She was cooking for the family, but her daughter’s friends ate everything!
I was getting dinner ready for my household, only to have my daughter’s pals polish off the entire meal.
My daughter, Élodie, is the life of any gathering. Her generosity and cheer draw friends to her like moths to a flame. In our home in Lyon, theres always a crowd of companions around herkids of all ages, not just classmates. Im glad shes so sociable, yet lately the situation is spiraling out of control and Im on the brink of despair.
It all began when Élodie started inviting her friends over regularly. Winter was harsh, and I saw no problem with them staying warm inside. At first she offered tea and biscuits, put on music, invented games. I even felt a warm pride in her hospitality. Now, however, she brings along strangers Ive never met, and their behavior leaves me speechless.
The other day, after returning from work, I walked into the kitchen and found two teenagers devouring the cabbage stew I had prepared for two days, straight from the pot. Not a single spoonful remained! They piled the dirty plates in the sink and left without a word. I was furious. We had nothing left for dinner, and I was too exhausted to start cooking again.
I tried to tell Élodie she couldnt keep inviting unknown kids and feeding them our food. Snacks and candy are fine, but the fridge is for the family. She flushed with anger, called me stingy, slammed her bedroom door so hard the windows rattled, locked herself in, and refused to speak to me. I felt guilty, yet I didnt know what else to do.
I boiled potatoes and fried chops, called everyone to the table. Élodie refused to eat, acting as if I were her enemy. The next morning, before heading to work, I warned her: We have enough for two days; Ill be late, dont count on me to cook. Yet that night, after eleven, I came home to find my husband Philippe sautéing potatoes in an empty kitchenthe friends had again taken everything. Élodie shut herself away once more, refusing any explanation.
Im at a loss. How can I make her see the impact of her actions? She doesnt listen, hurling absurd accusations: Youre selfish, you hate my friends! Is this just teenage rebellion? Have Philippe and I mishandled things? My heart aches; I want my daughters happiness, but I cant tolerate the 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 labor over good meals, only for strangers to reap the benefits. My mother says, You need to be strict! I reject violence. I want a calm solution, but how? Élodie avoids me, and I feel Im losing my own girl.
What would you do in my shoes? How can I make her understand that her behavior affects us without hurting her? How do I set boundaries so our home doesnt turn into a cafeteria? Have any of you faced this? Please share your advice Im at my wits end.
She’s Cooking a Feast, but Her Daughter’s Friends Gobble It All Up!
