Shes cooking, yet my daughters friends gobble everything up!
I was making dinner for the family, and every bite vanished thanks to my daughters pals.
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 youngsters around hernot just classmates, but kids of all ages. Im glad shes so sociable, but lately the situation has spiraled, leaving me on the brink of despair.
It all began when Élodie started inviting her friends over regularly. Winters are harsh, and I saw no problem with them staying warm indoors. At first she offered tea and biscuits, played music, invented games. I even admired her hospitality. Now she brings along strangers Ive never met, and their behavior leaves me speechless.
The other day, after work, I walked into the kitchen to find two teenagers wolfing down the cabbage stew Id prepared for two days, straight from the pot. Not a single spoonful remained! They piled the dirty dishes in the sink and left without a goodbye. I was furiousthere was nothing left for dinner, and I was too exhausted to cook again.
I tried to tell Élodie she cant invite unknown guests and expect them to eat our food. A few biscuits or candies are fine, but the fridge is for the family. She flushed with anger, called me stingy, then slammed her bedroom door so hard the windows shook. She locked herself in and refused to speak to me. I felt guilty, yet I didnt know what else to do.
I cooked potatoes and pork chops, called everyone to the table. Élodie refused to eat, as if I were her enemy. The next morning, before heading to work, I warned, We have enough for two days; Ill be late, dont count on me to cook. Yet when I returned past eleven at night, I found my husband, Philippe, frying potatoes in an empty kitchen. Élodies friends had already taken everything again. She shut herself away once more, refusing any explanation.
Im at a loss. How can I make her understand? She doesnt listen and hurls absurd accusations: Youre selfish, you hate my friends! Is this just teenage rebellion? Did Philippe and I mishandle things? My heart is tornI want my daughters happiness, but I cant accept this chaos.
Im not cheap, but our budget is already stretched thin. Philippe and I work ourselves to the bone to feed the family. I pour my energy into good meals, only for strangers to reap the benefits. My mother says, You need to be stricter! Yet I reject any violence. I want a peaceful solution, but how? Élodie avoids me, and I feel Im losing my own child.
What would you do in my shoes? How can I make her see the impact of her actions without hurting her? How do I set limits so our house doesnt turn into a cafeteria? Have any of you faced this? Share your advice Im at my wits end.
