I was getting dinner ready, only to have my daughters friends eat everything!
My daughter, Élodie, is the life of every gathering. Her generosity and cheer attract friends like a magnet. In our home in Lyon, theres always a crowd of kids around herchildren of all ages, not just classmates. Im glad shes so sociable, but lately the situation has spiraled, and Im near despair.
It all began when Élodie started inviting her friends over. Winter was harsh, and I saw no harm in letting them play inside where it was warm. At first she offered tea and biscuits, played music, and made up games. I was even touched by her hospitality. Now she brings strangers Ive never met, and their behavior leaves me speechless.
A few days ago, after work, I walked into the kitchen to find two teenagers hungrily devouring the cabbage stew Id cooked for two days, straight from the pot. Not a single spoonful was left! They piled dirty plates in the sink and left without a goodbye. I was furious. We had nothing left for dinner, and I was too exhausted to cook again.
I tried to tell Élodie she couldnt keep inviting unknown kids and expecting them to eat 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 prepared potatoes and chops, called everyone to the table. Élodie refused to eat, treating me like an enemy. The next morning, before heading to work, I warned her: We have 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 kitchenthe same friends had already taken everything. Élodie shut herself away again, declining any explanation.
Im at a loss. How can I make her understand? She ignores me, hurling absurd accusations: Youre selfish, you hate my friends! Is this just teenage rebellion? Did Philippe and I mishandle things? My heart aches: I want my daughters happiness, but I cant tolerate this chaos.
Im not cheap, but our budget is already tight. Philippe and I work ourselves to the bone to feed the family. I labor over good meals, only for strangers to reap the benefits. My mother says, You need to be stricter! but I reject violence. I want a calm solution, yet Élodie avoids me, and I feel Im losing my own daughter.
What would you do in my shoes? How can I make her see that her actions affect us without hurting her? How do I set boundaries so our house doesnt turn into a cafeteria? Have any of you faced this? Please share your advice Im at my wits end.
