**Diary Entry**
I was cooking dinner for the family, but my daughters friends wolfed it all down before we could even sit at the table!
My daughter, Poppy, has always been the life and soul of any gathering. Her warmth and enthusiasm draw friends to her like moths to a flame. Here in our little house in Manchester, theres always a gaggle of kids around hernot just from her year, but all ages. Im glad shes so sociable, but lately, its gotten out of hand, and Im at my wits end.
It started when Poppy began inviting friends over more often. The winter was bitter, and I didnt mind them staying warm inside. At first, shed offer them tea and biscuits, play music, make up gamesI was even touched by her hospitality. But now, shes bringing home complete strangers, and their behaviour leaves 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 to last two days, straight from the pot. Not a single spoonful was left! Theyd stacked the dirty plates in the sink and vanished without a word. I was livid. We had nothing left for dinner, and I was too exhausted to start cooking again.
I tried explaining to Poppy that she couldnt just invite strangers over and let them eat our food. Biscuits? Fine. Sweets? No problem. But whats in the fridge is for the family. She 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 guiltybut what else could I do?
I made roast potatoes and chops, called everyone to the table. Poppy refused to eat, acting as if I were her enemy. The next morning, before work, I warned her, “Theres enough for two days. Ill be home latedont expect me to cook.” Yet when I got back past eleven, there was my husband, Simon, frying potatoes in an empty kitchen. Poppys friends had cleaned us out again. Shed locked herself away, refusing to explain.
Im at a loss. How do I make her understand? She wont listen, just hurls ridiculous accusations”Youre selfish! You hate my friends!” Is this just teenage rebellion? Did Simon and I go wrong somewhere? I dont know how to handle this. It tears me apartI want her to be happy, but I cant let chaos take over.
Im not tight-fisted, but moneys already tight. Simon and I work ourselves to the bone just to put food on the table. I slave away making proper meals, only for strangers to gobble them up. My mum says, “You need to lay down the law!” But I wont resort to shouting. I want to solve this calmlybut how? Poppy avoids me, and it feels like Im losing my own daughter.
What would you do? How do I make her see how much this affects us without hurting her? How do I set boundaries before our home turns into a free-for-all? Have you been through this? Any advice Im desperate.
