like a responsible parent and say no and leave it at that. That's what my parents did and it worked just fine.
Such an idiot!!
no it didnt, you're fat and stupid
From what I've been told you can actually ask them not to put the toy in the meal and you can now select healthier items instead of fries and soda. This lawsuit is a waste of public funds – learn to say no and parent your kid. I get tired of seeing lawsuits that try to strip away the freedoms we enjoy for the rest of us. Maybe I want to treat my kid to a meal with a small prize for good grades or a special trip out. It's up to me to teach them about healthier choices.
She should give lectures on how to legally declare you're a bad parent who's ineffective at raising children. When I was a kid, I didn't get any toy I wanted when I walked into the toy store. If I refused to eat anything but a happy meal I would have gone hungry enough to change my mind pretty fast.
The happy meals are evil, but the TV, which kids sit in front of for hours on end that actually feeds them these happy meal advertisements, should be left alone.
This woman should be given the superhero name of Captain Obvious, then get slapped in the face. I mean, we all know as a parent she has no control over what her child eats.
Learn how to say "no," turn off the damn TV and stop blaming everyone else for your kid's issues.
"one of the most insidious marketing practices–dangling a toy in front of a small child."
Pure rubish.
That's a parent's job.....to say NO! Maybe mom doesn't understand that concept?
I think she is taking it in the right direction, I dont think its for money but the point. If you raise your child right and you have pure pressure , for example if the other kids swear like most of yours it seems. The parenting skills are tough when you stand for the right things. I agree coke is bad greasy foods are bad. but Mcdonalds does give apples and healthy food aswell. the serve salads. A for Effort in making oublic aware, but face th facts today to many sheeps and no real leaders anymore, as Forest Gump Would Say Stupid is What Stupid Does.... God Bless All and Im Running for president!!!!!!!!!
Amazing. Just amazing! Another worthless piece of space that can't make a decision on her own so she decides to sue. Morons!
Gee...if it's too difficult to say no to the happy meal. How about, gee, I don't know, NOT TAKING YOUR KIDS TO MCDONALDS!! It was your choice to walk into McDonalds in the first place. If you don't want to deal with the argument try another restaurant. Or better yet make dinner at home. I take my kids to McDonalds and if I want them to eat healthier, I'll order a happy meal with a grilled chicken patty instead of mcnuggets and apple dippers. Seriously I'll spend the extra buck on a toy. Then we share some fries once she's done with most of her apples. It's amazing how "healthy" (for fast food) you can get your kids to eat if you get creative!
MONEY,MONEY,MONEY...
I would not mind being on the jury for this lawsuit. I would let McDonald win and not let Parham win.
Like you all said.. "Just say NO!" It can't be that hard to say no. Eh?
It's also common sense.... come on Mrs. Parham... drop the lawsuit because you are way over in your head!
Lady, if you dont want your kids to at HAPPY MEALS because of a toy then DONT Buy them!! Dont blame a toy because your kids are hungry and you didnt make them anything to eat. Are you suing the toy companies and ad companies for making toys or advertising them on TV?? Your an IDIOT!!
Why does everyone on here always use the wrong "You're" ??? Might want to get that one right when calling someone an idiot, buddy...
What would one expect from the Cailfornia government? Better yet, some fool judge in California will agree with her right to sue.
Are the kids using their money to buy the meals? Who is the parent here? What's going to happen when the kids are teens and mom gets tired of saying "no" every time the kids ask if they can smoke a joint?
This is absolutely ridiculous. So because this psycho lady doesn't know how to put her foot down and tell her children, "NO", she's going to sue McDonalds? The next thing you know she'll want to sue Cartoon Network for "Getting into her kids' heads without her permission". What a load of crap. This is THE definition of a frivolous lawsuit if I ever saw one. I hope she gets humiliated by the judge.
I cannot believe this! People like her make me sick. With all the schools needing money McD's by my home has set up two days out of the year,for two hours every penny they make goes to our school's. To this brainless bimbo. Grow up teach your kids how to make the right choices or stay the hell away. If you cannot control your wants then stay home. The rest of us would like to keep our freedom!
Apparently in our culture there is no such thing as personal responsibility any more. It was the same way when the lady spilled the cup of coffee between her legs in a moving car and somehow it was McDonald's fault. Marketing is designed to be attractive to a target audience. What's next? Are we going to sue Kelloggs for making breakfast products that are advertised on kid oriented networks and programming? Where does this stupidity end?
I can sympathize on some level- it can be difficult to say no to kids and deny them something they want. It is even harder to have to say no to the same thing 1000 times because the kids have an almost infinite capacity to wear down your defenses. However- sympathy is where it stops. This kind of thing is in the job description for a parent. The difficulties, while I can atteset personally are exasperating, are part of the job. So yeah, I can see how frustrating it is, BUT it's your responsibility as a parent to stay strong if no is your decision as a parent. The sad part is that this lawsuit is actually being taken seriously and is getting so much coverage- this is a no brainer- if you don't want your kids getting happy meals all the time, be prepared to say no, and stick to your guns if you decide that's the way you want your kids to grow up- it is not anyone else's responsibility if you don't have the will to accept responsibility for enforcing your rules on your kid. Personally, I don't have a problem giving my kids a happy meal once in a while- they aren't obsessed with them, and have a reasonably well-balanced diet. I don't make too big a deal about treats, and niether do the kids- we've reached a balance in that department that works without being overly restrictive or overly lenient. Your milage, and your parenting standards are not mine, though, so if you need to be more restrictive, be prepared to do what you have to to get the kids to listen.
She must not have anything to do. Yeah they want what they see in an ad, but thats the ads job. Life is filled with things you want but cant have. this is a lesson a real mother teaches her children. when you ask for something you dont get instint gradification, thats crazy!
How do these children get access to McDonald's advertising? Thats the real question, maybe this person should just like in most of these situations just be a better parent.
Marketing is designed to circumvent parental supervision. That's why it works and that's why McDonalds just pooped their pants. That's why your kid is fat.
Duh. What is she thinking. Be an f'n parent and say no. What the F. Idiot.
This is sad. Monet Parham is a great example of parents can't parent. Try saying NO! Your children aren't special, every child will try to wear a parent down. Our society is full of people that bare children and have no idea how to parent. Pathetic!
make happy meals illegal but lets legalize marijuana instead, what idiots
that's so funny, i was thinking the same thing!!! it's like "WikiLeaks is fine", but "don't invade my personal privacy"!!! jeez people, get a clue!!!!!
Wow people hear something and they have to jump at the chance to get that quick buck! She must have heard that they just banned toys in San Francisco so saw it as an opportunity to get her share... She is a ridiculous and horrible parent, so you give a kid a toy with their burger and fries well big deal, you the parent are the one that bought it for them so its your fault get a life.
It would be nice if CNN spent two minutes looking into who this woman is:
http://jammiewearingfool.blogspot.com/2010/12/stupid-public-interest-group-sues.html
Political agenda? This suddenly makes much more sense.
Interesting reading:
http://www.futureofcapitalism.com/2010/12/monet-parham
That's definitely bad parenting. I do see their point, but they should also realize that they can GO INTO the McDonalds and just BUY THE TOY without buying the happy meal. She won't win this lawsuit or I should say she shouldnt win.
Really? Just suck it up and be a REAL parent. Say "NO" and stick to it and maybe your kids will learn not to beg or whine for something.
I think we are all in agreement here. That is that this woman is an idiot.
Agreed...I was just thinking that this woman is a complete idiot! I feel bad for her kids that they have her for a parent. What a role model!
omg so true,,idiots born everyday,,ok lady,,here is your 15 minutes of fame,,soak it up
Turn off your TV and parent! It's the ads getting into their heads and making them want to go to McD. But then I guess you'd have to say NO again. God forbid you take responsibility for your own kids and choices.
Does this woman know that she can just buy the toy by itself? And who is she to tell the world what we can and can't have? If I want to give my kid a Happy Meal, my kid gets a Happy Meal!
totally agree. AND, my niece always asks for apples instead of french fries and milk instead of soda, because she KNOWS it's the only way she's going to get the Happy Meal in the first place.
What's next........suing grocery stores for putting candy at the checkout or Walmart and Target for having toys in their stores?
This is utterly ridiculous. Who is she going to sue next? NBC? CBS? ABC Family? For showing toy commercials and marketing things to her children. How about Cracker Jacks and cereal? Can we bring a class action against her for wasting everyone's time with frivolities? Maybe I can sue because there was no McDonald's nearby when I was a kid, so I got left out of the Happy Meal / Toy treat. I think I have suffered deep psychological damage from not having that opportunity and from my mommy telling me NO for various other things.
That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. They should just throw this out. If she didn't take them to McDonald's, they wouldn't ask for the toys they get there.
How about learning how to parent? Or are you just greedy?
Ah, I thought so.
We're raising a bunch of sissies!! Children from this generation do and will expect everything to be perfect for them. Heaven forbid we discipline a child or thell them no. Don't want them to grow up with a complex of some kind. This mom needs to grow a set and tell them no. Do your little politically correct "talk" to them. They'll understand.
We are teaching our children that frivolous lawsuits will remedy poor decisions. Shameful!
This woman should be sued for being an idiot and terrible parent. Saying no is not that hard. I tell my kids that whining will never get them what they want. A happy meal is a treat and when I do go to McDonalds I sometimes just get a small fry and 6 piece nuggets for the two youngest to share. It's cheaper and that's what I tell them when they ask why they can't get their own box.
Whatever happened to good, old fashioned parenting? Just tell your kids "no, it's not good for you, and I'm not buying it." This lady should be sued for filing a ridiculous lawsuit.
http://www.katiesfoodobsession.blogspot.com
Of course they're going to sue, God knows, it's not THEIR fault that their kids look like shamu.
I think was an episode of Dr Phil. "Your saying I cant give my kid a COOKIE" Dr Phil would get that look and just reply, " I have no issue with you giving a cookie but when you give the cookie, cookie and then the whole box then we have issues."
Is this what we have come to as a society???
Parents suing rather than learning to say the word "NO"???
Funny, but my parents never quite had that problem. And I am the better for it.
Don't be a sapped, rubes. ::
" Ms. Parham is the same person as “Monet Parham-Lee”. Monet Parham-Lee is an employee of the California Department of Public Health. Interestingly, her name has been scrubbed from the website of Champions for Change, the Network for a Healthy California. She has given numerous presentations and attended conferences on the importance of eating vegetables and whatnot.
She presents herself as an ordinary mother. She is not. She is an advocate, and an employee of a California agency tasked with advocating the eating of vegetables. To the extent that Monet Parham-Lee has EVER taken her daughter to a McDonald’s, she should have known better. "
It's a manufactured lawsuit. For once I feel that McDonalds is the one being exploited here.
This will probably end up in the Ninth Dist. Court, can you imagine how that decision will turn out. Libs......!
This woman obviously has an agenda that is more about her personal views and less about what is good for "the unsuspecting public". ....soul-less corporation? get a life, Lady!
This is something that really doesnt suprise me. I have 1 word that I tell my children every time they ask and it doesnt get old.. well, maybe for my kids it does... it consists of two letters that is the MOST POWERFUL word in any language in the world...... N O! Granted I would LOVE not to buy these for my daughter, but they make her happy.. hence the term HAPPY MEAL!
Objects to getting into her kids heads without her permission huh? As a state employee she should be offended the state of CA offers a major in... Marketing. I think the state should stop educating people so that they specifically can... get into her kids heads.
I have to agree, for once I think I am siding with McDonalds. What is next? Sueing Baskin-Robbins for selling ice-cream, which is also not healthy for childen. Monet, you give California a bad name!!! Is it any wonder the rest of the world thinks CA is filled with nut cases?
When does a Parent become responsible for what their toddler's eat?
Absolutely, Shiela! How is this different than the video game companies that advertise the games that can have your kids sitting, semi-comatose, for hours at a time in front of their TVs instead of going outside to play in the fresh air? Toy companies push their products down your throat this time of year, yet it's somehow more acceptable for the children to whine for that than for a Happy Meal?? Wake up and GROW A PAIR, parents!!!! The less you teach your children to hear and deal with the word NO, the more of them will end up shooting up their school since they don't know how to deal with not getting their way everywhere they go.
Yes, When do parents start being parents. People need to start being responsible for their action and decisions.
This is not about a woman unable to say "no." Corporations are souless entities sensitive to one and only one stimulus–threats to their bottom line. "Public welfare, pah! Maximize our ROI." If you want to effect change, you have two choices. You either pursuade the government to regulate the industry (a hard sell), or you make it too expensive for the corporation to continue doing business the way it is.
While you may disagree with this particular case, she is taking on a corporate Goliath using one of the few methods available to individuals to effect large-scale change. Irrespective of the rightness of this case, I applaud her having the conviction to take on such a massive headache for the public good. Without such people, our world would be a lot more polluted and food would be a lot less safe.
People suing over something as silly as this should be deported to no-man's land. This is a good starting place to teach kids about marketing strategy. If you want your kids eating vegetables dont take them to mcdonalds in the first place. The toy wouldnt be an issue if they cant see it. They sure dont advertise them on tv. Stop going to mcdonalds if you have a problem with the place. Go to subway and get some bread and water and say wow my life is great!
You sure are naive. "..for the public good...?" Something tells me she won't donate any settlement money to a good cause like educating children and parents on healthy food choices...Get real.
Why should anyone have the option of forcing a group to change just because they don't like their policies?
To me, this sounds more like The lady in question feels that other people are making poor decisions, and that she doesn't like it.
H7...nonsense. if this woman can't say no to her kids and feels she has to blame a "soulless" company for something as trivial as this she's is a bad parent and society should call it for what it is.
What ever happened to individual accountability and responsibility? As a parent, teach your children about nutrition, advertising, personal control. You need to attend parenting classes. What are you going to do when they want a car? Sue the car dealers?
This should be thrown out of court, the woman and her lawyers fined.
How naive. The so-called healthy eating advocates have been playing the "soulless corporation" and "David and Goliath" cards for years, with only limited success. They've tried to outlaw fast food, and that didn't work. They tried to levy huge taxes on fast food, and that didn't work. Now they're trying thinly veiled civil lawsuits on flimsy grounds. Look deeper, and you'll find that behind this and similar actions are people simply trying to legislate or litigate their own lifestyle preferences and their own business interests (i.e., so-called "natural" and "healthy" food retailers). When those interests can't prevail in fair competition, they rely on shady tactics like this to try to guilt and shame people away from the competition.
This lawsuit isn't one person bravely taking on a huge, uncaring corporation (which, by the way, has vastly improved the nutritional value and variety of its child-oriented menu). "Get inside my child's head without my permission?" Ha ha, give me a break.
Grow up....I take it that she does not know how to handle her child. She does not want the resposibility of telling her child NO. If McDonalds is being "unfair, deceptive.." than lets sue General Mills and Kellogs for putting sugar and marshmellows in their cereal and using cartoon characters to brain wash our children. These type of people need to stay out of others decisions.
Here is another parent who does not want to take responsibility. She states that it is hard to keep saying no. Growup! When you had that child you accepted a boatload of responsibility and that includes breaking their little hearts when you know something will hurt or harm them. I am so sick and tired of these CA arrogant aholes who think it is their responsibility to get us to go along with them. I just wish the "big one" would finally show up and wash that state out to sea. I hope it get sthrown out and she has to pay for all legal fees. That should keep her quiet. I hope!
" Corporations are soulless entities sensitive to 1 and only 1 stimulus- threats to the bottom line" wait, so you're saying that businesses are actually trying to make money?? Not raise our kids for us?? Wow shame on them.
You must be smoking mainlining dumb ass serum like the Mother who is suing McDonald's. She should stop being lazy and provide home cooked meals to her kid. Let's get real here. I'd be surprised if her boss didn't put her up to this.
Welcome to the business world.
Sorry, O157:H7, but that IS exactly what it's about! Anyone who can't say no to a child should not be allowed to have any. All that's going on in this country is we're raising a bunch of whiny BRATS who think everyone in the rest of their lives is going to give them what they want if they cry loud enough. Snap out of it!!!!!!!!!
and people will have a lot less personal responsibility and freedom. I'm a vegetarian, locavore & parent who hasn't bought fast food in years. But that's my choice, my freedom and my responsibility.
You sir are an idiot.
Totally disagree H7. We cannot, and should not, function as a society by suing simply becuase we don't like a certain product in the marketplace. Gimme a fricking break!! Every company that sells a product for chldren marekts to children, whether it's a happy meal, a doll, or some child's toy! Filing this type of lawsuit is frivolous - period.
I completely agree H7,
I am going to sue Cracker Jacks as soon as I can. They have no right to infect my child's mind with the temptation of getting the free sticker! I might even go after the nasty Kellogg's corporation for adding toys to cereal. The nerves of these folks!!
Fight the power!
Nah don't make this out to be a Davcid versus Goliath thing becuase it's not. Go check out the MCD menu. They have options in the happy meals that are healthy. This lady is weak and I am willing to bet she ate a few happy meals in her time but NOW she can't be a parent. I hope she losses this case and people like you realize you have the power to say NO. Use it. It works. You don't like tobacco, don't smoke. You don't like alcohol, don't drink. You don't like happy meals, don't buy them. In the end you have a choice...don't infring on my ability to choice for my kids.
I prefer to make choices for my own welfare and the welfare of my children. There are many more choices than the two you pointed out, like simply choosing not to dine at the restaurant. McDonald's isn't forcing anyone to eat their food and they are not being irresponsible by offering toys with their food. Unfortunately, there are people like you who want to relinquish responsibility and choice to the government through legislation. It is a parents responsibility to ensure their children eat well, period. If that means they have to be a parent and not their child's "bestest" friend at the moment so be it. The kids will get over it and learn valuable lessons at the same time. The real problem here isn't corporate greed, it's parenting.
i cannot believe how far this country fallen when a happy meal is considered a product of an evil corporation. How on earth did we ever survive growing up without all the rules and regualtions. The state of this country and specifally Califorinia is shameful.
Agreed 100%. Not everyone is blind.
Fine, let's sue all these "mean old big corporations". And when their ROI goes down and they have to start firing people, don't come crying about the unemployment rate. Jeez people, do the math. Marketing -> revenue -> jobs -> better economy for all. Ruining big business is the number one way to ruin this country!!!
The world would be a better place if people like you and her Accept the fact people have a choice and have the right to what they want if you don't like something don't buy it don't be part of it don't ruin it for the rest of us I See good things dis aper because some people cant just leave well alone All I can say is Bad parenting should not ruin it for the rest of us parents my son is 7months old and I can't wait to he is older so I can buy him his very first happy meal.
Logic like that is why California is sinking.
I'm sorry but this woman is merely looking for a large pay day. Looking at her, I can tell you her children have developed their dietary preferences from her rather than McDonald's. Why should her lack of parenting dictate what I can treat my child to? Rather than wasting tax payer money on frivolous law suits like this one we should treat this woman to some good old fashion parenting classes.
Just dont eat there idiot.
I guess she would also sue Wheaties because her child wants to be a quarterback because Peyton Manning is on the cover of Wheaties Fuel instead of a neurosurgeon. Give me a break – how about parent your child.
this is so true,,,and these lawyers are all over it,,a quick buck,,,and why is our court system allowing this in his room,,don't take your kid to mc donalds,,,the only thing healthy there is a salad, and you can have a much better one at home...
I love McDonalds for their happy meals. " shut up in a box" is what I call it and thank them for it on every long car trip. Will she sue the cereal manufactureres next? Do you know how many times I bought and / or had to say no because of a specific toy that was in there? It was my choice to buy or not to buy. She should take responsibility. If she doesn't approve, don't patronize them, but don't ruin it for the rest of us.
As soon as I read this story, I knew this was someone from a particular class of people trying to get free money. They have no genuine concern for their children. I'm sure if they won the lawsuit, they'd buy even more happy meals for their kids. It's the kind of frivolous lawsuit that makes me sick. Stop trying to get more free money than you already do. Say no to your kids when they ask for happy meals and be a good parent. Also, if you paid more attention to your kids instead of sitting them in front of the tv all day where they see all the happy meal ads, you wouldn't even have a problem.
you mean ni&&ers on welfare? Is that your "particular class"? Just say it, veiled racism is so lame. Don't be a whuss.
I agree with Justin 100%. @ Really: No one said anything about race or economic status. As a matter of fact, it was made clear that she is a state employee and works as a public speaker. Probably not doing too bad for herself. But you took it there, so it is clearly on your mind. Feel free to keep it there.
your statement was low key racist and uncalled for. we know you were talking about black people. but not all black people are the same.
I hate this woman. This is entitlement at its worst. She is selfish and lazy and apparently has no desire to teach her kids herself.
Thank you... I thought the very samething when I saw this on the news. Now PPL are leaving the out side world to parent there kids. No wonder theses kids are so messed up. Me personally I hardly ever go to McDonald, Burger King, etc. It's consider a treat in my home. and beides my food taste better.
Well.........The mother maybe should be arrested for child abuse for buying it for them. I doubt the kids take a cab or drive to the place!!!!!!!!!!
OMG...I've heard it all now...Mc D's gives kids toys and that is an issue. So is the next item on her agenda to incarcerate St. Nick. Maybe she should learn to say NO to her kids now and again which then they could learn the valuable lesson that they won't always get their way in life and to just deal with it.
...plz don't anyone tell her that Mc D's also sells HOT coffee...
" I object to the fact that McDonald's is getting into my kids' heads without my permission and actually changing what my kids want to eat."
Here's an idea, turn off the TV and McDonald's can't get in your kids head.
love it! totally agree InNeedofHelp!
gee, I never thought MacDonalds was the problem ... now, I don't agree with MacDonalds either, but maybe Ms. Parham should look in the mirror and practice saying no! It your kids, YOU raise them, don't let other people do it for you.
Hey Canada, shut up and go back to being America's hat
It's like this: a parent can choose for himself to go to McD and eat crap. He is a rational adult being and if he/she chooses so, let it be. But children, especially small ones cannot really choose to go to McD or not, they have to listen to parents. And when they are in McD they have this unhealthy toy-meal hanging in front of them. If there was a poisoned food instead of cheesburger, it would be the same thing for them – a toymeal. And they would want it. They cannot rationally choose to not eat and cannot rationally and willingly choose to go. I guess this is the core of the problem the woman is going after.
And that is exactly why kids have parents. To help them make the right decisions or make it for them.
hmm... by your logic, we should outlaw everything that could be harmful in any way, ever.
Fire is pretty. the fact that it is hot and will burn people doesn't make a difference to a child. it's pretty, so they want it.
mistletoe is bright red. it doesn't matter that it's poisonous. Kids want to put the tiny red berries in their mouths.
There's a puppy on a chain. it could be a rabid dog, or a nice dog, but because it's a puppy, the children will want to play with it.
Water is fun to play in. your child can't swim. your child doesn't think about things like being able to swim, and is likely to go to deep and drown.
So, based on your reasoning, because fire, mistletoe, puppies and water get into childrens heads, we should get rid of them. because it would be too hard for a parent to say no.
Yes, outlaw everything harmful. Or just leave it up to corporations who make a profit to not put harmful things in our society. Which one is more likely to happen?
This is why i thought we lived in America, is to have the choice to eat what we want. Mcdonalds has the choice to offer a toy with their product as does any other company after the american dream to entice people to buy their stuff by offering free stuff. its what we as americans have driven the companies to do. we want free stuff with what we are buying.
Lets be honest, its just another spook looking for a hand-out, and attempting to push the responsibilities of parenthood on anyone but herself. Raise your kids right or start looking for foster parents. Talk about a good example of why there should be an application proccess for reproducing.
I agree. What kind of slouch of a parent cannot say no to young children because they want to eat junk food? No she has to sue. If this even gets in the courts it's a shame. What happened to children being taught from the beginning to obey their parents, and not rule the roost. Such a sad lessen she is teaching these kids, which is worse than the McDonalds meals!!! Lady, you're an embarassment to parents all over.
Lynne, youre a slouch parent. I see you slouching over there. Sit up straight! AND TURN OFF THE TV.
I agree. What kind of slouch of a parent cannot say no to young children because they want to eat junk food? No she has to sue. If this even gets in the courts it's a shame. What happened to children being taught from the beginning to obey their parents, and not rule the roost. Such a sad lessen she is teaching these kids, which is worse than the McDonalds meals!!! Lady, you're an embarassment to parents all over. Who you gonna sue next? Grandma?
This is just stupid. If you don't want you kids to have the toys, don't buy the Happy Meals! Better yet, don't go to McDonalds. Prepare a meal together, at home. If you must eat out, then tell them no Happy Meals, or make Happy Meals a treat for doing well on a test or something. You're the parent... not them. Just tell them no. Now, if you're one of those parents that says no, the kids whine, and then you give in and say yes... then it's your own fault your kids won't listen to you. And if you don't change that now, gods help you when they become a teenager.
And you can, you know, actually buy them toys . I'd even bet you could buy them cheap toys that were higher quality and that they would enjoy as much as a McDonald's toy.
Thank you! Maybe she should turn off the tv. She could have tried talking to her kids about the problem in the first place instead of just saying no, no, no all the time. It's about as dumb an idea as me suing her for getting upset after reading this article.
Just turn off the tv? Ever walk around a dark neighborhood at night and glance in the windows... ITS ALL TV. We dont turn it off. . . Just stating the facts
A big AMEN! to that. If she wins I will sue the judge who decided she should win.
i can NOT believe she is doin this!!! IF U HAVE A HARD TIME SAYIN NO TO YOUR CHILD EVERYTIME YOU GO TO MCDONALDS THEN MAYBE YOU SHOULD STOP TAKING THEM!! this is jus plain stupid!!
What we see here is a fundamental breakdown in parenting. It’s not the happy meals or the toys or McDonalds but the parenting or lack of parenting that is the problem. Kids will want things like toys. They are going to want to eat burgers. (by the way these meals have healthy choices but she would know that if she went to McDonalds). They are KIDS. You a parent and you decided for the next 18 years what is good and what is bad. What I have a problem with these “everyone gets a trophy” parents forcing their agenda on the rest of America. If California wants to ban happy meals and they succeed, cool but don’t bring that crap to Texas or the rest of America. Despite this frivolous lawsuit there are millions of parents that actually do not need the government to step in to do their job.
GO MICKEY DEES!!!
Another reason Texas is wack... dont worry Joe Bob, I ain't going there.
Can we ban Texas after we kill happy meals? Nothing but steers and queers there.
anyone who says GO MICKEY DEES in all caps needs his texas head examined.
Whats wrong with TExas? Maybe you didnt know, Texas is mostly people from other states fed up with this chiut.
The woman sueing McDonalds over their Happy Meal. She's a retard and her head should go into a shop for repairs. Is she that stupid that she can't simply say "No!"... to her children? Growing up my parents were old school. They may have hated at times having to say no. But they were never afraid to say..."No!" I'm getting sick and tired of hearing how for any reason, or any excuse. People will sue at the drop of a pin. "Some people truely will do anything for the sake of money!"
I think all of this is crazy. I ate there when I was little and I'm sure alot of adults did when they were kids. My 2 in half year old daughter loves mcdonlads and she's not over weight and my 1 yr. old daughter loves it too. Just because this woman can't say no to her kids doesn't me she should sue mcdonalds and try to ruin it to other people that don't have a problem with it. To me just because they give toys away doesn't mean you have to give it your child they even have healty foods and drinks in the happy meals. All I'm saying is she should think about blaiming herself for poor judment before she starts ruining for all the other children in the world that has parents that can make good choices on their kids happy meals.
When I was a child back in the 70s, I chose my breakfast cereal according to the toy inside the box. They don't put toys in cereal boxes anymore, and children are fatter than ever. It's not the toy!
I cant believe this is the society we live in. This mother is 1 year older than I and I recall the things my parents said. I would scream for the toys, kick, pout and say I hate you. My mother would just turn and say, "I dont do this to make you love me today. I do this so you will love me in the future" and that was usually followed by "If you dont stop your screaming and crying I WILL GIVE you something to cry about!" I miss those days!!!!
My dad had no problem telling me NO growing up.You just knew if you went to any store with dad do not even bother to ask for anything. It was very simple NO...repeat No...repeat...they will get the hint.It's the same thing with dinner all together.Friends talk about how they make one thing for the adults and a multitude of things for each child.Growing up at our house if you didn't like what was served you better fix yourself something to eat.I ate a lot of cereal growing up!!
I have 2 children 9 and 11. This is NOT a McDonald's problem. It is a parenting problem. We took our kids to McDonald's, they had apples instead of fries, Juice or Milk, not soda. Is it hard to say "NO", not really. it is a one syllable word. They didn't collect all the toys and in fact many times we simply went some place else. It is OK to say NO. My parents used it, their parents, and my wife and I use it. We also explain healthy eating versus unhealthy. Don't blame McDonald's or Burger King or Wendy's for poor parenting.
OMG! Why is everybody so upset here?
I think Litigation is the best way to show how much you care about your loved ones. If you can’t sue someone else, how can you prove that you are better than them?
I would so love to follow this family through the rest of their lives. I wonder how many times mom is going to sue someone because her children shouldn't have to be told no. Can you see it now: Mommy, didn’t get the job, they said I wasn’t qualified. No problem, Mommy will just sue them so that they can change the qualifications so that you qualify.
Here is my question, isn’t there a sanity requirement for people to have kids? Children's Services better keep a close eye on this family. The next news article might be:
I am suing the NRA because my child wants a gun because of its unique shape. The NRA has a responsibility to take all the work out of parenting for me.
I still can't believe this woman would actually put her name out there. Now those kids will ridiculed every day they go to school.
I wonder if she can sue the school for accepting kids that tease other kids.
Oh wait! Maybe she can sue the parents of other kids for telling their children what a lazy ass loser of a mother.
DREW GRIFFIN of CNN owes an apology to every overweight child in the world. While commenting on a mother's lawsuit against McDonalds (her child is obsessed with happy meals) he said the following about the woman's child on the air on a Saturday afternoon; "...if little fatty can't control himself...why should my child have to suffer..."
My disgust with Drew Griffin's statement has absolutely nothing to do with the merits of the lawsuit. I believe McDonalds needs to be more responsible about what they offer customers and how they target children knowing children have poor impulse control. I also believe it is the parent's responsibility to teach their children what's healthy and what is not, and I can go on for an entire book about BOTH McDonalds and the parents being at fault, but that's not what I'm upset about. It has to do with name calling by a grown man, a professional, a so-called journalist; making derogatory and hurtful statements about a child's appearance and personality because he disagrees with that child's mother's actions. His words will hurt not only the child the report was the subject of, but also hurt EVERY overweight child in the world that hears his words. AND his irresponsible statement will only serve to continue the cycle of abusive actions and words against overweight people; perpetuating one of last accepted prejudices.
Watching the news this afternoon on CNN and was appalled by DREW GRIFFIN of CNN on the show "Legal Briefs". He and the producers of CNN owes an apology to every overweight child in the world. While commenting on a mother's lawsuit against McDonalds (her child is obsessed with happy meals) Griffin said the following about the woman's child on the air on a Saturday afternoon; "...if little fatty can't control himself...why should my child have to suffer..."
My disgust with Drew Griffin's statement has absolutely nothing to do with the merits of the lawsuit. Although I believe McDonalds needs to be more responsible about what they offer customers and how they target children knowing children have poor impulse control I also believe it is the parent's responsibility to teach their children what's healthy and what is not, and I can go on for an entire book about BOTH McDonalds and the parents being at fault, but that's not what I'm upset about. It has to do with name calling by a grown man, a professional, a so-called journalist; making derogatory and hurtful statements about a child's appearance and personality because he disagrees with that child's mother's actions. His words will hurt not only the child the report was the subject of, but also hurt EVERY overweight child in the world that hears his words. AND his irresponsible statement will only serve to continue the cycle of abusive actions and words against overweight people; perpetuating one of last accepted prejudices.
Overweight people are prejudge because they are over weight for a reason. They dont know what to eat and are lazy. Bar a few medical conditions that pretty much covers "fat" people. I know...I use to be one until i got smart.
I have three children, two of which are in elementary school. I believe at least two times a day, one of my children will ask us to buy them this toy, or that toy. Take them here, or there. It is one of the prices of parent hood. I did it to my parents when I was that age. This woman is completely ridiculous to believe that a lawsuit against a particular fast food chain will work. Good luck with that! She might as well begin suing everything else with some sort of advertisement currently within the United States. In a report I recently watched regarding this, a person was asked what they thought about this lawsuit? Her answer was simple, "Are you going to be the parent, or are you going to allow your child tell you what you are going to do?"
The bitch is just trying to make a quick buck. Case Closed. If anything, McDonalds should counter sue her just to shut her up
People like this make me sad for my species. What a disgusting piece of trash lawsuit. You could apply this to just about any type of marketing about any type of product. It isn't the people on Capital HIll that are expanding our government, it is dip-shits like this woman who bog down our judicial system with communist lawsuits like this. Puke.