To be eating like royalty while the kids are away?

[DuvetDayEveryday]

Older two DC are away for the week at camp, so it's just me, DH and the four year old who eats like a bird.

We did our online shop on Monday and realised we could buy a whole world of goodies for our usual budget as we don't have to feed the kids. Plus they are fussy buggers so a lot of things are off the menu when they're here (unless I cook two or three separate meals, which I do occasionally).

So yesterday we had crispy duck and pancakes and then roast lamb with sweet potatoes.

Today we had sort of huevos rancheros with avocado and some overpriced chilli mayonnaise, and we're having a duck breast salad with croutons for dinner.

The rest of the week we've got a hot hot curry, sea bass, stuffed chicken breasts and a couple of Pizza Express pizzas.

It's twice as much meat as we'd usually eat and there's no way we'd usually buy duck, especially not twice in the week, as although the kids love it it works out too expensive.

I'm feeling a teeny tiny bit guilty though. Some of it is stuff they wouldn't eat anyway but some of it (duck, roast lamb, pizzas) is treat food they'd love.

Aibu? I think I might be a bit.

[Hodooooooooor]

If children and parents like the same (slightly expensive) food, then yes either you all have it, or no-one does. That's fair to everyone. It's a bit sad when your kids eating decent food is seen as wrong

First of all, who on earth said anything at all about it being wrong for kids to eat decent food? No-one.

And no, thats not fair to everyone. Its not fair to the parents, at all. And that, like I said, is sanctimommy bullshit. Oh, I'm such a good parent, I sacrifice all of my own likes and desires, and never ever indulge in anything unless the precious darlings always get it too! Amn't I amazing?

No. You're just judgy and silly.

[squoosh]

Meh. They're away at camp no doubt having a ball. I think it's only proper that those at home get to have some treats too.

[VelvetSpoon]

If children and parents like the same (slightly expensive) food, then yes either you all have it, or no-one does. That's fair to everyone. It's a bit sad when your kids eating decent food is seen as wrong .

My DC love pasta bake, don't get me wrong. But I also don't deny them never have) steak, duck, salmon or similar due to cost, and keep it for myself; we tend to buy it on special, or in smaller quantities if I can't justify the expense.

[UterusUterusGhali]

Woah, I mentioned steak, but not because I feed my kids shite; they don't like hunk of cow. And they need carbs with every meal.

They eat very well, but I enjoy eating stuff they won't as we all eat together every day.

[Haroldplaystheharmonica]

phlebas I'm like you, the crappier food the better! And if OH is working, chances are the kids will get a proper tea but I'll have a bowl of cereal or a bagel. Then tea and biscuits for supper.

Bloody hell, now you've got me thinking about Findus crispy pancakes... can you still buy them?

[Hodooooooooor]

but I think having stuff they do like but you wouldn't normally buy for them because it's too expensive...that just seems a bit mean

So parents should never have anything they like because they can't afford to buy enough for everyone? Even though the reason they can't afford it is probably because they spend all of their money on the children?
That seems pretty mean to the parents. I hate this "children first always and every time" schtick. It's all a bit sanctimommy.

[VelvetSpoon]

I hate the idea some parents have (not necessarily saying this applies to the OP) that all kids will eat is processed shit, which then becomes an excuse for feeding it to them then eating fillet steak etc after they've gone to bed. Hate the idea of certain food not being good enough for children!

By all means use their absence as an opportunity to eat stuff you like but don't normally have because DC don't like it (we do this when DC aren't here. Although mine eat practically anything except pork products and liver) but I think having stuff they do like but you wouldn't normally buy for them because it's too expensive...that just seems a bit mean. Agree with the pp who said a treat everyone likes on their first night back would be a nice thing to do.

[phlebasconsidered]

On the one day a week I don't work I often eat food of questionable quality for lunch because I like it and the kids are not there to demand some. Those tins of beans and sausages on toast, pot noodles, even (whisper)Findus crispy pancakes. I basically do the reverse of OP. Corned beef. Spam. Supernoodles on toast. I know it's bad.

[nennyrainbow]

Why not get something a treat that everyone like (pizzas etc) for the first meal after they come back? Then you'll feel less guilty, and they will feel like you've done something special to welcome them home. They don't need to know what you've had inbetween.

[IPokeBadgers]

YANBU...absolutely go for it..would be rude not to!! ;-)

[DownstairsMixUp]

at babynail. Probably only feeds her children the finest organic corn fed free range chicken from her local farm shop. Go and be smug elsewhere dear.

[DuvetDayEveryday]

Well I feel a bit better about it now. Dinner was delicious and there's no way they would have eaten it without complaint (Salad? Ew. Croutons? Gross).

I'm afraid it's not even lovingly prepared home made nuggets they eat, but Birdseye Chicken Dippers. My children are heathens with no taste. Ds1 won't eat cheese or creamy sauces. DD doesn't like potatoes (other than chips) or any hint of spice or flavour. They do love pasta bake though. Out of a jar

[Longdistance]

Yanbu

My two are oop Norf at mil's. I'm loving eating stuff they don't eat. and it's quiet and tidy in the house

[UterusUterusGhali]

I get one day a week sans enfant when they are at their dads.

I look forward to it only for the food I can eat! and wine

A steak with salad or veggie burger usually. Stuff they hate.

No rice! They live on rice.

[PrinceHansOfTheTescoAisles]

YANBU....my kids are away and we dined at wagamama yesterday. Living the dream!

[Hodooooooooor]

Yabu to feed your poor children crap like nuggets and pasta bake

Theres always bloody one, isnt there? Go on, do tell us what you think is wrong with pasta bake?

[whois]

Yabu to feed your poor children crap like nuggets and pasta bake.

What is wrong with pasta bake???

[vvviola]

If DD2 is not with us for a meal (rare as she is only 4) we have either a hot curry, or lasagne or spaghetti carbonara (she's allergic to dairy and egg and won't eat spicy food). It's practically a rush to the shop to buy the cheese

YADNBU (but bribe the 4yo with extra sweets not to tell on you)

[honeysucklejasmine]

We ripped piss out of my parents for doing their food shop at Waitrose after we all moved out. Don't blame them though!

[WhatALoadOfWankers]

It's in the law of having children
We have a feast of seafood or really good steaks when it's just us

[Wolfiefan]

If it is a scouting camp they should have learnt how to forage surely? So you can keep on eating as you are and they can feed themselves!

[diddl]

Oops!

Missed the N out!

[diddl]

YABU.

[oldlaundbooth]

squoosh

[WriteforFun1]

Beatrice, can I come to yours? I don't have kids either but I find cooking so dull...I'll bring nice wine and wash up?

Op you should probably treat the kids to duck occasionally if they like it. I actually don't mind pasta bake.