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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not want to feed the kids takeaway

121 replies

Birdh0use · 13/10/2023 22:06

Visiting family, plan was for pub meal out for a celebration. Due to a happy arrival of a baby pub meal cancelation.

However back up plan is a Chinese takeaway. I have preschoolers ! Basically I'm going to be stuck cooking for kids in an unfamiliar kitchen whilst everyone else tucks into their takeaway. Then eat mine cold so as not to look u grateful where as it i'd rather have hot scrambled egg on toast as im cooking it anyway. Ffs.

OP posts:
WiddlinDiddlin · 13/10/2023 22:17

If the kids are normally in bed by the time the takeaway arrives, why on earth will you be cooking/feeding kids and leaving yours to go cold?

Give them sandwiches/picnic tea out of packets, or order early enough for them to have some Chinese with you. Neither is worse than what they'd have had in teh pub anyway!

brokenbitbybit · 13/10/2023 22:17

If they'd be in bed by the time it would arrive anyway, then how would yours be cold?

If you're all going to be up and eating together, just give them some rice/noodles and veg? It doesn't have to be a big deal and a takeaway is no different to a pub meal

TheCrowFromBelow · 13/10/2023 22:18

Eggs on toast takes 5 mins max. Cook it when the takeaway is ordered, feed your preschoolers, and then enjoy your takeaway.
sounds less stressful than going out to eat with preschoolers TBF

catbla2957 · 13/10/2023 22:18

Birdh0use · 13/10/2023 22:17

I can't win anyway. If I volunteer to cook them something simple earlier then I look like a martyr or precious . If I wait until food arrives and they don't like it then mine will get cold!

Everyone understands kids can be fussy. Feed them early then if they want to try a bit they can. Honestly don't get the fuss.

YourNameGoesHere · 13/10/2023 22:18

Birdh0use · 13/10/2023 22:17

I can't win anyway. If I volunteer to cook them something simple earlier then I look like a martyr or precious . If I wait until food arrives and they don't like it then mine will get cold!

Why can't you win. Honestly just give them a sandwich (no need to cook) and then let them try some when the food arrives.

I'd actually prefer being at home with small kids if eating at that hour than the first option of a pub meal.

BlueIgIoo · 13/10/2023 22:19

I've got pre-schoolers. They eat rice and tofu/chicken, and probably a few prawn crackers. It's fine. Your children could have a sandwich if it's an issue.

JustWhatWeDontNeed · 13/10/2023 22:19

Feed the kids before the take away arrives then, and put them to bed?!

You sound like a right pain in the arse.

PortalooSunset · 13/10/2023 22:20

How come they can stay awake ok for a meal in a pub but not a takeaway at home?!

gelatogina · 13/10/2023 22:20

Birdh0use · 13/10/2023 22:17

I can't win anyway. If I volunteer to cook them something simple earlier then I look like a martyr or precious . If I wait until food arrives and they don't like it then mine will get cold!

No offence but you are doing a good job of appearing like that anyway.

Soubriquet · 13/10/2023 22:21

It’s one night! One meal. It won’t hurt them and will actually expand their taste buds.

My dd loves Chinese food and would have it every day if she could. My ds isn’t so keen

AlwaysPrettyOnTheInside · 13/10/2023 22:21

Birdh0use · 13/10/2023 22:13

Guess they might like it but they've not had it before. By the early evening they'll be really hungry/ grumpy and usually I'm bed by time it will arrive

Feed them earlier then Confused

Neverinamonthofsundays · 13/10/2023 22:21

And I actually hate you right now because all i want is white toast slathered with butter and topped with scrambled eggs and we have no eggs in the house. So annoying.

Mumof1andacat · 13/10/2023 22:21

Can you not pack up a picnic tea for them and let them try bits from the takeaway if they want?

colouroftherainbow · 13/10/2023 22:22

Birdh0use · 13/10/2023 22:17

I can't win anyway. If I volunteer to cook them something simple earlier then I look like a martyr or precious . If I wait until food arrives and they don't like it then mine will get cold!

Who would call you a martyr for feeding your children at the time they get hungry?! It’s what every decent parent does

Either there’s some huge story you’re not mentioning or you’re a complete drama queen

fearfuloffluff · 13/10/2023 22:22

ILs love a Chinese takeaway, personally I think most of them are chemically slodge but I wouldn't say that to them!

I just take some pasta and cheese and a couple of carrots etc for DC when we see them.

AlwaysPrettyOnTheInside · 13/10/2023 22:22

Birdh0use · 13/10/2023 22:17

I can't win anyway. If I volunteer to cook them something simple earlier then I look like a martyr or precious . If I wait until food arrives and they don't like it then mine will get cold!

Order them foo yung Confused

Original poster
Birdh0use · 13/10/2023 22:22

I love Chinese takeaway, maybe I'm just bitter that the last one gave me a headache!

OP posts:
ThirdDressStress · 13/10/2023 22:23

Foo yung is pretty much scrambled eggs anyway.

Give them some carrot sticks and a sandwich at their usual dinner time, if they are still awake then they can taste some takeaway if they want to.

YourNameGoesHere · 13/10/2023 22:23

Birdh0use · 13/10/2023 22:22

I love Chinese takeaway, maybe I'm just bitter that the last one gave me a headache!

This whole thread is bonkers.

sandyhappypeople · 13/10/2023 22:24

Birdh0use · 13/10/2023 22:13

Guess they might like it but they've not had it before. By the early evening they'll be really hungry/ grumpy and usually I'm bed by time it will arrive

Why would you be making them wait till after your normal bedtime to eat anyway?

Just give them some normal food earlier? You don't have to cook, nip to the shops and get them something they'd eat like spaghetti bolognaise or pizza? That way if they're still up when the Chinese arrives they could always try some?

You seem to be making a bit more of this then it needs to be!

ANiceBigCupOfTea · 13/10/2023 22:24

If you were happy with them having a pub lunch, I'm confused why a Chinese isn't OK?
Rice, noodles, meat, veggies - surely it will be ok for them especially as a one off

ChristmasCrumpet · 13/10/2023 22:25

Do you understand what martyr means?

Feeding your own children, at their tea time, is definitely not being a martyr. It's what you're supposed to do.

Meandermoanda · 13/10/2023 22:28

Most Chinese takeaways do things like fish or nuggets with chips for kids. On a par with pub kids meals. I'd offer then that as a treat with a bit of the Chinese options to try.

healthadvice123 · 13/10/2023 22:29

You won’t look like a martyr cooking them something earlier and putting to bed before the chinese , just a mum who wants a peaceful meal with some adult company. Might not be the time to try Chinese, if they don’t go to bed and have had some food then they could try a little and you would know for another time

clappyjay · 13/10/2023 22:31

Order some plain chips and chicken balls with it? Surely 99% of kids would eat that