Food demands when helping out a friend?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As someone who went through a health crisis with a spouse with young kids, I would just buy the snacks, and be thankful that I wasn’t in that situation.

I mean…what is this going to cost you? $20 and an extra trip to the store or another Amazon order? Why does everything have to be through a lens of being taken advantage of?

My parent had a terminal illness, i never did this. It’s extremely rude and self absorbed. And my kid has allergies! I just let other know what to avoid. It takes a few minutes to pack a snack and a few minutes to order a grocery delivery. Why would I ask someone doing me a giant favor to spend additional money and time to cater to my kid?

[Anonymous]

I was a picky eater as a kid. Still am as an adult.

My parents made no accommodations for me as they weren’t aware of most of my habits, wants and needs.

I learned to either not eat what was offered at a friend’s house, find something that I would eat and take a bite or two or simply skip a meal.

[Anonymous]

You would want cash in this situation? No. She should have packed him food he liked, or mentioned it ahead of time. If he's young (like under 9) I would be more accommodating than if he is 10 or 11, when he can manage to find SOMETHING he likes.

You are helping someone out. It doesn't need to be perfect.

[Anonymous]

I would just ignore the request. I used to run myself ragged trying to accommodate everyone, and I don’t anymore. My kids were picky eaters at one point too but I noticed when they went to a friend’s house, they would often try new things. Really, don’t worry about it, unless the kid has a food allergy.

I wish I’d tried the “just ignore” approach along time ago.

[Anonymous]

a long time ago

[Anonymous]

Honestly I’d just write back to say sorry but you don’t have that and Larlo is welcome to have the same snack that your kids are having. I’m not accommodating for preferences unless it’s a medical reason.

If she writes back that Larlo isn’t going to like that then they can feel free to make other arrangements.