Addendum to the Mother's Manual

It goes without saying that being a parent is the hardest job in the world, on so many levels. The crying, screaming, whining, incessant demands, and that's just the parents. The kids are worse. Quite a few times I caught myself saying "how many times do I have to tell you?" (embarrassing, I never thought I'd be one of "those" parents). But, as parents, it's our job to set standards, even raise expectations. That's why, when we say threaten something we have to mean it. Putting forth an aura of confidence and stability says don't mess with us, we can take the pressure. Parenting is not for the weak at heart!

Straight from this morning's Sacramento Bee (the most liberal paper I have ever read, but the only paper in Sacramento so I really have no choice): "Suit blasts McDonald's over Happy Meals".

Summary:

A Sacramento area woman is combining forces with the Center for Science in the Public Interest to sue McDonald's because they believe putting toys in Happy Meals is "deceptive advertising". Hello??? Yes, it is. McDonald's wants to sell Happy Meals. BUT you don't have to buy them. You can say NO!! (really, this parent is too funny). And I quote her, "I don't think it's OK to entice children with Happy Meals with the promise of a toy" Apparently, she tries to go to Mickey D's only once a month. Continuing, "But she said the requests increased this summer, thanks to the popularity of the Shrek Forever After....Needles to say, my answer was No...And as usual, pouting ensued and a little bit of a disagreement between us. This doesn't stop with one request. It's truly a litany of requests".

So, let me get this straight. Her kids asked her a bunch of times, annoying her, so she has to sue McDonald's? Can I sue Apple over requests for iPhones? Or Ferarri over requests for cars? (15 year old boy, here). What about ALL the times they ask to go on a "real" vacation. Can I sue the airlines? I mean, advertisers make Italy look pretty d**** nice. This lady needs a reality check. Kids ask for stuff. Say NO. If you can't handle it, tough. It's your job.



I wonder how she handles the cereal aisle?