Question:- What do you do when you have childrens friends to tea?

BitterAndTwisted

It's just occurred to me that the OP's little one might be inviting pals to tea because Mum always pops round to the shops and makes a special meal for them.

As previously advised, I'd just mention what the planned menu for tea is and leave the child to accept or decline the invitation, depending on whether it suits or not.

Outdoorlass

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

It's just occurred to me that the OP's little one might be inviting pals to tea because Mum always pops round to the shops and makes a special meal for them.

.

:rotfl::rotfl: That made me LOL, good point, but I think she would know I would cotton on to that in a flash;)

morganlefay

My dds all grown up now, but I recall this kids for tea thing as being a nightmare. Mine had one particular friend (from a home where I'm sure manners were definitely expected) who used to say "YUCK" loudly whatever I put on the table (including roast chuck which was my dds favourite and special tea.) I used to get SOOOOO angry and was sorely tempted to wallop her. I just used to say "That's not very polite dear" (I found calling her 'dear' for some reason made me feel a lot better) and then offer her bread and butter and fruit instead but nothing else. I would then tell her mother loudly when she collected her that tho mine had had lovely roast chicken for tea little XXXXX wouldn't have any so was possibly a bit hungry still. I never found out how her mum dealt with this when she got her home ! They moved away so I have no idea how she turned out, but I remember it all very vividly as it was very annoying and hard to deal with . Good luck !

ubamother

If you want to have your child's friends home for tea when she asks, and want them to eat something familiar, and a dinner isn't already in the oven, it might be worth keeping some OS healthy real food versions of the obvious children-style food.

home made ovenbaked versions of chicken/fish fingers, potato wedges etc. are dead easy to prepare and keep in the freezer to pop in the oven.

That way your child gets something healthy and the visiting child eats something healthy and vaguely familiar.

thisismoneysaving

I agree with most posters; that the child coming over should eat what you are eating.
They won't starve, your budget won't be crippled & they might even like it!

babyshoes

I am another person who thinks you should just offer them what you are having (as long as you have checked with parents that they are not allergic), and provide bread/toast/fruit if they don't like it. Assuming your meals are fairly ordinary like the roast chicken you mentioned, I am sure most kids will eat it, or at least try a bit.

My brother was a very fussy eater as a child, but would eat all sorts of things when out visiting friends, then when my mother got the recipe from the friend's mom and made it at home, he would turn his nose up and say it wasn't the same!

motherkitty

I have had this problem myself, also in spite of speaking to the children and telling them not to invite on the spur of the moment, that things really do need to be planned! If your child knows that you are going to cave in anyway, and as another poster has already said, make a trip to the shops to buy not only a special tea but sweets as well, she is probably going to keep on doing it!
Also, given the distance/transport difficulties, this is also a good reason to explain to your child that you really do need to plan ahead.
I think that saying 'yes, we are having xxx, is that OK' is perfectly fair if she does go and spring it on you at the school gate, and then if that is not OK with the friend you can arrange for another day, which doesn't make you look bad at all. Although you do get the odd few kids that are so fussy that you would probably not be able to please them anyway, the majority will end up eating things that they wouldn't do at home, much to the annoyance of their parents!
If you really do feel that you have to provide something you know most kids will eat, jackets cheese and beans or some kind of omelette is good food and child friendly and also something you usually have in the cupboards/fridge anyway.

gizmo111

I always keep bolognese in the freezer and have yet to find a child over the age of 2 who doesn't like it. Equally I wouldn't cater especially for a surprise visiting child.

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

hot.chick wrote: »

i think I'd be inclined to say in front on child and parent - we're having so and so for tea - will you eat that?

If they say no - then say maybe another time.

(easy for me to commet as i don't have children!)

I had children and I used to do that.
I found it was the fairest way on everyone including myself.

Outdoorlass

Thanks guys for all your imput, will definately be following the advise:beer: