Food at 4th bday party

My DS is one of the odd kids who doesn't like pizza. I want to do McDonalds instead because at least I know he'll eat. I plan on asking the kids parents if they prefer hamburger, cheeseburger, or nuggets and then I'll get a bunch of large fries. And of course I'm going to order extra for the adults.
I know that vast majority of my friends will be totally fine with this. But I have two people who don't let their kids eat McDonalds. Yet they're ok with them eating the fries. which makes no sense to me because they're probably the least healthy things. But whatever.
So do I offer something else for these two kids? I also plan on having a big bowl of fruit salad to serve with the cupcakes. Do you think that's fine? No one offers my DS another option, therefore I always feed him before parties because I know he won't eat there.

Message edited 1/25/2014 10:09:27 AM.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Where are you having the party?

If someplace local to you, I'd say make some grilled cheese sandwiches. It's inexpensive, can be eaten cool, and no kid in the world doesn't eat them. You can also order from a deli for a few bucks.

Another option is to order a single pizza, but it may ensue chaos, as people may prefer pizza.

Strange though. I would not have said anything of I was the other parents. My kids don't eat McDonald's, but they do have milk & apples & after the party, we went out for dinner.

BTW: you are def being considerate!

Re: Food at 4th bday party

It's a sports party at the Y. My DH would go out to buy the McDonalds about a half hour into the party. I definitely do not want him to have to make more then one stop. Grilled cheese may not be a bad idea. I can make a couple before we go and wrap them in aluminum foil.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Yes, I would bring some sandwiches of some sort for the few that don't want/can't eat the burger or nuggets. and just to clarify, yes fries are unhealthy but they don't usually have the hormones and other bad stuff that meat has in it. which is why to some moms, fries are ok and mcdonalds meat is not. but i dont think you need to go crazy with options. theyll eat what they eat and then theyll eat after the party if they are still hungry.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

I just meant that the fries struck me as funny because these moms have no issues giving their kids chicken fingers at a restaurant. They're both fried chicken, I just don't see the big difference.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Call me inconsiderate, but I don't think you're obligated to provide an alternative option.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

I would say skip ordering the adults mcdonalds and get a small sandwich platter. Buy all the kids mc Donald's and if the parent doesn't want their child to have it they can give them some sandwich.

Otherwise i don't think you have to give an alternate option. I wouldn't expect an alternate option if I was the mom that said no McDonalds

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Posted by nferrandi

My DS is one of the odd kids who doesn't like pizza. I want to do McDonalds instead because at least I know he'll eat. I plan on asking the kids parents if they prefer hamburger, cheeseburger, or nuggets and then I'll get a bunch of large fries. And of course I'm going to order extra for the adults.
I know that vast majority of my friends will be totally fine with this. But I have two people who don't let their kids eat McDonalds. Yet they're ok with them eating the fries. which makes no sense to me because they're probably the least healthy things. But whatever.
So do I offer something else for these two kids? I also plan on having a big bowl of fruit salad to serve with the cupcakes. Do you think that's fine? No one offers my DS another option, therefore I always feed him before parties because I know he won't eat there.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Food at 4th bday party

I am just going to add that mcdonalds fries are not just potatoes, oil, and salt. It's a potato like mixture which then is molded into that perfect fry shape. Tons and tons of chemicals and other garbage, including ingredients that are banned in other countries.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

I wanted to throw another idea out for you - my dd also does not like pizza for some strange reason- so for her birthday parties we get the standard pizza but we get her something else- usually I have the place that's making the adult food throw in a grilled cheese or ham and cheese. So maybe you can do that because I will make two comments of what you wrote above 1. I think most four year olds eat pizza or expect to have it served at a party- I know many many four year olds that just do not eat burgers and chicken nuggets (but they do eat fries so maybe that is where your friends are coming from ). And 2. I think it's kind of mean of you to turn around and bash your friends for their decisions regarding their own children just because it doesn't work as well for you - especially when you are asking them. I could say more but I will leave it at that.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Make it easy for yoursself I would just do pizza for the kids and do something different for yours.

Chloe was at her friends party yesterday at a bouncy place and her friend does not eat pizza... She just brought for her and e ery one else ate pizza...

Another idea is doing bagels instead of pizza.... We have had parties in the am just do bagels....

Re: Food at 4th bday party

I think if the parents know ahead of time it is their responsibility to provide an alternative. Like you said, no one makes it their problem that your son doesn't eat pizza.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

I ate mc Donald's as a kid & came out OK. Not like they are feeding the kids arsenic...

Come on guys, it is the kid's birthday, his day. Not right to have the food be something he doesn't eat. OP is griping about people saying they don't eat what will be served, which, no matter what the reasoning, is rude (on the part of the kids parents who don't eat the food served). Nice of OP to offer any alternative.

Message edited 1/26/2014 10:15:05 AM.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Posted by nycgirl


I ate mc Donald's as a kid & came out OK. Not like they are feeding the kids arsenic...

Come on guys, it is the kid's birthday, his day. Not right to have the food be something he doesn't eat. OP is griping about people saying they don't eat what will be served, which, no matter what the reasoning, is rude (on the part of the kids parents who don't eat the food served). Nice of OP to offer any alternative.

Message edited 1/26/2014 11:40:09 AM.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by nycgirl


I ate mc Donald's as a kid & came out OK. Not like they are feeding the kids arsenic...

Come on guys, it is the kid's birthday, his day. Not right to have the food be something he doesn't eat. OP is griping about people saying they don't eat what will be served, which, no matter what the reasoning, is rude (on the part of the kids parents who don't eat the food served). Nice of OP to offer any alternative.

Nobody has ever died from eating McDonald's once .
I think moderation and flexibility are great things to teach a kid.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Re: Food at 4th bday party

Posted by wakemeup

Posted by nferrandi

My DS is one of the odd kids who doesn't like pizza. I want to do McDonalds instead because at least I know he'll eat. I plan on asking the kids parents if they prefer hamburger, cheeseburger, or nuggets and then I'll get a bunch of large fries. And of course I'm going to order extra for the adults.
I know that vast majority of my friends will be totally fine with this. But I have two people who don't let their kids eat McDonalds. Yet they're ok with them eating the fries. which makes no sense to me because they're probably the least healthy things. But whatever.
So do I offer something else for these two kids? I also plan on having a big bowl of fruit salad to serve with the cupcakes. Do you think that's fine? No one offers my DS another option, therefore I always feed him before parties because I know he won't eat there.

I think this is one of the funniest things I have ever heard. Fries are worse than burgers made from god knows what? And processed cheese? I have no problem with McDonalds but I actually totally agree with those 2 parents, it's potatoes fried in oil with salt. At least you know what the ingredients are!

That being said, no, if the parents are aware ahead of time that you're serving McDonalds then they can do the same as you and feed their kids beforehand. My DD eats next to nothing in terms of "kiddie menu" food and I don't really worry about what will be served at parties.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

I wouldn't go crazy. Although we stay away from FF ultimately it's your sons birthday. If that is what he wants, it's his day. As a mom of a picky eater, and just in case it's something I don't feed my kids, I generally pack something in my bag. I think as long as you are providing a kid friendly meal it's ok.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

I would just do the McD's. If the kids don't eat it, they don't eat it. Have the apples, fries and drinks; plus cake. They won't go hungry in the few hours that is the party. I'd never expect somebody to order something special for my DD just cause she didn't eat what most other kids would eat at a party. She'd make do with what is there.

Re: Food at 4th bday party

And if we are going to split hairs... how healthy is pizza? Tomato sauce made from tomatoes grown with...gasp...pesticides! Cheese made with milk made bwith hormones. Flour made from wheat with GMOs.
And forget what's in that cake!
Birthday parties should be banned!
Put the kids in a bubble... stat!

Message edited 1/26/2014 4:23:48 PM.