She was setting the table, but her daughter’s friends ate everything!
I was making a meal for my family, yet my daughter’s friends devoured it all!
My daughter, Élodie, is the life of every gathering. Her generosity and cheer draw friends like a magnet. In our home in Lyon, theres always a crowd of kids surrounding herchildren of all ages, not just classmates. Im glad shes so sociable, but lately the situation has slipped beyond my control, and Im nearing despair.
It all began when Élodie started regularly inviting her friends over. The winter was harsh, and I saw no problem with them staying warm inside. At first she offered them tea and biscuits, played music, and invented games. I even admired her hospitality. Now, however, she brings home strangers Ive never met, and their behavior leaves me speechless.
A few days ago, after returning from work, I discovered two teenagers in the kitchen. They were wolfing down the cabbage stew I had prepared for two days, eating straight from the pot. Not a single spoonful remained! They piled dirty plates in the sink and left without a goodbye. I was furious. We had nothing left for dinner, and I was far too exhausted to cook again.
I tried to tell Élodie she couldnt keep inviting unknown people and feeding them our food. A few biscuits or sweets, perhaps, but the fridge supplies are for the family. Élodie flushed with anger, called me stingy, then slammed her bedroom door so hard the windows rattled. She locked herself in and refused to speak to me. I felt guilty, yet I didnt know what else to do.
Later I cooked potatoes and cutlets, called everyone to the table. Élodie refused to eat, as if I were her enemy. The next morning, before heading to work, I warned her: Theres enough for two days; Ill be back late, dont count on me to cook. Still, when I returned after eleven at night, I found my husband, Philippe, frying potatoes in an empty kitchen. Élodies friends had once again taken everything. She shut herself away again, refusing any explanation.
Im at a loss. How can I make her understand? She doesnt listen, hurling absurd accusations: Youre selfish, you hate my friends! Is this just teenage rebellion? Did Philippe and I mishandle things? Im unsure how to proceed. My heart aches: I want my daughters happiness, but I cant tolerate this chaos.
Im not cheap, but our budget is already stretched thin. Philippe and I work to the point of exhaustion to feed our family. I pour my energy into preparing decent meals, only for strangers to reap the benefits. My mother says, You need to be stricter! Yet I reject any violence. I want to solve this calmly, but how? Élodie avoids me, and I feel Im losing my own daughter.
What would you do in my situation? How can I make her see that her actions affect us without hurting her? How can I set boundaries so our home doesnt turn into a cafeteria? Have any of you faced this? Please share your advice Im at my limit.
She’s Cooking Dinner, but Her Daughter’s Friends Are Gobbling It All Up!
