When it comes to parenting, many mums and dads soon find that everyone seems to have an opinion on what they're doing - from what they feed their children, to how they discipline them and even what time they should be going to bed. And if they aren't being bombarded with criticism from others, they might be facing their own inner critic about whether or not they're doing a good job.
One mum has recently expressed concern about letting her two children enjoy a treat from McDonald's twice a month after going swimming. The parent anonymously took to Mumsnet to explain her situation and ask fellow users if she was being unreasonable to allow her three-year-old and 18-month-old to eat some fries from the fast-food chain.
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She shared the information on the online forum, explaining that her oldest child has a Happy Meal and she lets the younger have a few of the chips in the car on the way back from the drive-thru.
Interestingly, most people didn't see an issue with this as she had feared - but they did have questions about the drink she was giving her kids.
Her post read: "The 3-year-old has a happy meal. The 18-month-old has a few of the chips. That's it.
"I saw a mum give me one of those looks as I took some chips from the happy meal and gave them to the little one.
"Is this awful? Its only twice a month and only a few chips. Also the 18-month-old drinks diluted squash regularly.
"Am I being unreasonable to think in the grand scheme of things it's not that bad?"
People were quick to comment on the squash, with one person saying: "Why squash and not water? That's more odd than a few fries."
Another replied: "I agree, sugary (or sugary tasting) drinks is worse than fries."
Others didn't agree with giving kids the food or the drink, with a third proclaiming: "Tbh I wouldn't be impressed with your 3yr old having a happy meal. Chips I couldn't get worked up about, but meat from McDonald's is so incredibly processed and full of salt and other s**t, I absolutely would not give that to a child.
"RE the diluted squash, I think that's a bad call for a kid so young - all they need is water and milk - it will just give them a taste for sweet stuff and that will cause lots of problems down the line."
However, not everyone thought it was a problem, with a different user adding: "Some people will think this is appalling others will think it's fine. You always face judgement as a parent whatever you do. We pick our battles. My son is autistic and I get the worst looks constantly. You have to just brush them off."
Someone else agreed, writing: "A few fries aren’t going to hurt and ppl have given their 18-month-old worse than that before I’m sure. I remember 6-month-olds being fed Milky Bar chocolate to pacify them. So long as your kid is being fed what does it matter."
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
