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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU To Not Get Breakfast For DC?

33 replies

123Jump · 31/07/2014 08:49

My eldest DC are nearly 10 and 7. 10yo has mild AS, very limited diet.
Every morning they ask me for their breakfast. I have been at DC1 for years to get it himself, but it does take an age for him to change routine. He is finally starting to do it- but still asks me first!
DC2 has cereal and milk, and gets so annoyed at me for not getting it for him! They always say "But you are already up there?", meaning in the kitchen. And I am, but does that mean I have to get their breakfast?!
They also do this with drinks throughout the day. Every time I would be near the sink, "Can I have a drink, please?" I have finally stopped doing this, I just say no, get it yourself. But AIBU to do this?
They will wait until I am at the sink and then ask, instead of ever getting up to do it!
To clarify, we have a large kitchen/living area combined.So just passing through will put you near the stuff for breakfast/drinks.

OP posts:
123Jump · 31/07/2014 13:24

Thank you for the responses.
I think I will go with what some have suggested. If I'm making a drink for myself I'll make one for them. Otherwise they get it themselves.
Glad that INBU.

They do have chores that are rotated on a weekly basis, putting out bins and sorting and doing the washing.

Aprilanne, your post has made me feel sad. I would be ashamed if I allowed my sons to grow up without being able to look after themselves. Surely it is your job as a parent to teach your kids basic life skills?

OP posts:
MummyPig24 · 31/07/2014 14:14

My eldest is 6 and is now starting to get his own drinks, he pours his own cereal and milk, he can't reach the bowls though. If he could, he would!

erin99 · 31/07/2014 14:42

April you're really not doing them any favours.

My 2 get their own breakfast. They are 5 and 7. We buy 4 pinters of milk so even the 5 year old can manage them, and we keep bowls in a low cupboard etc. The thing is that when they started they were so, so proud of themselves for doing it. I imagine you wouldn't necessarily get that same reaction from a teenager but I honestly think the ego boost they get from the independence is way more of a favour/gift to them than being waited on. Of course who knows what they'll be like when they are 15.

My dad was last asked to cook for me when I was 7. He made me do it, whether because he didn't know how or because it was girls' work I don't know. No way my son is going to grow up thinking food prep is too difficult or beneath him.

aprilanne · 31/07/2014 16:28

ok i take it on the chin .never thought of what any future daughter inlaws would think of my pandered children .

aprilanne · 31/07/2014 16:29

or more like me for the pandering

erin99 · 31/07/2014 21:56

April it's not for the sake of future daughtersin law and what they might or might not think of you. It's what skills do YOU want your DC to have when they leave home, and what attitude do YOU want them to have to the people they share their lives with? If you want the boys to stay with you until they find a woman prepared to 'do' for them, that might work out, but isn't it kinder to give them some basic household skills like how to clean a loo, or use a washing machine, or how often sheets need to be changed? And of course it should be both parents teaching this stuff, not just the DM. If your DP is waited on hand and foot then DSs will expect the same.

combust22 · 31/07/2014 22:01

" some basic household skills like how to clean a loo, or use a washing machine, or how often sheets need to be changed?" None of these are rocket science- I wasn't taught them as a skill, didn't take long to work out. Every washing machine is different anyway.

GothMummy · 31/07/2014 22:10

My 8 year old DS gets everyone's breakfast ready during the working week. Its his choice so so sometimes we eat really odd things or toast absolutely smothered in jam but he is so proud to do it. He also makes me a cup of tea in the morning and I am very greatful for that!

So not Yanbu - teach them to get their own cereal :)

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