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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to wonder what happened to 'proper' mealtimes?

222 replies

undercoverPrincess · 29/03/2012 10:47

Just lately all the kids parties we go to seem to involve serving food (mostly sandwich type buffets but at one McDonalds) at times that are between mealtimes (between 2 and 3pm)?

I just don't get this, I try really hard to get into a good routine and give my children a good attitude regarding what they eat / snack on and when and I don't like them being re-fed between meals?

One party started at 12.30 so I didn't know what to do, I have DD a snack before but the food came out at 2 so the kids that hadn't had lunch like my DD were probably starving. Then come teatime she didn't want her proper dinner.

We have been invited to another party like this next month and I'm sorely tempted to refuse the invite but will feel bad as I know my DD will want to go :(

OP posts:
scuzy · 29/03/2012 10:49

surely a day off your routine wont kill them!!!

MrsCarriePooter · 29/03/2012 10:50

I'd offer you a Biscuit but it's 10 to 11 and don't want to spoil your lunch.

Let it go. It's a party, not everyday. Refusing a party invitation because it will mean eating at a different time from normal is a complete over-reaction.

Ragwort · 29/03/2012 10:51

Don't sweat the small stuff Wink - in the grand scheme of things, does it really matter?

StrandedBear · 29/03/2012 10:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Groovee · 29/03/2012 10:51

Kids parties have always been like this. It doesn't bother me to be honest.

Scholes34 · 29/03/2012 10:52

That's the beauty of children getting older, you don't always have to stick to routines. Funny meal times now and again won't hurt.

diddl · 29/03/2012 10:52

It´s a kids party-it happens when convenient & there´s food available.

It´s not a substitute for a meal-although fine if it happens that way!

Original poster
undercoverPrincess · 29/03/2012 10:53

Yes but it's not so much that, it's the fact I feel that it is a case of overfeeding children as most of them have lunch at 12, there is also so much waste at these parties.

I don't think it is a good habit for kids to get into eating a meal at 12, a meal at 2.30pm and then another meal at 5ish? I always arrange out parties so that the kids are fed properly but at 12-1 or at actual teatime.

OP posts:
scuzy · 29/03/2012 10:54

sp you would not let your kid go to a bday party they were invited to as they food would be served at a different time to your routine? thats crazy! and very unfair on your child.

bigjoeent · 29/03/2012 10:55

Lighten up, they're just going to stuff themselves on cakes and biscuits anyway. Yes eating regularly and proper food is important but so is making friends and learning to behave in social situation.

IceCreamCastles · 29/03/2012 10:56

I don't see the problem really. I usually give dd a substantial snack before a party, let her eat as much as she wants (usually lots) at the party and don't worry if she doesn't eat much dinner.

Some children don't seem to eat much at parties- perhaps because they've already had a meal before going and that's fine too.

Morloth · 29/03/2012 10:56

Dude, chill.

scuzy · 29/03/2012 10:56

what kind of parties are we talking? are they sit down 3 course meals? all parties my ds goes to is sausages and nuggets that he may or may not eat as he is too busy playing! if i feel he ate enough at party will do for his tea if not will give him something when he comes home. i mean seriously!

belindarose · 29/03/2012 10:56

It's not a 'habit' though, it's a party. I have guests coming today. We'll spend most of the weekend eating - nice breakfasts, picnics, cafes, takeaways. Doesn't mean we'll all expect the same next weekend.

BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack · 29/03/2012 10:56

Well, personally if DS was going to a party and they were eating say at 2 then he would have a small snack before he went to tide him over.......I seriously cant see what the big deal is.

Pick your battles, in the grand scheme of life, eating out of the "normal" mealtimes is nothing.......at weekends we dont have mealtimes, we eat when we're hungry!

IceCreamCastles · 29/03/2012 10:57

But it's not a habit- it's a special occasion

CurrySpice · 29/03/2012 10:57

Erm, I don't know how to say this kindly but...well get over it. And yourself.

It's not every day. It's a party. It's supposed to be fun

I think that's probably the most joyless op I've ever read

imnotmymum · 29/03/2012 10:57

I just wish I was that organised to feed my kids at 12 then 5 !!! And I doubt one meal at a one off party would cause a habit undercover!!! That is why I love school holidays, brunch at 11, tea at 4 supper...

scuzy · 29/03/2012 10:58

bogjoeent i totally agree.

HipHopOpotomus · 29/03/2012 10:58

how many parties are your DC going to? How is the odd party habit forming when it comes to eating habits?

I think you are making a mountain out of a molehill.

chopchopbusybusy · 29/03/2012 10:58

Yes, but what's actual tea time for you is not necessarily when others have dinner. My children have never been used to having dinner at 5. Just adjust your times on party days.

thirdfromleft · 29/03/2012 10:59

I agree. If you let them go it will lead to a path of obesity, lax morals, and ill discipline. Dare I say it will probably torpedo their chances of getting into Oxbridge. Grin

Olivia34 · 29/03/2012 11:02

Bloody hell Is that all you have to worry about? Day off won't kill em will it?

Agincourt · 29/03/2012 11:02

we have had lunch at almost 4 sometimes Blush and then a later supper. I always think children are fine to have lunch later as long as they have a snack like a banana midday ish but my children are older.

Methe · 29/03/2012 11:03

Is this a joke?

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