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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have stopped cooking for my kids

231 replies

JMSA · 02/09/2024 23:27

Eldest is 23 and moving into her own place next week, so this doesn't really apply to her.
Younger ones are 18 and 15.
I'm a single mum who works full-time. I'm menopausal and exhausted. Most times I'll have cereal or toast, something really simple.
It occurred to me tonight that I've not actually made them food in a while. And I feel massively guilty. The food is there, they just have to fend for themselves a bit.
Other than that, I'm a very present and loving mum Blush
I do their laundry etc for them. But I simply can't be arsed to make dinners. Don't get me wrong, if they said 'mum, we really fancy your lasagne', I'd do it. But they probably wouldn't as I'm not the best cook anyway.
AIBU?

OP posts:
Beezknees · 02/09/2024 23:34

I'm a single mum working full time and I still cook for my 16 year old.

BirdFeederFun · 02/09/2024 23:33

What does your 15 year old eat???

Original poster
JMSA · 02/09/2024 23:32

Thank you. It was really only recently that I stopped. And it wasn't a conscious decision. It just sort of happened.
18 year old would eat healthily until the cows came home. 15 year old is tricky.
I need to up my game.

OP posts:
Jifmicroliquid · 02/09/2024 23:31

You don’t cook for your 15 year old?

What do they eat?

Featherrrr · 02/09/2024 23:30

I mean they're pretty grown up now. I don't think it's a huge problem. When did you stop making meals?

What kind of foods are they eating then? Are they still healthy or do they end up eating processed food as there's nothing cooked. If they are healthy and are actually bothering to cook themselves, then I don't see an issue but I think family meals can be really nice if you all chip in.

Ivehearditbothways · 02/09/2024 23:28

Do you see them eat? Are they getting nutritious meals? You’re buying the right ingredients and you’ve taught them properly so they’re eating well?
Posted too soon!

It’s fine for teens to make their own dinners, but really not all the time. Did the 18 year old go through their exams also have to cook for themself every day? You really do need to be making sure you’re feeding them properly when they’ve got masses of studying and exams to get through. You might be fine with cereal but they need better than that.

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