Pringles in the packed lunch

[Pennecrayon]

This feels like an odd question but I wanted to ask here in case I am missing something. We have a few tubes of Pringles left over from Christmas and I've been putting a few in a Tupperware for DS's packed lunch. He's 7.

Last night, I got a WhatsApp from a parent who I don't know very well to ask me if I would stop putting Pringles in DS's packed lunch because it's making her son jealous. I was a bit taken aback and I didn't respond.

I think I'm entitled to put whatever I want in my DS's lunchbox (within the rules) and that's what I want to tell her. We're new to the school this year though so I don't want to upset anyone and cause dramas.

AIBU?

I’d reply

“My child’s lunch is none of your business”

I’d be very prepared to upset her, not someone you’d want as a friend. I’d also block her number.

what does the school policy say?

one of dc primary didn't allow any crisps, sweets, cake, biscuits, nuts, chocolate, fruit strings.

other school didn't care what dc brought to school as long as dc had something and didn't whine that they are hungry during afternoon lessons.

Grate some white truffle over them and tell DS to hold out pinkie whilst eating them.

Ha ha ha. You can't do anything these days not to make other children jealous, upset etc. Ignore.

Or:

’I’ll not be dictated to by my own (eg) 8 year old. Sure as hell not going to give in you yours!’

Send her a reply saying "yes, Pringles are great aren't they and I'm jealous that he's got them for his lunch too"!

This.

I've just remembered that there are a couple of tubes of Pringles stashed somewhere 'for Christmas', I must look for them, yesterday I found a big tin of Lindor and some Hotel Chocolat slabs I'd forgoten about too!

Hahaha I’d reply with a load of laughing faces and the word no!! Some people are so fucking entitled! I don’t know who people think they are!!

Tell her: no can do he has a special diet that requires pringles! seems as batshit as her message.

"Hi X. Thanks for your message, I'm sorry X junior is experiencing jealousy, it's a hard emotion to help them navigate isn't it? Pringle Jr and I are happy with his lunch box and it meets school requirements. Best wishes"

I wouldn't engage any further.

This. It's absolutely fine to be assertive here - she is being ridiculous.

There's nothing in the school rules that say you can't give him crisps.

Her child is going to have to deal with the fact that sometimes in life they will see people with things they want but can't have.

I'd either use the above suggested 'this is none of your business' response, or not respond at all.

Or send her a message saying "as your DS loves Pringles so much would he like me to keep the empty tubes for him so that he can use them for his pencils etc"?

Just reply "OK" then carry on.

If they ask again say you switched out the pringles for whatever supermarket own brand and consider the matter resolved.

Ignore. Whatever you do don't send any of the conciliatory texts suggested. This is not something to explain, debate or apologise for.

I think of have to ask of she wants me to put some extra ones in for her son. 😂

I bought that “whole grain” Pringles recently… very disappointing, I think there’s less salt.
Now I know why they were on offer.

What rubbish! Why on earth do so many on this site want to appease bullies under the spurious heading of 'be kind',when that phrase really means 'be a doormat'?

🤣🤣

Yes my thoughts exactly. Kids need to learn to deal with lifes disappointments.

Why would you say that about supermarket own brand though?

Better just to not engage or explain yourself, you don't need to.

You also don't even know that the reason is because they're branded/ pricey - it could be because the other mum is trying to give her kid more healthy food or he's on a special diet or any other reason.

Just clearly tell her no/ it's none of your business what my child has in his lunch box, and carry on with your life.

Because it’s a brilliant passive aggressive response to a bat shit request.

‘what?! I’ve done as you asked - what on earth is the problem now?!’

YABU to only have Pringles at Christmas.

YANBU to give your DS Pringles if they are not forbidden at school. If I replied to this message at all, I'd probably say something like "sorry, but we have Pringles that need using up and I'm not going to let them go to waste - would you like me to pack a few extra for your DS?"

I guess I just don't understand the need for a passive aggressive response.

Yes she's being unreasonable and weird.

But surely you just clearly state your actual response, which is 'no', move on and don't engage.

Being passive aggressive and weird back to her just opens it up for more communication.

What you put in your child’s lunchbox is your own business and if someone else’s child is jealous as a result that’s their business. His mother has the solution in her own hands - either start putting Pringles in his lunch box, or teach him that kicking off because he’s jealous of someone else isn’t a very nice trait !! However, Pringles (yes I know they’re delicious) are about one of the worst snacks you can buy - they’re made with dehydrated processed potatoes, have added rice and wheat and 30g (13 crisps) contains 10g of saturated fat, along with high levels of salt, MSG and sugar. They contain almost no useful fibre and fully two and a half time more saturated fat than ordinary crisps. I didn’t know this until my partner, who has a heart condition, confessed to his nurse that he had a fondness for them. She went ballistic and said if she had her way they’d be banned.