Im cooking dinner, but my daughters friends have gobbled it all up!
My daughter, Poppy, is the life of the party. Her warmth and cheer draw friends like a magnet. In our home in Manchester, theres always a crowd around herkids of all ages, not just from her year. Im glad shes so sociable, but lately, its getting out of hand, and Im at my wits end.
It all started when Poppy began inviting friends over. The winter was harsh, and I didnt mind them playing indoors. At first, shed serve them tea and biscuits, put on music, and make up games. I was even touched by her hospitality. But now, she brings home strangers Ive never met, and their manners leave me speechless.
The other day, I came back from work to find two teenagers in the kitchen. They were devouring the beef stew Id made for two days, straight from the potnot a spoonful left! They piled dirty plates in the sink and left without so much as a goodbye. I was furious. We had nothing for dinner, and I was too exhausted to cook again.
I tried explaining to Poppy that she cant just invite strangers and hand out our food. Biscuits, sweetsfine. But whats in the fridge is for the family. Poppy 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, but what else could I do?
I made mashed potatoes and chops, called everyone to the table. Poppy refused to eat, as if I were her enemy. The next morning, before leaving for work, I warned her, Theres enough for two days. Ill be back latedont expect me to cook. Yet when I got home after eleven, I found my husband, James, frying potatoes in an empty kitchen. Poppys friends had cleared everything out again. Shed locked herself away, offering no explanation.
Im at a loss. How do I make her understand? She wont listen, just hurls wild accusations: Youre selfish! You hate my friends! Is it just teenage rebellion? Have James and I gone wrong somewhere? I dont know how to handle this. My heart achesI want her happiness, but I cant let this chaos continue.
Im not tight-fisted, but our budget is stretched thin. James and I work ourselves ragged to feed our family. I slave over meals, only for strangers to wolf them down. My mum says, You need to lay down the law! But I wont resort to harshness. I want to resolve this calmlybut how? Poppy avoids me, and I feel like Im losing my own daughter.
What would you do? How do I make her see how this affects us without hurting her? How do I set boundaries so our home doesnt become a free-for-all? Have you been through this? Share your adviceIm at the end of my rope.
