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Really struggle with my house my rules where DS2's friends and food are concerned

7 replies

ClubName · 28/04/2014 15:52

I think I'm fairly laid back and don't have that many rules really but do try and make sure my DCs have a decent diet.

DS2 doesn't have much of an appetite and if he eats anything substantial after school won't eat his dinner, so I have developed a system of offering either very light snacks (fruits and/or yogurt) or actual real food when he comes in from school. If he has proper food, I know he won't eat his dinner but I cook less and at least I know he's had something good to eat IYSWIM

So he turns up tonight with a friend in tow. DS2 asks if they can have a snack and a drink. I said of course and knowing that this child is "allergic" to fruit weakened and offered some homemade cake. DS2 thought it was Christmas Grin Friend turned his nose up and asked what else there was. DS2 has given him the last packet of Monster Munch (huge treat here as I only buy crisps approx. once a month). Friend is still hungry and asking for things that are apparently always in the cupboard at home but not here. More crisps, Twix, chocolate etc. I do have a packet of chocolate biscuits I bought to take to a friend's which I could give them but that would break all my rules re DS's diet. There is also toast, cheese, two types of homemade cake, yogurt and 4 varieties of fruit they could have.

I'm really starting to take a dislike to him (there are other reasons too) and not sure if my reaction to his food fads and requests is unreasonable or not. I'd hate to think my DS would behave like this in someone else's house but OTOH, I would do my best to make any other guest feel welcome and feed them what they like. I've stopped inviting him for tea as he won't eat anything that doesn't come out of box but I guess that's what he's used to and not his fault.

This boy is here a lot though (2-3 times a week) so not sure if he really counts as a guest. I would also relax my "rules" if it were a rare one off but it's not. If Ds eats badly because he's with his friend then he would rarely have a decent meal over the course of the week. (I know but try not to think about what he eats when he's at his friend's house!) They're 11yo. WWYD?

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ooerrmissus · 28/04/2014 15:59

I'd stick to your guns. If he doesn't like it he can go home. If he's coming 2-3 times a week he's not a guest guest iyswim so I wouldn't be going out of my way for him.

Ineedmorepatience · 28/04/2014 16:03

Your house your rules Smile

Clutterbugsmum · 28/04/2014 16:10

If he is coming that often I tell him he had better bring his own snacks for after school as you do not have anything other then what's been offered.

PigletJohn · 28/04/2014 16:11

hungry boys can eat toast and marmite.

UC · 28/04/2014 16:15

Stick to your guns. I would actually tell him that you don't have chocolate and crisps for snacks, and if he's hungry he can have some fruit or a piece of bread and butter, or whatever you'd offer DS.

ilovepowerhoop · 28/04/2014 16:16

tell him he can have a slice of toast or some fruit and thats all thats on offer and if he doesnt like it he can bring his own food.

ClubName · 28/04/2014 16:19

Sigh, I know. So, I said, there's bread and cheese or fruit and they've gone to friend's house.....

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