Debate: Happy Meals

Kristin: I'm not trying to get all Paltrow on you, and I'm not a purist or anything ... but for realz. Enough with the Happy Meals. I'm busy, too. And I hate dinner on soccer night like I hate the Rotovirus, but drive-thru all the time is not the answer. Because in addition to it being unhealthy and gross, you are also stuck with two little-known and extremely tedious side effects: the proliferation of annoying, easily broken, free-with-purchase toys (many of which are noise-producing) and the constant barrage of pleading and whining every time you drive by McDonald's. No thanks.

Julie: I respect the power of the drive-thru. It's the ultimate carrot in my arsenal of mommy tricks. Is it an everyday thing? No. Not even an every week thing. But sometimes we get busy or sick or the witching hour strikes with the speed and ferocity of a cobra and I have to do something. So I buy them each a Happy Meal, and as if by magic, they cease to behave like trapped and caged howler monkeys, with the added bonus of me not having to cook dinner. I use it only when I really need it and I make no apologies. So suck it, haters.