Parental Filter

I definately try to keep my childs diet as healthy as possible but I also allow him the occasional treat of eating McDonalds. To deny a child from eating what they want is just going to teach bad food habits in the long run. Children need to learn how to balance treats with a steady diet of healthy foods. Thet also allow you to substitute apple slices for french fries and chocalte milk for the soft drink. My son actually prefers the milk and apples which goes to show that by teaching them to make healthy choices they will. More often than not he also chooses the chicken over the burger.

We don't. My oldest was 5 before he had his first happy meal and he hardly ate it. (thank goodness) We very very rarely eat any fast food. We eat an organic and natural diet. My oldest is learning about food choices and hopefully what we have taught him will stay with him a long time.

yes, i agree that its not good. fast foods some where is effective but everyone prefers to have fast foods these days because its found easily anywhere and even it tastes good.

it's a rare treat for my son to have fast food, and even then, we make the decision to have fruit and milk instead of a carbonated drink and french fries. I am happy about this option - just wish more people would take advantage of it.

I allow my child only on weekends. Though, I really have problems feeding my 3-year-old and sometimes fast foods are the only food that I can make her eat.

We may eat at McDonald's once a month, if that. When we do, I let my 2 year old have the french fries, but she always gets the milk or juice. Its actually my hubby who has the worst food habits of us all. He'd eat nothing but fast food, if I'd let him. All those years of being a truck driver has affected his food choices because I know his mom didn't let him eat just McDonald's growing up.

Like many other things in life, I think it's fine in moderation. But that means that you need to still make the better choices. Chicken nuggets a time or two a month are a lot better than a Big Mac (tm) once a week. They can also get milk with their regular hamburger... that way they can feel like other kids but not make really bad choices. Also check for the fruit and salad choices most of the fast foods offer now.

That one can be a bit scary. It is a fact that a child will never starve themselves. Even if they only live on milk for a while they will be fine. Try to continue to offer your child healthy food several times during the day without fuss. No begging, threatening, etc.. When he/she is truly hungry they will eat.

My kids are allowed fast food once in a while, but I wouldn't want them to eat it on a regular basis as I can provide better & cheaper at home. I think that the key thing we have to do as parents is educate our kids about food so that they're able to make these sort of decisions themselves when they're older.

I think that sometimes circumstances dictate that they have a little (like travelling and nt bein g fully prepared or the food runs out), but effort should always be made to have balanced meals especially for kids.