Thoughts on Giving Children more than just a Happy Meal

MamaBear5445

Hi, I am looking for other's opinion on this. We hardly ever get takeout, but when we do get McDonald's, my family seems to think that some kids need more than just a kids meal. I don't think they do and if still hungry eat some healthy fruit/vegetables to fill in the corners. I strongly disagree with parents giving their under 10 child an adult McDonald's meal. Am I alone on this?

COGypsy

I think parents should make their own decisions about their children and what they're fed. What I do or don't agree with has nothing to do with it.

AnnPT77

I think it's going to depend on the kid. If it's a rare thing, and the child likes the Happy Meal and doesn't say they're still hungry or ask for more food, I think the Happy Meal is fine.

If they aren't full, then what to fill in with or what to substitute seems like it will vary. I know some children who'd be unhappy if they didn't get that Happy Meal, so filling in with something additional might be sensible. What to choose for best results is some combination of what the child wants, and what the rest of their day is going to look like in calorie/nutrition terms.

It's possible that some children may need more calories/nutrition than the Happy Meal will provide, for example if they're very physically active and large (height, physical maturity) for their age. In that case, it may make sense to substitute an appropriate-size adult meal if they want it, or supplement the Happy Meal as needed.

Maybe I'm reading too much into your brief post, but it feels like there might be a clash of theories going on in your family dialog, with strong feelings on both sides. If that's true . . . honestly, it's just food. The actual foods in a Happy Meal aren't dramatically different from the foods in a adult meal. It seems like it's more about the presentation, portion size, and the toy.

The child's preferences matter, especially if it's a rare thing, doubly especially if it's a rare treat in their eyes. A lot of arguing or emotion over something abstract like "adult meal or Happy Meal", "adult food or healthy side" - if happening in the child's presence - can make food/eating a bigger deal than is really compatible with healthy attitudes toward food. Making it a battleground seems problematic to me.

MamaBear5445

Thank you @COGypsy and @annPT77 for your insight. I realize now I am in the wrong here. In my mind, I can't seem to fathom a child needing an adult sized meal from a restaurant just because it is meant for an adult. But I realize now, I was wrong on this. Thank you.

Alatariel75

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48728029#Comment_48728029

Honestly, I spent the weekend with a friend of mine and her 2 boys, 10 and 8. They ate more than either of us, and burned it off. So many kids use up a ton of energy, a lot more than many smaller, sedentary adults.

Theoldguy1

You don't say the age/size of the kid, or what Happy Meal they're getting But if you look a the average, Happy Meal, it's almost 600 calories which is more than enough calories for most kids. They may feel hungry due to the lack of fiber, but it's most likely enough calories if they eat 3 meals a day.