Mum admits to eating 'luxury' meals while only giving children 'basic' food (original) (raw)

The mum took to Mumsnet to explain how her friend has said healthy premium food is 'too expensive' for her children - but she can afford it for herself, it is claims

The child is mainly fed frozen food [stock image]

A mum has sparked a heated debate after revealing her discomfort with a friend who treats herself to luxury food from Marks & Spencer and Waitrose while serving her kids budget "basic" meals.

The woman took to Mumsnet to vent her frustration, claiming that despite being able to afford it, her pal insists premium food is "too expensive" for her children. "She buys frozen food for them and buys herself good quality, expensive food," the anonymous poster shared. The concerned mum, who admits to having "skipped meals so her children can eat", pointed out that her friend's kids "are not fussy" and have enjoyed a variety of foods at her own home, including fruits and vegetables.

However, at their own home, they're given frozen dinners along with biscuits and chocolate for snacks. She questioned: "Am I being unreasonable? I know this is probably not a big deal as the children are fed, but I feel uncomfortable by the fact my friend buys herself good quality expensive food but gives her children basic brands. She buys beige frozen food for them from Asda (yellow package) - which is fine as I have bought some myself on occasion. Then, she will go to Waitrose or M&S to buy herself nice food."

Her concern extends to the health of the children, confessing she "can't turn a blind eye" to the situation. She explained: "I'm no saviour, just concerned she favours her health above her children's. The last time I visited there was a tonne of fresh vegetables stacked on the counter, I told her it's great her children love vegetables and her response was that the veg is for herself as it's too expensive to give to her children too.

"They snack on biscuits and chocolate while she has fruit. They're not fussy children at all, I've had them to my house for tea many times. To me, I couldn't eat something nice knowing my children are eating bland food with no nutrition." She also said: "I've often skipped meals so my children can eat decent food, if they can't have fruit or veg then I won't eat at all to make sure I can buy it. Is this something you'd raise with her to ask about it? Offer support whether financial or otherwise? Or do I just mind my business?"

Over 189 people weighed in on the community platform on Mumsnet, revealing mixed opinions amidst lively online chatter. Some members of the forum echoed the mother's concerns about her friend's choices; however, other voices chimed in suggesting that perhaps the parent in question was simply being economical and attempting to reduce waste.

A certain comment stood out: "She doesn't need financial support if she's shopping for herself in Waitrose and M&S. She just values her own health over the health of her children. I doubt very much that there is anything you can do to change her mind and I suspect that you will fall out if you say anything. She doesn't sound like a very good person."

One parent's controversial shopping habits have sparked a fierce debate online, with one user sharing: "My brother and sister-in-law do this. Kids get basic Asda yellow label range. Cheap sausages full of crap. They have decent Asda premium stuff. I think it's mental." Another chimed in with harsh criticism: "I'd be judging her all over town for that. A bag of carrots is about 50p and does for snacks for a week. There's no excuse for not attempting to give your kids nutritionally adequate food."

Yet, some defended the thrifty approach, with one person suggesting: "Maybe her kids don't eat healthy food so she is avoiding waste. How much healthier will beige food from M&S be compared to basic own brand Asda? I think you should mind your own business."

Another tried to offer a different perspective: "She probably meant they're fussy and won't eat it so she doesn't waste it on them or something." Meanwhile, a further comment read: "You can't fix it. She prefers putting herself above the children. Why don't you just tell her? I think what she means but didn't put across correctly is that there's no point giving her kids posh expensive food when they leave most of it."

The NHS has weighed in on the matter, advising that children need a balanced diet similar to adults, which includes five portions of fruit and vegetables daily. An NHS spokesperson emphasized: "Discourage your child from having sugary or high-fat foods like sweets, cakes, biscuits, crisps, chocolate, some sugary cereals, and sugar-sweetened soft and fizzy drinks."