To think that 8 p.m. is too late for children to eat their tea?

[whatever5]

Dh cooks tea for us all on Saturday (I cook during the week) and as usual he is outside having a beer in the garden at 7 p.m. rather than getting on with cooking.

He can't see the problem and thinks that I am being unreasonable and "controlling" to be annoyed that the children (age 9 and 12) won't get any food until 8 p.m.

Am I being unreasonable?

[pompeii]

Depends what time they got up and what they've eaten today. And what activities they have done.

[thebody]

No think that's perfectly ok. They aren't babies so 8 pm on a sat is quite normal.

[maja00]

Guess it depends if they are hungry or not? I don't think an 8pm dinner is too late on a saturday for older children though.

Can't they just have a snack to keep them going if they're ravenous?

[thebody]

Point them to the fruit bowl.

[peppersquint]

That's normal here in France - every evening dinner is at 8pm at the earliest not just weekends - and that's for tiny ones as well. So I guess YABU but maybe not so much if the children are used to eating at an earlier time

[valiumredhead]

We've only just eaten but ds and his mate had a snack about 4 pm to tide them over our they wouldn't have lasted.

It's the weekend, it's fine, pretend you're on holiday and abroad

[KirjavaTheCat]

Saturdays are different though aren't they? It's supposed to be a bit relaxed and snacky. Or it is in my house at least. I agree, point them to the fruit bowl.

[valiumredhead]

Or not our

[primallass]

Perfectly OK in my book.

[YDdraigGoch]

Are they moaning that they're hungry, or are they happily occupied with something?
What time do they go to bed?

If the kids are OK, then I don't see the problem. Chillax!

[LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726]

1. What is he cooking and how long will it take?
   
2. Does he have everything he needs or does he need to go out and get anything?
   
3. What time did your children have lunch?
   
4. Are they mithering or fine to wait until 8pm?
   
5. Will it be ready by 8pm?
   
6. What time do you usually give the family dinner?
   
7. Does your DH chivvy you along or intervene/interfere in any way?
   
   Depending on your answers, it's the weekend. Your children aren't that young and if they're happy to wait until 8pm to eat, that should be enough for you.

[whistleahappytune]

I understand your point OP, but can you not be a bit more relaxed on the weekend? I would say it is too late on a school night, but I get a bit more "Mediterranean" on the weekend and on holidays. Also, age 9 and 12 are old enough to cope - not like they are 4 or 5 years old.

So YABU. Have a glass of wine and go with the flow. Enjoy the fact that DH is cooking tea.

[tumbletumble]

Wait till they are complaining they're starving, tell them no snacks as it's nearly supper time and send them out to DH if they wish to discuss further.

If they don't start complaining then YABU.

[youmeatsix]

sounds fine to me too, you sound like my mother, she thinks its neglect ours would soon shout up if they were hungry before that

[ChunkyPickle]

Seems pretty OK to me - DS is 3 and doesn't eat until 7:30/8pm most nights, then gets to bed at 8:30.

I wouldn't want to eat much earlier (and DP wouldn't be home), and I don't want DS or DP eating alone, so a family dinner then seems just fine to me.

[whatever5]

They normally eat at about 6.30. They are very hungry now (and every other Saturday).

[valiumredhead]

One of the things I love about the weekends now ds is older is that all routine flies out the window and we pretty much do what we like.

[ImTooHecsyForYourParty]

Are they hungry? If so, they could snack on some fruit

[Hassled]

If they're cranky with hunger then YANBU.
If they're fine and dandy and enjoying a summer's evening, YABU.

[Hassled]

X post. If they're hungry he should get off his arse.

[aldiwhore]

YABU.

Perhaps with younger children who are absolutely famished on a school night you might not BU.

In many countries, families don't sit down to eat until 9pm. My friend from Barcelona found it very strange that our children eat at 6pm, yet my friends think it's too late.

I think some routine is important, so you can regulate hunger, but I'm all for breaking it at the weekend.

[ImTooHecsyForYourParty]

X post.
So give them some fruit or a piece of toast.

[Chopchopbusybusy]

I think it's fine. They could eat something now to keep them going. Think of it as a starter.

[Mintyy]

My dc are 9 and 12 and they haven't had their dinner yet. They are watching a dvd with their Dad while I pootle around on the internet. They'll be fine.

[valiumredhead]

They just need to have a snack earlier OP, it's no biggy.