As I was watching television the other night, a commercial for the old ‘Golden Arches’ (McDonalds) came on. “Join us for Family Night every Wednesday night between 4-7pm!” And in case you were wondering, this post is not sponsored.
The ad showed happy children and parents, happy employees, and all to the background music of Laverne Baker Tweedle Dee possibly one of the happiest songs ever recorded. Well, have a look for yourself:
They promise fun for the kids with a reading corner, games and crafts. Brilliant. But here’s my first thought: How about a broken family night, instead? I mean, family nights are great and all but what about us broken families? We may feel a little intimidated with family anything but make it BROKEN family and there’s a concept we feel comfortable with.
Instead of a reading corner for the kids, how about an in-house therapist? They could have their own designated table, McD’s could offer them a free meal. Parents and kids could take turns sitting with the therapist for a pre-set time. In house therapy on broken family night could offer healing, even more than a Big Mac or a chocolate McSundae.
I think I’m on to something. It could be a night where divorced moms and dads in the community could get together, commiserate, or simply enjoy the company of others going through the same issues as they are. “Would you like a side of fries with your therapy?” I can already hear the cute McDonald’s order taker.
I suggest this in jest but the more I think on it, the more I’m convinced it’s just what we need. Kind of like a IRL (in real life) therapy/tinder for single parents.
Forget regular family night. Isn’t that every night at McDonald’s? Let’s make Broken Family Night every Friday. Most divorced parents are home Tweedle-dee-ing alone, so let’s get them together. The ad voice over could say something like:
“Join us at McDonalds for Broken Family Night, Fridays between 4-7. It’s the divorce happy hour where broken families are pieced back together one chicken nugget at a time.”
Are you listening, McDonalds?
Forget regular family night. Let's make Broken Family Night every Friday at #McDonalds! In house therapy with a side of fries? Or meet and greet local divorced parents 🙂 @McDonalds Click To TweetMaybe I should give my niece a call. She’s kicked some ass over at McDonalds and now manages several locations…hmmm, she could pitch this to the McDonald’s Powers that Be.
Sometimes the best families are the ones God builds using unexpected pieces of our hearts.
― Melanie Shankle
What do you think Escapees? Am I on to something here? Would you go to broken family night with your kiddies if you were divorced?
Photo by Joiarib Morales Uc on Unsplash
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Melissa
December 18, 2019 at 6:56 amHi Lisa
This was a fun read!
A great idea for sure and enjoyed the chicken nugget phrase 🙂
Mel x
lisa
December 19, 2019 at 2:20 pmThanks, Melissa 😀
Tamara
November 27, 2019 at 7:15 amThat is a catchy song for the commercial.
When my father died, my mom could barely function and couldn’t cook and would take us to McDonald’s a lot. A lot lot lot.
It does make me think about what you’re saying here.
lisa
November 27, 2019 at 4:34 pmRight? It’s so dang happy. Aw, that is so tough, Tamara. Your memories of that time must be quite black. Thank goodness for little helpers like McDonalds. It really is a Mchappy place.
Jeff
November 26, 2019 at 7:06 pmI love the slogan suggesting of chicken nuggets mending families. I’m not sure how they’re to do that but then I’ve never been a fan of them, but the idea made me laugh.
lisa
November 27, 2019 at 4:33 pmThanks, Jeff. Well, chicken nuggets do wonders for a child’s mood 😀 Beyond that, I’m not certain either but I feel like there’s something here that might work.
Chrys Fey
November 25, 2019 at 2:10 pmI was/am in a broken family, but I’m not sure how I feel about calling it Broken Family Night. For some reason, it makes me feel shittier about my family and myself. But I like the concept that there should be something for the families who are struggling, torn, divorced, etc.
lisa
November 25, 2019 at 5:09 pmOh, dear. I’m getting a lot of flack for my title. It sounds negative but sometimes things, including families and people, have to break to get better. Awww, we need to brainstorm a new name for us!
Christine Carter
November 25, 2019 at 5:44 amLisa, I’m betting this would be a huge success! Brilliant idea!! My gosh, just think of all the people who would not only love this idea but how much everyone would benefit from the therapy and social opportunities to meet other people who are in need of support.
We just need a better name to make it work for the market that is more positive- but gosh, not sure what that would be!
lisa
November 25, 2019 at 10:05 amRight?! I love this idea, too. But you’re right that some may be turned off by calling it broken family night (even though that is what we are referred to). Still, it would really help those looking for some social support and a little fun. Plus, an in-house therapist would be awesome…just a quick little chat could really help. Thanks Chris, so glad you love this idea. 🙂
DGKaye
November 24, 2019 at 7:55 pmRight on my friend! Yes, love the ellipses 🙂
lisa
November 25, 2019 at 10:48 amThanks, Deb 🙂 😛
DGKaye
November 23, 2019 at 2:41 pmI saw the same commercial. I like your idea a lot and think it should be forwarded to the powers that be, but I’m sure the title may throw them off. Perhaps it’s just not a positive enough spin for them to call it ‘broken family night’. But perhaps we’ve also had enough of the politically correct and stop shadowing so much of what real families actually experience. I for one am all for broken family night. <3
lisa
November 23, 2019 at 4:52 pmThanks, Deb. I know the name Broken isn’t the best but it certainly explains it. Of course, McD’s could spin it differently or we could simply call it divorced family night 😀 Yes to this: “…stop shadowing so much of what real families actually experience.” Like my ellipses? Never has one seemed so sinister since the T***p administration.