LilSugar

What Do You Think of the Phelps–McDonald's Deal?

babysugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:00:08 -0700

A growing epidemic, childhood obesity is an issue for many American families. Fast food chains make it easy for parents to grab meals on the go, and the low price points of sugary drinks and dollar menus make them irresistible to those on a budget. But, that won't keep the major brands from advertising to your tots or paying big time faces to promote their product.
Groups like the Children's International Obesity Foundation are irritated with golden boy Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps for signing endorsement deals with McDonald's and Kellogg's as it may encourage youngsters to steer toward those choices. While the endorsements will link the famed athlete to the brands, it may also give parents talking points. Although the championed sportsman consumes "unhealthy" fast food meals, he clearly balances his diet with lots of exercise.
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McMoms Tell It Like It Is

YumSugar — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 08:01:31 -0700

Not so surprisingly, a recent survey states that 90% of moms think it's important that fast-food restaurants provide info about the food they're serving. What is surprising is that McDonald's heard their concerns and is inviting moms to go behind the counter in order to discover how the food is prepared. Their new "Moms' Quality Correspondents" are planning on meeting with McDonald's chefs, nutritionists, suppliers, execs, and more. They'll also be able to check out new products and supplier facilities.

The interesting thing about all of this? The McMoms will be blogging about their experience (well, sort of, I'm sure McD's will have some sway in what they say since it's hosted on their site). However, as Susan Forsell, McDonald's VP of US Quality Systems stated:

"These are real moms, with real opinions and real questions about the
food they are feeding their families.

It will be interesting to see where they go, and what they discover, but something tells me if something goes wrong, that won't show up in the journal.

Source: PR Newswire

McDonald's: Serving Burgers and Families For 50 Years

LilSugar — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:00:10 -0700

Many children have gazed up at Mickey D's famous golden arches on their way in to grab a burger, chicken nuggets, french fries or a sundae with their parents. Today the company celebrates its 50th anniversary. Who doesn't remember sitting on the swivel chairs with school friends and biting into the crunchy sliced pickle that was always perfectly centered in the sandwich? McDonald's aptly titled Happy Meals put a smile on tots' faces while their moms and pops noshed on a Big Mac or Filet-O-Fish. Sometimes even Ronald McDonald or the Hamburgler made an appearance and then it was time to hit the brightly colored playground that was attached to the establishment. Children were so smitten with the fast food joint that they threw their birthday parties there but is the love affair with drive through and paper wrapped entrees a thing of the past? To see why I ask, read more.

As a parent raising two youngsters in a foodie city, I've never taken them to McDonald's. Fast food isn't really in the cards when we consider our meal options. For about the same price we would dole out at a pull up window, we can pick up burritos made with fresh ingredients from a local taqueria, Middle Eastern pita sandwiches or Thai noodles. I wouldn't pitch a fit if a friend or family member took my children to a fast food joint, but for reasons of nutrition and taste - it isn't my preference.

What are your thoughts on feeding kids fast food?

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When Mom's Away, the Kids Will Play

babysugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:30:00 -0700

Mommy's going on vacation without the wee ones leaving daddy in charge. While many fathers are beyond capable of manning the house on their own, they often times need to be prepped like they're going into war. An instruction manual with schedules spelled out, babysitter information and playdate contacts are filed away for safe keeping should mother not answer the urgent call. But little does mom know...when she's away, the kids will play... at least differently from their usual routine.

Many pops are less than skilled in their cooking abilities, which means trips to McDonald's are common. A happy meal and a ball pit all in one - what could sound better? While the babysitter may only visit the house on a typical Saturday night, she may be invited to keep the crew company all day so that dad can get some sane alone time to check a few things off his to-do list. And if he's feeling in a social mood, he may just rent a jumpy house for the heck of it and invite his momless buddies and their kiddos over for some brews and lemonade. And on any given day, solo dads and their offspring can be found wondering around amusement parks as they provide endless hours of entertainment and food. Some fellows take the kiddos to the ballpark or the museum for a lesson in sports or ancient artifacts.

What does your man do with your kids while you're catching up on some Mom-Me time?

Milk Savers: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

babysugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Mother's milk is often referred to as liquid gold, and for good reason. It's not like mommies can stop by the McDonald's drive-through and pick up a couple of bottles on a whim. Women who don't come by the boob juice easily may cringe every time they "let down" and release the coveted liquid without trapping it - an occurrence that happens frequently. While mom breastfeeds her child on one side, the other breast may leak and soil a nursing pad, leaving the drips undrinkable. Milkies came up with a pouch crafted to catch the breastmilk to keep the good stuff from going to waste.

Instead of slipping a typical nursing pad into a bra, breastfeeding mothers can use a Milk Saver ($26) to catch the juice so they can store it for future use. Would you give it a try?

Ecomomics: Have Tough Times Brought Out Junk Food?

babysugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:00:15 -0800

In these tough economic times, many families are struggling with putting healthy food on the table. A nutrient-rich, vegetable-filled salad with meat often costs significantly more than a fatty meal from the McDonald's dollar menu.

Parents trying to curb their food budget find that cheaper food prices translate to higher saturated fats and food coloring. In a price war, Kraft macaroni and cheese will almost always beat out the organic wheat pasta and marinara sauce. While many tots may rejoice in the presence of junk food, mommies might cringe with every lil bite they take.

Has your grocery list changed since the economy started to tumble?
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The Gifted Child: Toys for 6-Month Olds

babysugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:00:52 -0700

Going to your local toy store and asking the sales help for advice on a gift for a six-month-old can provide you with more opinions and deep explanations than you bargained for, never mind the fact that half the items are never in stock. Rather than risk disappointing the child’s parents, and wasting your time, stick with one of these items that is sure to make everyone happy (plus, you can just order them online and be done with your shopping!).

The colors and variety of activities on the LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table ($40) encourage kids to pull themselves into the standing position. Once they are standing they can groove to the different musical instruments, turn the pages of the book and hum along to the songs.

The adorable Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Learning Puppy ($22) lights up as he sings familiar songs and encourages your child to hug him and play along. You'll hear "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and "Patty Cake," as well as a funny little sneeze that to this day keeps my son laughing.

To see more gifts for six-month-olds just read more.

From the lights to the fun Caribbean-style music, the iPlay Flash Beat Drum ($22) gets your child to start banging the drum, or rolling it across the floor, with music that you won’t tire of either.

The entire Fisher Price Peek-a-Blocks ($32) collection is fun for little ones who like the colorful animals that are hidden in the blocks. The Sing and Sounds Farm model ($30) plays the familiar "Old McDonald’s Farm," which every child seems to love.

The lights and music from the Little Tikes Discover Sounds Boombox ($13) will mesmerize your little one and help you teach him or her how to push and spin. As your child becomes more mobile, it is an easy toy for them to tote around with them like a real "boombox."

I have always been a believer in buying gifts up to one age group up from a child's age. Either the parents can put them away for a later date, or they can help the child start to learn how to use the toy. The Playskool: Busy Basics - Busy Ball Popper ($20) is one of those toys that a six-month-old will definitely grow into. While a bit noisy, the sound of the balls popping out of the machine and the chaos they create will keep your little one mesmerized for hours.

Jessica Alba's Setting Herself up For Motherhood

LilSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:39:30 -0700

Fit for motherhood, Jessica Alba is this month's Fit Pregnancy cover girl. In the accompanying interview, the mama-to-be was vocal about how she and her fiancé, Cash Warren will raise their babe. While the actress suspects her baby daddy will sneak their tot to McDonald's much to her chagrin, she is serious about her maternal role. She said:

I don't want to be my child's friend; I want to be a mom. But I do want my child to come to me when they have problems and need to talk, so it's going to be about treading that line.

To see who Jessica looks to for advice, read more. And, the actress is already preparing for parenthood by taking note of Supernanny tactics. She said:

I watch the TV show Supernanny with Jo Frost, and it is so obvious, of course, when you are not in the situation yourself to go, "The kid is jacked on sugar all day long and you are arguing with them? Send them to a time-out chair or to their room!" But because the parents never established those rules, the kids are doing anything they want, and I look at that closely.

Did you have motherhood planned while you were pregnant? If so, what changed once your child was born?
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