As we kick off one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year, restaurant giant McDonalds, and a couple of Latina moms, are teaching little ones important lessons. One is that giving a present is more important than receiving one. Another? Sharing is caring.
This is why, right now, at participating McDonalds’ restaurants nationwide, kids can get two “Pet Simulator” Roblox toys in one Happy Meal. There’s one to keep, and there’s one to give away, “to spark the joy of giving.” And it’s all in time for the annual “Giving Tuesday” holiday, which arrives on Dec. 3 this year.
“Sharing is such a big part of the McDonald’s ethos — whether it’s sharing your fries, your McNuggets or a McFlurry— and now we’re giving our youngest fans the opportunity to do that with their Happy Meal, too. This meal has two toys — one for you, and one for you to gift,” McDonald’s Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Brand, Content & Culture Jennifer “JJ” Healan explains. “Whether they choose to gift their extra toy to a family member, make a friend smile, or show kindness to a neighbor, it’s all about helping kids feel the joy of giving this holiday season.”
This is where the Latina moms and their podcast, Motherish, comes in.
Latina Moms Are Leading the Charge
To get the word out, McDonald’s is partnering with Latina moms Pamela Silva and Karen Comas, who dedicated the Season 3 premiere episode of their parenting podcast Motherish Moments, to inspire moms on how to encourage kids to be the gifter, not just the giftee, with the new Happy Meals. The episode, designed to spark joy during the season of giving, is on Univision, Spotify, Apple, and the Motherish Moments website. 
Who are these Latina moms on a mission? As a mom, and McDonalds’ French fry fanatic, I had to know more. Luckily, the two were kind enough to take a moment to explain it all to me/us, including how they’re using this special opportunity to create a new holiday tradition in their homes.
Whose idea was it to start a podcast on motherhood?
Pamela: The idea for Motherish came from my experience and need as a first-time mom who was juggling a full-time career and trying to maintain personal growth. I found myself searching for guidance and connection with other moms facing the same challenges.
That’s when I realized there was a space for this kind of platform where women could come together, share their stories, and support each other through the incredible journey of motherhood. After reading one of Karen’s blogs, I knew we’d make the perfect team. I’ve admired her for years—not just for her incredible work but for how she balances her professional success while being a mom. It’s so inspiring.
Karen: Pamela and I had been exchanging experiences as new moms, and the idea naturally grew from those conversations. We both felt the need to build a platform that could serve as a guide and a community for moms like us. It felt like the perfect collaboration
What was the goal of the podcast?
Pamela: Our goal was always to create a community, a safe space where moms could connect and feel understood. We wanted to talk openly about the highs and lows, the struggles and joys of motherhood, and show that no one has it all figured out. We’re all navigating this together, and Motherish is about growing as moms, professionals, and women.
Karen: It’s really about solidarity. We want to offer a mix of practical advice and emotional support by sharing our own raw, real experiences, along with those of other moms. Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also challenging, and we’re here to remind other moms that they’re not alone. Whether it’s the little victories or the tough days, we want to talk about it all honestly.
What have listeners told you about the show?
Pamela: The feedback has been so touching. Listeners have shared how much they appreciate the honesty and vulnerability. Many moms have told us that they feel less alone listening to the episodes, and that really means the world to us. Knowing that our stories and conversations resonate with them and maybe even help them feel supported or inspired — that’s everything.
Karen: It’s been so heartwarming! Moms have told us they feel like they’re sitting down with friends when they listen to us. Many have shared that they’ve laughed, cried, and felt comforted by our stories. That’s exactly what we hoped to create—a safe and relatable space.
Do you tackle topics that are specific to Latina moms?
Pamela: Absolutely. While the podcast is in English and intended for a broad audience, my identity as a Latina mom is a big part of who I am and naturally influences what we talk about.
There’s so much about our culture—the way we raise our kids, the traditions, the family dynamics—that shapes my approach to motherhood. I love sharing those experiences. It’s also why I continue creating content in Spanish on other platforms. Representation is so important, and I want to make sure Latina moms feel seen and heard.
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Karen: Yes, definitely. Being Latina is such an integral part of how I see the world and, of course, motherhood. Our perspectives as Latina moms naturally influence what we bring to the podcast.
What do you hope to accomplish by partnering up with McDonalds this holiday season?
Karen: We felt that McDonalds was a natural partner for us because the concept of their Pet Simulator Happy Meal for the holidays of coming with two toys– one for your child and one for them to practice the art of giving felt deeply rooted and aligned with the values that we have at Motherish.
We’re always trying to raise our kids in the best way possible and trying to find ways to improve and do things better than generations before but also understanding the pressures we have as moms and the million things we have to do. This happy meal is a simple way to do something important while also leaving time to do everything else.
Pamela: Exactly, at Motherish we want something that is simple, easy and meaningful. It’s sometimes hard to find that combination, especially during this time of year where we want to teach kids the importance of giving and generosity.
How have you taught your own little ones to give back?
Pamela: Leading by example, my mother was always instilling those values on us and it’s in our nature – especially from a culture perspective. We always want to put others first, and now we’re trying to teach that to our children from a healthy point. Finding creative ways and reminding them that it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Teaching your children that giving can be giving your time, donating your toys, being generous to other people and how they can get involved in doing those things.
What’s a unique holiday tradition in your family, that you hope your kids will pass down to their families?
Pamela: When I was talking to my mom about the episode, she showed me a picture of my whole family at McDonald’s during my sister’s 1st birthday. It took me back to true joyful moments with family and how simple and happy they were, sometimes we take those moments for granted. During the holidays I just really want to be present with my son, and not get caught up with the pressure and shows. The goal is to just keep the holidays simple, be present and really value the important things.
