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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I am not a personal chef!

373 replies

prettymushrooms · 23/06/2021 15:22

Back story
I WFH i am the main cook and I do the shopping.
DH self employed works very very long hours - sometimes depending on how big the job won't get home until 10pm.

There is no set arrangement when DSS will come to us, as he's old enough now to make his own arrangements he will just ring up last minute "Im on my way home" and that's the only notice we get. Sometimes if I'm lucky I'll get 24 hours notice. We can't refuse him because his mum sometimes doesn't come home at night, (don't ask - whole other thread needed for that!) so DH isn't happy with him being in the house on his own overnight as he gets scared very easily.

Because of this casual arrangement I have no idea how many people i'm cooking for, DSS has a large appetite so not like I can just give him a bit of mine and a bit of DH's - he would need a big portion. It isn't always things that can be frozen either and I'm reluctant to keep making extra portions on the off chance DSS will want to eat.

He also has allergies (not life threatening, just makes him itchy) so when he does come here if i haven't cooked something he isn't allergic to I then have to cook a whole different meal for him

Sometimes hes already had food when he comes here and isn't hungry, other times hes had food and still wants more when he gets to us, other times he hasn't had anything and I won't know until the last minute - we have our evening meal around 8pm on the nights that DH gets home at a reasonable hour so if DSS eats at 5pm after school he will want another meal at 8pm or depending how big the meal was he might not want much just something small.

DSS cannot cook for himself and in any case our kitchen is really really tiny so 2 people in the kitchen cooking at the same time would not work so it's always left up to me to sort. If he is at his mums he just orders takeway.

Three nights ago he had told us the day before he was coming to us and would be having food with us - great - i can then plan.
So i cooked enough for all three of us, ensured it wasn't anything DSS was allergic to, then he rocked up as i was plating up and casually said oh yeah i'm not hungry I had KFC with my mates half an hour ago...

DH doesn't think its a big deal and just says its fine, ill just eat his portion but its really not the point IMO! I think it's really disrespectful towards me as I'm the one worrying about what to buy, what to cook, having something quick in the freezer that i can just throw in the oven if he turns up.
DH doesn't worry because he doesn't have to plan, cook, go shopping and thinks i'm massively over reacting about something so petty.

AIBU to insist either he eats with us or he eats at his mums and to let me know which one within plenty of time??
He's a very sensitive soul so bringing this up usually leads to floods of tears that its not his fault he was hungry so he already ate etc - of course i'm not saying he shouldn't eat if he's hungry but to at least let me know??

OP posts:
Graphista · 24/06/2021 14:10

OP needs a bigger freezer

Seriously the narrow minded view of so many on this thread beggars belief!

She has neither room nor money for a bigger or additional freezer - she's said this. I don't either, not everyone lives in homes where this is possible

@SingToTheSky thank you - and exactly! Being capable and independent really boosts their confidence and self esteem which this lad could really do with from sounds of things

My dd had her moments of thoughtlessness too - that is typical teen behaviour BUT we don't as parents have to accept it. This is when you point out to them that they have been thoughtless and inconsiderate and not to do so in future plus natural consequences (not getting to eat same as op and dh in this case)

I regularly had as many as 5 extra for dinner as that was the size of her wee "gang" she was close to - not a problem as long as either I had enough notice or she did the cooking which she was perfectly capable and happy to do. It was usually very basic/cheap fare as I was on a budget, plus I'm disabled so I can't spend ages standing in the kitchen making a risotto - but tasty nonetheless - pasta and tomato based sauce, bean chilli, stovies, casserole if I had enough notice...

The other families also fed the "gang" as a group they seemed to sort of rotate among the homes dependent on which parents were home which days which was dependent on shift working, what clubs/activities other siblings and parents had etc such that it settled into a bit of a routine eg I'd tend to get them on a mon and maybe a thu as that was when the other families were out/busy, dds BFF family tended to have on a sat as that's when that mum had her parents and in laws over for a family dinner and they had a big family anyway (4 kids, plus parents each from big families) so that was when she'd do a big batch cook of something, another family did a pizza night on a Friday and bought in pizzas from a local takeaway (cash rich time poor) and that was their way of connecting in a positive way with their children and their friends...

You get the idea, also yes I was on a tight budget but 4/5 nights a week I wasn't feeding Dd so it kinda balanced out anyway

Byproduct of this was also that all the parents knew all the dc fairly well and that closeness/bond has other benefits too - like spotting when there were additional stresses that kids may not mention to parents, like the dc pulling together at times of general stress like exam time. One of the "kids" recently called me rather...tiddly on their 21st birthday and said that birthday reflecting had led to them remembering fondly these times and how lovely it was to be welcomed at their friends homes, made same phone calls to the other families too I heard, it was sweet and amusing and much appreciated. They'd made a point of mentioning memories specific to each household.

I have ocd myself so also don't cope with last min changes which dd and her friends understood and they usually gave me enough notice.

You're so right that where possible (and your child having medical conditions that impact learning and possibly confidence?) it's to their benefit to teach them these life skills.

As a youth leader in various guises we sometimes had members with learning difficulties and if anything this made them more determined to learn and keep up with their friends, we also had physically disabled members - there are usually workarounds that can be done, the balance of skills across the group negotiated etc the first time I was in a group with a wheelchair bound member I was a little thrown with one badge but the child themselves cheerily went "I can do that seated, I just need x and y adjustments/tools to help me" she had a great attitude. Stayed in touch with her and her family after she aged out and she went on to have a great career as a mentor to newly disabled children.

I don't have a problem with stepmum teaching him, but it seems the dss and parents do and I can see in this situation if ANYTHING goes wrong even the slightest burn or scratch and the op will get it in the neck from all 3 which she doesn't deserve and slight cuts and burns are normal when learning to cook - that's why I think it should be on the dh

I agree the dh also has some serious growing up to do

I too am bemused by why op even got involved with such a family/man I'd have run a mile!

or a cheese toastie ( worth buying a machine if you don't own one)

No machine needed - I have a very small kitchen (floor space 1m x 1.5m) and I use toastabags - in which many things other than toasties can be cooked, eg fish fingers, bacon, veggie burgers, onion rings, chicken nuggets...

In the toaster as is - potato waffles, tattie scones (I can't remember the last time I cooked tattie scones any other way, frees up frying pan space Grin)

me4real · 24/06/2021 14:11

I was never taught how to cook a spag bol, but I somehow knew it, just from being in the kitchen sometimes when they cooked it maybe. Same goes for some other stuff (and I'm not a genius or a good cook.)

He probably does have an idea of how to cook even some meals. Or he can follow a basic recipe online or in a book. But why should he when someone will do it for him?

CorianderBee · 24/06/2021 14:16

Make enough for three. If he doesn't come then have it for lunch.

BronwenFrideswide · 24/06/2021 14:33

@CorianderBee

Make enough for three. If he doesn't come then have it for lunch.
Oh ffs another one. Why should the OP make meals that cater specifically to the stepsons allergies/preferences every day, which would not be what she would prefer and then just have it for lunch if he doesn't turn up or isn't hungry when he does?

Why should the OP eat something she may not particularly want for lunch the next day every day because her stepson is so inconsiderate?

Why can't a 15 year old be expected to be reasonable and considerate enough to let her know if he is coming over and if he requires something to eat and if he does to not then go and eat out with his mates? It's not much to ask, it's just normal good manners. Stepson needs to learn to stop taking her for granted or expecting the world to revolve around him and then crying when it doesn't.

Mix56 · 24/06/2021 16:04

OK, This is what I'd do: When he says, "oh yours looks nice", I would say "Yes it is, & if you rang saying you were coming like I have asked over & over again, I would have made some for you too"
You need to use your phone that we (?) pay for & send a message, "Count me in for supper please" will be fine. failing this, there is bread, you can make cheese toastie/beans/fish fingers, whatever, because I'm done catering out of hours. Come with me, I'll talk you through the process", if he says I'll watch the TV while you do it, I'd say, "It's a life skill, I will help you, You might even enjoy it. but No, I'm not cooking another meal".
Then if necessary, "Stop he waterworks, you're old enough to learn basic manners, & follow simple requests"
Then do the above.

If he says he will be there, & isn't, you freeze the meal (including veg), & give it to him the next time. & say, "It's the meal that I specially cooked for you that you said you'd be here for, last time"

It takes time, effort & money to make meals for people.

Bryonyshcmyony · 24/06/2021 16:08

Oh ffs another one. Why should the OP make meals that cater specifically to the stepsons allergies/preferences every day, which would not be what she would prefer and then just have it for lunch if he doesn't turn up or isn't hungry when he does?

This is what she'd need to do if he lived with her.

Graphista · 24/06/2021 16:34

This is what she'd need to do if he lived with her.

Making his meals is what she'd need to do if he lived with them full time, making meals unnecessarily and having to eat meals that don't match her preferences absolutely isn't!

I'm veggie, and have ibs which means there are foods I cannot eat, dd isn't veggie and has foods she cannot eat for medical reasons.

No way would I be eating meat or ibs triggering foods just so a healthy 15 year old didn't have their feelings hurt due to their own poor organisation, communication and manners.

The suggestions by certain posters that equate to op has to be at the very least inconvenienced in order to not even barely inconvenience the males in her life are shocking!

Feedingthebirds1 · 24/06/2021 16:47

@Bryonyshcmyony

Oh ffs another one. Why should the OP make meals that cater specifically to the stepsons allergies/preferences every day, which would not be what she would prefer and then just have it for lunch if he doesn't turn up or isn't hungry when he does?

This is what she'd need to do if he lived with her.

Peak whatiffery!
WhereYouLeftIt · 24/06/2021 16:56

@Bryonyshcmyony

Oh ffs another one. Why should the OP make meals that cater specifically to the stepsons allergies/preferences every day, which would not be what she would prefer and then just have it for lunch if he doesn't turn up or isn't hungry when he does?

This is what she'd need to do if he lived with her.

If he lived with her, she'd know whether or not she was feeding him that night or not, because they'd presumably discuss it at breakfast/the night before.

And remember, the OP stated "Yes this is exactly the problem - i have responsibility but not allowed to discipline..." . I'd imagine that would change too, if he lived with them.

But, he doesn't live with her. He floats in like a fart in a trance, believing presumably that OP waves her magic want as if she were Mrs Weasley and magics a meal out of thin air. Not far off his dad, really.

No woman should be expected to live like a martyr.

LadyCatStark · 24/06/2021 17:03

@KikiniBamalam

Hmm, it’s a tough one but you do need to suck it up a bit. You’re making a mountain out of a molehill here. Go with the flow, don’t be the one who complains about cooking at the last minute, make him feel welcome, it must be hard enough for him as it is. Will this matter in a year? Five? Ten? No, it won’t, so be nice, be kind and just be accommodating.
I don’t agree with this at all. Of course it’s a big deal, you have to know how many people you’re cooking for before you start or there’ll be too much/ not enough food. How many days a week are we taking here?

It’s basic good manners for any teenager to inform your parents (or step parent in this case) whether you will be eating that night.

I’d tell him that he’s more than welcome at any time but unless he’s informed you that he’s coming in advance, it’ll be a pizza out of the freezer for his tea.

lydia93 · 24/06/2021 17:12

I don't understand any issue here.

My mother in law will cook for the family. If anyone is not there. She saves their plate in the fridge. If they don't come home, or not hungry then the food is ready for leftovers next day etc

It's only an extra plate. I always cook extra so i have leftovers next day or food in the fridge if I have unexpected guest.

I feel you just wanted to rant

5foot5 · 24/06/2021 17:27

It's only an extra plate. I always cook extra so i have leftovers next day or food in the fridge if I have unexpected guest.

I feel you just wanted to rant

I feel you haven't RTFT and so are unaware of the issues about his "allergies". To adopt this strategy would mean the OP could only ever cook food that suits the DSS whether he is expected to turn up or not, rather than occasionally cooking stuff she and her DH like

3Britnee · 24/06/2021 17:28

@lydia93

I don't understand any issue here.

My mother in law will cook for the family. If anyone is not there. She saves their plate in the fridge. If they don't come home, or not hungry then the food is ready for leftovers next day etc

It's only an extra plate. I always cook extra so i have leftovers next day or food in the fridge if I have unexpected guest.

I feel you just wanted to rant

Some people have to measure and account for to the nth degree.
echt · 24/06/2021 17:34

@Bryonyshcmyony

Oh ffs another one. Why should the OP make meals that cater specifically to the stepsons allergies/preferences every day, which would not be what she would prefer and then just have it for lunch if he doesn't turn up or isn't hungry when he does?

This is what she'd need to do if he lived with her.

No she wouldn't.
lydia93 · 24/06/2021 18:06

@5foot5

It's only an extra plate. I always cook extra so i have leftovers next day or food in the fridge if I have unexpected guest.

I feel you just wanted to rant

I feel you haven't RTFT and so are unaware of the issues about his "allergies". To adopt this strategy would mean the OP could only ever cook food that suits the DSS whether he is expected to turn up or not, rather than occasionally cooking stuff she and her DH like

Yep didn't see that! That changes things I guess. But considering it's her step son, OP has to factor him in and maybe batch cook his favourite meal and freeze it so it's there?!

I'm on a keto diet and I can't subject my dh and toddler to it so I still cook their meals as normal and batch cook/prep my diet meals!

Wearywithteens · 24/06/2021 18:08

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at the poster's request.

Bayleaf25 · 24/06/2021 18:29

Sounds like standard teenage behaviour.

I sometimes save a portion (if not eaten I just freeze it or have it for lunch the next day).

Sometimes DS or DD will make themselves something, pasta pesto, beans on toast, pizza, toastie (you or DH need to insist he learns to do this and leave him to it).

On occasions kids will just have cereal if they haven’t bothered to communicate with me.

If it’s a special occasion or big deal I insist they turn up for dinner.

SisyphusDad · 24/06/2021 18:29

@lydia93

It's only been said eleventy times that the OP has a tiny freezer and neither the space nor the money to get a second one or a bigger one.

RTFT.

ChargingBuck · 24/06/2021 18:32

This is what she'd need to do if he lived with her.

Need?
When the boy has a perfectly functional father?

ChargingBuck · 24/06/2021 18:37

I don’t understand why a child has to ‘give notice’ to come home just because his dad’s wife has extensive and obsessive rules about cooking, refrigerating, planning, shopping, batch cooking etc. and it’s seemingly too inconvenient for her to accommodate his needs.

Would that be the same dad's wife who is the ONLY adult out of the 3 in loco parentis for this lad who is actually arsed to feed him something decent every time he shows up - scheduled or not?

His mother feeds him crap or takeaways, or disappears on 'her' nights.
His father simply delegates responsibily, because ManJob. (OP's full time job dpesn;yt seem to count).

ChargingBuck · 24/06/2021 18:40

sorry, trigger finger

I don’t understand why a child has to ‘give notice’ to come home just because his dad’s wife has extensive and obsessive rules about cooking, refrigerating, planning, shopping, batch cooking etc. and it’s seemingly too inconvenient for her to accommodate his needs.

Would that be the same dad's wife who is the ONLY adult out of the 3 in loco parentis for this lad who is actually arsed to feed him something decent every time he shows up - scheduled or not?

His mother feeds him crap or takeaways, or disappears on 'her' nights.
His father simply delegates responsibility on 'his' nights, because ... ManJob. (OP's full time job doesn't seem to count).

LindaEllen · 24/06/2021 18:46

@prettymushrooms

sorry i thought i'd mentioned that, he's 15 so not a little kid! he can't cook because he doesn't know how I have tried involving him in cooking before but he's not interested he'd rather go watch TV
He's 15 so old enough to make himself something - I keep ready meals/frozen portions from previous days in the freezer for him to microwave when he turns up unexpectedly. I include him in our meals when I know he's coming, but if we don't get enough notice (unless obviously I've cooked extra to freeze) he sorts himself out.
BronwenFrideswide · 24/06/2021 18:59

@Graphista

This is what she'd need to do if he lived with her.

Making his meals is what she'd need to do if he lived with them full time, making meals unnecessarily and having to eat meals that don't match her preferences absolutely isn't!

I'm veggie, and have ibs which means there are foods I cannot eat, dd isn't veggie and has foods she cannot eat for medical reasons.

No way would I be eating meat or ibs triggering foods just so a healthy 15 year old didn't have their feelings hurt due to their own poor organisation, communication and manners.

The suggestions by certain posters that equate to op has to be at the very least inconvenienced in order to not even barely inconvenience the males in her life are shocking!

Exactly Graphista.

The level of martyrdom and sacrifice some posters expect the OP to go is shocking.

Bryonyshcmyony · 24/06/2021 19:40

The level of martyrdom and sacrifice some posters expect the OP to go is shocking

That is a ridiculous over exaggeration 🤣🤣 people are suggesting she makes one extra portion and freezes it, batch cooks and thinks about ways of accommodating him.

If that's martyrdom then as a mother of four teens I must be Joan of bloody Arc!

londonscalling · 24/06/2021 20:11

Leave you dh to sort out his food

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