Shes making dinner, yet her daughters friends devour it all!
I was cooking for my family when my daughters friends ate everything!
My daughter, Élodie, is the life of any gathering. Her generosity and cheer draw friends like a magnet. In our home in Lyon theres always a crowd of kids around her, of all ages, not just classmates. Im glad shes so sociable, but lately things have gotten out of hand and Im close to despair.
It all began when Élodie started regularly inviting her pals over. The winter was harsh, and I saw no problem with them playing indoors where its warm. At first she served them tea and biscuits, put on music, invented games. I even admired her hospitality. Now she brings strangers Ive never met, and their behavior leaves me speechless.
The other day, after coming home from work, I found two teenagers in the kitchen. They were wolfing down the cabbage stew I had prepared for two days, eating it straight from the pot. Not a single spoonful was left! They piled the 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 cant keep inviting unknown kids and feeding them our food. A few biscuits or candies are fine, but whats in the fridge is for the family. Élodie flushed with anger, called me stingy, then slammed her bedroom door so hard the windows trembled. She locked herself in and refused to speak to me. I felt guilty, but what could I do?
I prepared potatoes and chops, called everyone to the table. Élodie refused to eat, as if I were her enemy. The next morning, before leaving for work, I warned, Theres enough for two days; Ill be back late, dont count on me to cook. Yet when I returned after eleven at night, I found my husband, Philippe, frying potatoes in an empty kitchen. Élodies friends had taken everything again. She locked herself away once more, 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 handle it poorly? I dont know how to proceed. My heart tears apart: 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 spend my energy preparing good meals, and strangers reap the benefits. My mother says, You need to be stricter! Yet I reject violence. I want to resolve this calmly, but how? Élodie avoids me, and I feel like Im losing my own child.
What would you do in my place? How can I make her see that her actions affect us without hurting her? How do I set limits so our house doesnt turn into a cafeteria? Have you experienced this? Share your advice Im at my wits end.
