For the love of God, stop it with the special diets

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Two out of three German APs were the same, their moms somehow expected me to mother their daughters as if they were 8 years old. Don’t send your child overseas if you haven’t raised them to be adults.

Wait! I need to know this. Are you saying their mothers contacted you to bring in their expectations?!
Or complained on their behalf?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Some of those countries are not overweight, because they are socialists and have no food...

What is wrong with frozen vegetables? They have winter in Europe, don't they? I'm sure they have frozen veggies there too.

WOW. Any statistics showing IQ levels or general knowledge levels in US states and Europe?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is what drives me crazy.

APs complaining about American diets, when they can easily eat like they do at home.

I would say my family is in the middle. We have young kids and full time working parents. We eat junk and at times, healthy.

BUT, we have plenty of veggies, fruits, rice, pasta, and chicken. I have had to say to a couple of APs -- if you want to eat meals similar to home, then make something! Nothing is stopping you. I am happy to buy staples that I may not otherwise have within reason.

But they never make it. I guess that want me to do that. I don't.

This. Our AP literally looks like she’s forcing herself to eat dinner sometimes. We do not make her eat anything. Our only general rule is to try new foods for a couple bites (mostly for the kids but AP is also supposed to be a role model). Our last one had no problem picking out the item she didn’t like or eating other dishes at dinner, then stating she didn’t like something if the kids ask.

I am not a terrible cook. AP has been surprisingly inflexible about anything other than food similar to her native cuisine. We state up front the kinds of food we like to eat and cook, but AP ignored a lot or claimed everything sounded fine during matching (which actually was a disaster with driving.)

Current AP has cooked native food for herself about 3 times in the last 6 months.

Contradiction. This is just so bizarre. People are truly strange. I'd never be an AP. Too much risk getting matched with control freaks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is what drives me crazy.

APs complaining about American diets, when they can easily eat like they do at home.

I would say my family is in the middle. We have young kids and full time working parents. We eat junk and at times, healthy.

BUT, we have plenty of veggies, fruits, rice, pasta, and chicken. I have had to say to a couple of APs -- if you want to eat meals similar to home, then make something! Nothing is stopping you. I am happy to buy staples that I may not otherwise have within reason.

But they never make it. I guess that want me to do that. I don't.

This. Our AP literally looks like she’s forcing herself to eat dinner sometimes. We do not make her eat anything. Our only general rule is to try new foods for a couple bites (mostly for the kids but AP is also supposed to be a role model). Our last one had no problem picking out the item she didn’t like or eating other dishes at dinner, then stating she didn’t like something if the kids ask.

I am not a terrible cook. AP has been surprisingly inflexible about anything other than food similar to her native cuisine. We state up front the kinds of food we like to eat and cook, but AP ignored a lot or claimed everything sounded fine during matching (which actually was a disaster with driving.)

Current AP has cooked native food for herself about 3 times in the last 6 months.

Contradiction. This is just so bizarre. People are truly strange. I'd never be an AP. Too much risk getting matched with control freaks.

What I find bizarre is reading and posting on this forum if you are neither and AP or a host parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is what drives me crazy.

APs complaining about American diets, when they can easily eat like they do at home.

I would say my family is in the middle. We have young kids and full time working parents. We eat junk and at times, healthy.

BUT, we have plenty of veggies, fruits, rice, pasta, and chicken. I have had to say to a couple of APs -- if you want to eat meals similar to home, then make something! Nothing is stopping you. I am happy to buy staples that I may not otherwise have within reason.

But they never make it. I guess that want me to do that. I don't.

This. Our AP literally looks like she’s forcing herself to eat dinner sometimes. We do not make her eat anything. Our only general rule is to try new foods for a couple bites (mostly for the kids but AP is also supposed to be a role model). Our last one had no problem picking out the item she didn’t like or eating other dishes at dinner, then stating she didn’t like something if the kids ask.

I am not a terrible cook. AP has been surprisingly inflexible about anything other than food similar to her native cuisine. We state up front the kinds of food we like to eat and cook, but AP ignored a lot or claimed everything sounded fine during matching (which actually was a disaster with driving.)

Current AP has cooked native food for herself about 3 times in the last 6 months.

Contradiction. This is just so bizarre. People are truly strange. I'd never be an AP. Too much risk getting matched with control freaks.

What I find bizarre is reading and posting on this forum if you are neither and AP or a host parent.

You make no sense. Or just have random thoughts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is what drives me crazy.

APs complaining about American diets, when they can easily eat like they do at home.

I would say my family is in the middle. We have young kids and full time working parents. We eat junk and at times, healthy.

BUT, we have plenty of veggies, fruits, rice, pasta, and chicken. I have had to say to a couple of APs -- if you want to eat meals similar to home, then make something! Nothing is stopping you. I am happy to buy staples that I may not otherwise have within reason.

But they never make it. I guess that want me to do that. I don't.

This. Our AP literally looks like she’s forcing herself to eat dinner sometimes. We do not make her eat anything. Our only general rule is to try new foods for a couple bites (mostly for the kids but AP is also supposed to be a role model). Our last one had no problem picking out the item she didn’t like or eating other dishes at dinner, then stating she didn’t like something if the kids ask.

I am not a terrible cook. AP has been surprisingly inflexible about anything other than food similar to her native cuisine. We state up front the kinds of food we like to eat and cook, but AP ignored a lot or claimed everything sounded fine during matching (which actually was a disaster with driving.)

Current AP has cooked native food for herself about 3 times in the last 6 months.

Contradiction. This is just so bizarre. People are truly strange. I'd never be an AP. Too much risk getting matched with control freaks.

“We do not make her eat anything.” So, she doesn’t have to take a single bite.

“Our only general rule is to try new foods for a couple bites (mostly for the kids but AP is also supposed to be a role model).” So, you do require her to eat at least one bite.

I agree with PP. Massive contradiction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is what drives me crazy.

APs complaining about American diets, when they can easily eat like they do at home.

I would say my family is in the middle. We have young kids and full time working parents. We eat junk and at times, healthy.

BUT, we have plenty of veggies, fruits, rice, pasta, and chicken. I have had to say to a couple of APs -- if you want to eat meals similar to home, then make something! Nothing is stopping you. I am happy to buy staples that I may not otherwise have within reason.

But they never make it. I guess that want me to do that. I don't.

This. Our AP literally looks like she’s forcing herself to eat dinner sometimes. We do not make her eat anything. Our only general rule is to try new foods for a couple bites (mostly for the kids but AP is also supposed to be a role model). Our last one had no problem picking out the item she didn’t like or eating other dishes at dinner, then stating she didn’t like something if the kids ask.

I am not a terrible cook. AP has been surprisingly inflexible about anything other than food similar to her native cuisine. We state up front the kinds of food we like to eat and cook, but AP ignored a lot or claimed everything sounded fine during matching (which actually was a disaster with driving.)

Current AP has cooked native food for herself about 3 times in the last 6 months.

Contradiction. This is just so bizarre. People are truly strange. I'd never be an AP. Too much risk getting matched with control freaks.

“We do not make her eat anything.” So, she doesn’t have to take a single bite.

“Our only general rule is to try new foods for a couple bites (mostly for the kids but AP is also supposed to be a role model).” So, you do require her to eat at least one bite.

I agree with PP. Massive contradiction.

What part of “supposed to be a role model” means that she “must be a role model”?

It’s not a contradiction at all. The implication is actually AP is free not to be a good role model by refusing to try new foods.

And more annoying is the implication that she doesn’t like American food, but would rather complain than actually do something about it (cook for herself), evidenced by actually doing so only 3 times in 6 months, also implying she has the skills and capacity (use of kitchen, ingredients, etc.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is what drives me crazy.

APs complaining about American diets, when they can easily eat like they do at home.

I would say my family is in the middle. We have young kids and full time working parents. We eat junk and at times, healthy.

BUT, we have plenty of veggies, fruits, rice, pasta, and chicken. I have had to say to a couple of APs -- if you want to eat meals similar to home, then make something! Nothing is stopping you. I am happy to buy staples that I may not otherwise have within reason.

But they never make it. I guess that want me to do that. I don't.

This. Our AP literally looks like she’s forcing herself to eat dinner sometimes. We do not make her eat anything. Our only general rule is to try new foods for a couple bites (mostly for the kids but AP is also supposed to be a role model). Our last one had no problem picking out the item she didn’t like or eating other dishes at dinner, then stating she didn’t like something if the kids ask.

I am not a terrible cook. AP has been surprisingly inflexible about anything other than food similar to her native cuisine. We state up front the kinds of food we like to eat and cook, but AP ignored a lot or claimed everything sounded fine during matching (which actually was a disaster with driving.)

Current AP has cooked native food for herself about 3 times in the last 6 months.

Contradiction. This is just so bizarre. People are truly strange. I'd never be an AP. Too much risk getting matched with control freaks.

“We do not make her eat anything.” So, she doesn’t have to take a single bite.

“Our only general rule is to try new foods for a couple bites (mostly for the kids but AP is also supposed to be a role model).” So, you do require her to eat at least one bite.

I agree with PP. Massive contradiction.

DP. I agree that PP is trying to backpedal after being called out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is what drives me crazy.

APs complaining about American diets, when they can easily eat like they do at home.

I would say my family is in the middle. We have young kids and full time working parents. We eat junk and at times, healthy.

BUT, we have plenty of veggies, fruits, rice, pasta, and chicken. I have had to say to a couple of APs -- if you want to eat meals similar to home, then make something! Nothing is stopping you. I am happy to buy staples that I may not otherwise have within reason.

But they never make it. I guess that want me to do that. I don't.

This. Our AP literally looks like she’s forcing herself to eat dinner sometimes. We do not make her eat anything. Our only general rule is to try new foods for a couple bites (mostly for the kids but AP is also supposed to be a role model). Our last one had no problem picking out the item she didn’t like or eating other dishes at dinner, then stating she didn’t like something if the kids ask.

I am not a terrible cook. AP has been surprisingly inflexible about anything other than food similar to her native cuisine. We state up front the kinds of food we like to eat and cook, but AP ignored a lot or claimed everything sounded fine during matching (which actually was a disaster with driving.)

Current AP has cooked native food for herself about 3 times in the last 6 months.

Contradiction. This is just so bizarre. People are truly strange. I'd never be an AP. Too much risk getting matched with control freaks.

“We do not make her eat anything.” So, she doesn’t have to take a single bite.

“Our only general rule is to try new foods for a couple bites (mostly for the kids but AP is also supposed to be a role model).” So, you do require her to eat at least one bite.

I agree with PP. Massive contradiction.

DP. I agree that PP is trying to backpedal after being called out.

At least this AP doesn’t live in a household with “no food”...

[Anonymous]

Op, meat allergy is a real thing. Haven't you ever heard of that tick whose bite causes alpha-gal allergy? It sounds awful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Canadian here/ I was an au pair in the US and Europe, and to be honest I’d probably make those dietary requirements as well, because you would not believe how a lot of Americans eat! We may sure a border but we do not share food and lifestyle choices. I won’t/can’t drink American milk because it tastes weird unless it’s organic. I think a lot of Europeans feel the same way, we eat healthier outside the US.

This is hilariously untrue. It's like going to Canada eating poutine, toutiere and butter tarts and saying Canadians are unhealthy. My mother is Canadian and so are her 3 sisters. They're fairly fit and healthy and eat pretty much the same way we do here in the U.S. The U.S. is not a homogenous block and neither is Canada.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Canadian here/ I was an au pair in the US and Europe, and to be honest I’d probably make those dietary requirements as well, because you would not believe how a lot of Americans eat! We may sure a border but we do not share food and lifestyle choices. I won’t/can’t drink American milk because it tastes weird unless it’s organic. I think a lot of Europeans feel the same way, we eat healthier outside the US.

This is hilariously untrue. It's like going to Canada eating poutine, toutiere and butter tarts and saying Canadians are unhealthy. My mother is Canadian and so are her 3 sisters. They're fairly fit and healthy and eat pretty much the same way we do here in the U.S. The U.S. is not a homogenous block and neither is Canada.

PP didn't say America is homogeneous. See the bolded language.

I grew up in the Midwest and was fed a lot of tater tot casserole and similar unhealthy garbage. Can't say the same of living in rural Germany.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Canadian here/ I was an au pair in the US and Europe, and to be honest I’d probably make those dietary requirements as well, because you would not believe how a lot of Americans eat! We may sure a border but we do not share food and lifestyle choices. I won’t/can’t drink American milk because it tastes weird unless it’s organic. I think a lot of Europeans feel the same way, we eat healthier outside the US.

You live in the country of Tim Hortons and Poutine.

There are a wide variety fo lifestyles on both sides of the border.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Canadian here/ I was an au pair in the US and Europe, and to be honest I’d probably make those dietary requirements as well, because you would not believe how a lot of Americans eat! We may sure a border but we do not share food and lifestyle choices. I won’t/can’t drink American milk because it tastes weird unless it’s organic. I think a lot of Europeans feel the same way, we eat healthier outside the US.

You live in the country of Tim Hortons and Poutine.

There are a wide variety fo lifestyles on both sides of the border.

Another Canadian here. Milk does taste different. But I've never had a problem following a fairly healthy diet while in the U.S. Even while I was on a restrictive weight loss plan.