Budget Buster - Groceries!

[lisalis]

I feel for you. It sounds like you realize things aren't working and need to change. The PPs gave you great advice! I would sit down with your family and explain the stress you're feeling and brainstorm ideas to help change the situation(this is where all these wonderful ideas from above can come in if no one mentions them). As a family, make a plan and really work to stick with it. We have a family plan for cleaning the house & also meal prep, but sometimes you just have to veer from the plan & that's okay. My boys(11 & 14) have nights to cook & they let me know the week before what they want to make so I get the ingredients. My 5 year old has a night too, but it's me helping him - usually making waffles or french toast! Best wishes to you

 

[drcmk]

For those who are like, if they don't want it then they don't eat-you know, if the person is elderly, you honestly can't do that for a long extended time, you can try to "call their bluff" and hope they give in, but if they don't: They will lose weight, they will not get the nutrients they need to keep their body strong and help fight infection. And then guess what? YOU get to be the one to take them to the doctor and they will be asking why the losing weight and I dare you to say : well they wouldn't eat what I fix and I wasn't going to be a short order cook, so if they don't like what I fix, they don't eat.
.

I don't agree with this opinion. If your parents were living in a nursing home, they would not be given a specific, individual meal of their choosing every night. That is not a necessity for a health old age. If you are providing a healthy variety of good foods every night and your parents refuse to eat it to the point that they lose weight, then they probably need a different type of care--maybe mental health care or maybe a nursing home. You should not feel guilty if your parents refuse to eat what you cook, especially since your mother, at least, is capable of cooking her own food.

 

[hereyago]

I don't agree with this opinion. If your parents were living in a nursing home, they would not be given a specific, individual meal of their choosing every night. That is not a necessity for a health old age. If you are providing a healthy variety of good foods every night and your parents refuse to eat it to the point that they lose weight, then they probably need a different type of care--maybe mental health care or maybe a nursing home. You should not feel guilty if your parents refuse to eat what you cook, especially since your mother, at least, is capable of cooking her own food.

Actually, if they know time after time a patient refuses to eat certain things continually, they can and will replace with something they can or will eat. At least the ones my mom has been to has realized, she won't this or that, but it can be replaced with something still good for them. They also give her things like Boost drink as a supplement. Dieticians will usually work with the patient, it's in their best interest to get nutrients into the patient. It doesn't mean they are going to give them happy meals or a big juicy steak, but they can replace something for a tuna fish or egg salad sandwich.

It is a fine line between someone being picky for whatever reason: just picky straight out, taste buds are different as they get older or even teeth problems, you cannot play the then you get nothing game, you have to be able to have something else they can eat-now if they are able to fix it themselves that is not on you,but like I said elderly losing weight can cause a lot of things and if you are responsible for them, you better protect your butt.

 

[vwlizard]

Can you sit down with your family and do a meal plan where you might be able to come up with meals everyone will eat. Maybe not everyone will eat the entire meal, but between entree and side dishes, everyone can piece together something?
Once you decide what to eat, I'd print it out weekly with steps that could be prepped ahead of time. THat way, at SOME point during the day, SOME one can get the prep done.
To save money, I always plan one night toward the end of the week as use up the leftovers night. Sometimes it's a soup, sometimes it's throwing things in tortillas, some times it's pull out everything and eat what you want.
Another method is to just cook 2 proteins a week (a turkey and a pork loin) and use them in meals throughout the week (turkey dinner, pork loin and potatoes, turkey and dumplings, shredded pork tacos, etc).
Have a "go to". I use pancakes, strawberry sauce and sausage (all things I always have ingredients on hand for). This is the meal I make if I haven't made it to the store, haven't planned anything else or something else goes wrong with the plan.
My kids might not always eat what I cook, but even at 6 and 7, they are able to make themselves peanut butter sandwiches if they don't like it. I'm assuming your parents can do the same.
Are your parents overweight? Are they choosing unhealthy food over a healthy dinner that you're making? If that's the case, I'd treat them like children and NOT make a special meal. If they have a medical condition that causes them distress when eating different foods, then I'd cut them a break.

 

[hereyago]

Oops, I just re read;

Your mom can cook but won't? HECK NO!!! You have to a come to Jesus talk with everyone and make some rules. She won't cook, but expects you to cook after working all day? Sorry ,not going to fly.

I get it's your parents, but I am so serious, you need to sit them down and tell them what is expected and what they need to do to help. There is no hinting, it's straight out saying IF YOU CAN COOK YOU WILL. You need to tell them it is a big stress for you and tell them if you get so stressed out and something happens to you, there will be no one to take care of them.

Do they contribute at all financially? if not and able to , then why not?

 

[LJSquishy]

The first thing you should do is physically write down a weekly menu that includes not only the main dish but also any sides. Sticking to the menu will save you money right away when you grocery shop. I know your schedule is full, but shopping by yourself is the best way (I know you do it anyway) and don't let others tag along so you can stay on track with what is on your list.

Try and buy the majority of groceries from the perimeter of the store, that is where all of the healthy foods are. I try not to eat too many potatoes, but potatoes, eggs, and rice will all help your budget stretch. Inexpensive veggies (fresh or frozen) are also great to bulk up dishes so you can use less meat. Stir fry is a great example.

When I stopped buying so many snack crackers, chips, soda, and other treats and focused more on the perimeter of the store my grocery bill went way down. I still occasionally buy soda and a bag of chips but never have them on hand continuously. I stick yogurt cups in the freezer for a treat...love the Yoplait Whips chocolate one!

I make my own soups from scratch and freeze them in 2-cup plastic containers (like the Gladware or Ziplock cheap ones). Potato soup costs pennies to make...celery, onions, potatoes, pepper, salt, water...that's it! Then, on the days we actually eat it I will add either cooked bacon or ham to the potato soup when I reheat it on the stove. I make chicken & vegetable soup and put all sorts of veggies in it and shredded chicken breasts. If you shred the chicken, you don't have to use as much because it takes up more surface area so you feel like you get more chicken per bite.

Once per week we have salad as a one-dish meal. First of all, dont buy the bagged salad, buy the heads of Romaine lettuce. It is amazing how much stores charge for bagged salad. We do salads either with chicken breast, dried cranberries, walnuts or almonds, and feta cheese....or taco salad...with ground turkey seasoned with taco seasoning, chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, avocado, black beans (though my husband doesn't care much for beans...too bad for him, though, he can eat around them if he wants), and topped with a FEW crushed tortilla chips. Any leftover ground turkey from that becomes my husband's lunch for the next day assembled into a soft taco.

It takes time to change your spending habits and planning dedication, but you can do it. Just focus on changing a couple of small things at a time. This weekend, just plan to cook a couple of meals you can freeze, whether it be a soup, casserole, or lasagna. Try not to use the freezer meals right away...try to store them for a while to use for an especially stressful day so you can build up some inventory in your freezer. You must stop buying the prepackaged frozen meals, they will eat up your budget faster than anything else.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Who's money pays for the groceries? It still does not dictate that you cater to picky eaters, but might be a factor in deciding a budget and plan. It sounds like you doing the cooking is a given and you accept that. I am the cook in my house and even though other might be home...that's how it works for our house and that is fine. I however have the control over the meals and I cook one meal and you can eat or not.

I think budget might be a good way to open the discussion." We are spending too much on food and way too much time."

Let them know that you will now be cooking one meal each evening and you will try to allow for enough for leftover if they choose to have those for lunch the next day. If your parents are helping to pay for food allow for some "alternatives" for days they do not want what you are fixing. They may choose to have some can soup or frozen dinners that THEY can heat up as an alternative to your dinner. If they are not contributing to the household food budget, you can still have some simple alternatives if you wish for THEM to prepare but I would certainly not provide the junk food! You are going to have to be careful that your child does not pick up on the demanding another meal.

 

[peacelover]

We are a family of 5. DH, me, DD (6), and my parents live with us. I work FT, and my DH and parents are home all day. I am spending over $800 a month for groceries. My father eats only a little at a time but eats every hour and needs variety. I work FT and take care of our DD, DH (paraplegic) and both of my parents who are very limited in mobility. I am the only one who cooks, cleans, and shops. DH helps with laundry and dishes. I don't have much time to cook and have very little skill in that area. Everyone wants to eat something different and I don't have a clue. What they are eating mostly is processed frozen foods. I'd appreciate any thoughts on reducing the grocery costs and easy to prepare healthier meals.

A couple thoughts.... you say your parents have limited moblity...... do they qualify for any type of homemaking services? Maybe a home health aide to come in and assist.... I don't know if that is a possiblity where you live or not. Do you have any siblings who could assist with the care of your parents?
I would get a crockpot.... your husband can probably easily learn how to throw in an onion , water, and a roast in the morning. Experiment on the weekends with it, it is easy and timesaving. Did you ask your dad what he likes to eat? Maybe somehow you can make what he likes to eat for all of you a night or two a week, and I really would just have canned soups/ sandwich fixings on hand for the other nights. I don't understand why he would need to eat every hour?
Good Luck to you and I really hope you find some solutions .

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Wow, Mom & Dad home all day & still forcing you to cook something they like every day - no leftovers? Sheesh, my retired parents don't live with me & spend 4 days a week 2 hours away, yet half the time I come home to find my lawn already mowed (3 acres), the laundry folded, and the dishes done. I suggest you go on STRIKE.

 

[Trishtack]

Thanks all for the wonderful suggestions and thank you for extending care for my well being. I truly appreciate it.

I love the idea of potato soup as that is one of my dad's favorites.

My parents do not contribute anything to the household financially. They spend their monthly social security on medications and the remainder seems to go to my brothers (one who doesn't work and neither does his wife and the other that makes of $70k per year). DH just realized they aren't contributing a week ago and that's when he said we needed to take a serious look at budgeting for food. Mom tries somewhat with her money but my dad spends every penny of his w/i two days.

DH loved the idea of a meal plan each week but still will not cook.

My mom just won't. She does make pb sandwiches or cereal or a grilled cheese for dad when I'm not home.

I have printed all the suggestions and will start by making a meal plan tomorrow while DD is at dance.

I am the only shopper and as the only driver no one else could go anyway.

I have two brothers and they both have wives that don't work and one brother doesn't work but they contribute nothing to the care of finances.

They all know I am running on empty. I am just now recovering from a sinus infection, ear infection, bronchitis, and back spasms that all hit in the same week. They say, "We don't know what we would do without you". But honestly not one of the three offered to do one single thing while I was sick. DD (6) did though. She was my "nurse" and "waitress".

Thanks again for all the wonderful suggestions. I got a free one yr to Rachel Ray today and am looking forward to some serious planning this weekend! The crock pot is out as well as the food processor and I stocked up on groceries tonight that you all suggested like cheap frozen dinners and salad items etc.

Anyway I have used this posting to whine and that's something I try to not do. So thanks again and have a good night!

 

[mjantz]

Girl, you need to get yourself some help! I love the idea of Meals on Wheels. My mom volunteers with them one day a week & she says the food looks good & is nutritionally balanced.
I might also talk to your brothers & tell them they either contribute money or time. They need to get involved. And be tough with your parents & say they need to pay 'rent'. If they can afford to give your brother money they can afford to give you $100-$200 a month in expense money.

But seriously, you NEED help. Its called 'caregiver burnout' & you're going to hit that wall.

 

[tar heel]

I think you suffer from a problem that a lot of women, including me, have -- not asking for or even demanding the help you need. You say that none of them "offered" to help while you were sick. If they didn't offer, you should have told them what to do. Start small by giving them parts of things to make instead of the whole meal to cook or entire house to clean. Make a meal plan, buy the stuff, then give them their assignments. If you get home and Mom hasn't chopped the veggies and DH hasn't grated the cheese (or whatever -- you get my drift), don't do their jobs. Instead, put a jar of peanutbutter, some jelly, a loaf of bread or some cold cuts (not really healthy or economical, though) and some fruit on the table.

I know it's really hard to ask/demand help b/c they're adults and they should be able to see the dishes are dirty, you're tired, you're sick, etc.

I would be so filled with resentment that I'd probably be too stubborn to ask for help if I were in your situation. If you keep doing this for years, though, you're going to burn out and then they'll be in a mess.

Your brothers are a separate issue (but part of your resentment). You obviously can't control what they do, but you should have some say in what happens in your own house.

 

[hereyago]

Thanks all for the wonderful suggestions and thank you for extending care for my well being. I truly appreciate it.

I love the idea of potato soup as that is one of my dad's favorites.

My parents do not contribute anything to the household financially. They spend their monthly social security on medications and the remainder seems to go to my brothers (one who doesn't work and neither does his wife and the other that makes of $70k per year). DH just realized they aren't contributing a week ago and that's when he said we needed to take a serious look at budgeting for food. Mom tries somewhat with her money but my dad spends every penny of his w/i two days.

DH loved the idea of a meal plan each week but still will not cook.

My mom just won't. She does make pb sandwiches or cereal or a grilled cheese for dad when I'm not home.

I have printed all the suggestions and will start by making a meal plan tomorrow while DD is at dance.

I am the only shopper and as the only driver no one else could go anyway.

I have two brothers and they both have wives that don't work and one brother doesn't work but they contribute nothing to the care of finances.

They all know I am running on empty. I am just now recovering from a sinus infection, ear infection, bronchitis, and back spasms that all hit in the same week. They say, "We don't know what we would do without you". But honestly not one of the three offered to do one single thing while I was sick. DD (6) did though. She was my "nurse" and "waitress".

Thanks again for all the wonderful suggestions. I got a free one yr to Rachel Ray today and am looking forward to some serious planning this weekend! The crock pot is out as well as the food processor and I stocked up on groceries tonight that you all suggested like cheap frozen dinners and salad items etc.

Anyway I have used this posting to whine and that's something I try to not do. So thanks again and have a good night!

Oh OP! Girl, I just want to scream and cry for you, seriously! I hope you recover quickly and feel better soon. Reading about your DD, she sounds sweet and loves her mommy. It's jacked up royally that the only 1 that helped is a 6 year old!!!!!!!!!

I can understand about your parents paying for their meds, but then giving the rest to both brothers? OH HECK NO!



May I ask how they came to be at your residence?

Please listen: I have been a caregiver now for almost 9 years, I am 44. I took care of my DF when he had lung cancer because my mom refused(but that is a whole different topic) I also have a DD13 since she was little has seen me be a caregiver. My DF passed away, he had me promise to take care of my mom, she is now 78.

It has not been easy,mostly because of how she has always been.,not medically but well certain people weren't cut out to be parents and I will leave it at that.



I am sure you went in this to "help out" but not every person needs or can be a caregiver, it is not an easy job. The burn out is real, I"ve almost burnt out myself, but I now know how to take care and time for myself because if something happens to me, my DD13 and my mom will suffer for it. there is no one else, my aunt is in Florida and they don't get along, I actually talk more to my aunt then they want to associate with each other.


Your resentment is going to grow, then you are going to lose it one day, it will affect your health and your DD doesn't need that,nor do you.

Tar Heel was right on target with her post.

You need to tell them if they don't want to help, sorry about their bad luck, you will be responsible for your DD and yourself and they can fight over who is going to make sandwiches. If things don't improve fast, your parents need to leave,seriously!

You do not bite the hand that is taking care of you, there is no life sucking out of the 1 person who is caring for several people in a home.

 

[leadfootlevi]

Thanks all for the wonderful suggestions and thank you for extending care for my well being. I truly appreciate it.

I love the idea of potato soup as that is one of my dad's favorites.

My parents do not contribute anything to the household financially. They spend their monthly social security on medications and the remainder seems to go to my brothers (one who doesn't work and neither does his wife and the other that makes of $70k per year). DH just realized they aren't contributing a week ago and that's when he said we needed to take a serious look at budgeting for food. Mom tries somewhat with her money but my dad spends every penny of his w/i two days.

DH loved the idea of a meal plan each week but still will not cook.

My mom just won't. She does make pb sandwiches or cereal or a grilled cheese for dad when I'm not home.

I have printed all the suggestions and will start by making a meal plan tomorrow while DD is at dance.

I am the only shopper and as the only driver no one else could go anyway.

I have two brothers and they both have wives that don't work and one brother doesn't work but they contribute nothing to the care of finances.

They all know I am running on empty. I am just now recovering from a sinus infection, ear infection, bronchitis, and back spasms that all hit in the same week. They say, "We don't know what we would do without you". But honestly not one of the three offered to do one single thing while I was sick. DD (6) did though. She was my "nurse" and "waitress".

Thanks again for all the wonderful suggestions. I got a free one yr to Rachel Ray today and am looking forward to some serious planning this weekend! The crock pot is out as well as the food processor and I stocked up on groceries tonight that you all suggested like cheap frozen dinners and salad items etc.

Anyway I have used this posting to whine and that's something I try to not do. So thanks again and have a good night!

I wish you all the best!

 

[RadioFanatic]

that's what I wanted to do first bc you deserve it - you really are a saint!

Second, I wanted to let you know how I do things. On sundays, I make two casserole type meals (I'll post some recipes below). this gets me through sunday, monday, tuesday and wednesday with a salad or side veggie. Then thursday, I use the crockpot. friday we either eat leftovers from crockpot or I take out one or two of my frozen pizza doughs to make pizza (I get them on sale from grocery for about 49 cents and stock up when they have the sale). then saturday is either take out or restaurant!

Chicken alfredo casserole



INGREDIENTS
1

tablespoon butter

2

cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1/2

cup chopped onion

1

jar (16 oz) Alfredo pasta sauce

1/4

cup milk

2

cups chopped cooked chicken

2

cups Green Giant® SELECT® frozen broccoli florets, thawed

1/4

teaspoon dried basil leaves

1

can (7.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

1

tablespoon butter, melted

1

tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS
1 Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. 2 In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Cook mushrooms and onion in butter, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in Alfredo sauce, milk, chicken, broccoli and basil. Cook until mixture is thoroughly heated and bubbly, stirring constantly. Spoon into baking dish. 3 Separate dough into 10 biscuits. Cut each biscuit in half crosswise. Arrange around edge of baking dish, overlapping slightly. Drizzle biscuits with melted butter; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. 4 Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.



Mexi beef casserole



INGREDIENTS
1

lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

1/4

cup chopped onion

2

tablespoons Old El Paso® taco seasoning mix (from 1-oz package)

1

can (11 oz) Green Giant® Mexicorn® whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained

2

cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce

4

oz Cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 cup)

1

can (7.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

1

tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

1

teaspoon yellow cornmeal, if desired

DIRECTIONS
1 Heat oven to 375°F. In 10-inch ovenproof skillet, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain. Reduce heat to medium; stir in taco seasoning mix, corn and tomato sauce. Heat until hot. Stir in cheese cubes. 2 Separate dough into 10 biscuits; cut each into quarters. Arrange quartered biscuits around outer edge of skillet. Brush biscuits with melted butter; sprinkle with cornmeal. 3 Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.



Chili casserole



INGREDIENTS
6

slices bacon

1

lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

1

cup chopped onions (2 medium)

1

can (16 oz) baked beans with bacon and brown sugar, undrained

1

can (15 oz) Progresso® red kidney beans, drained, 1/4 cup liquid reserved

1/4

cup packed brown sugar

1/4

cup ketchup

3

tablespoons white vinegar

1

can (11 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated original breadsticks (12 breadsticks)

1

tablespoon milk

2

teaspoons sesame seed

DIRECTIONS
1 Heat oven to 400°F. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, turning once, until crisp. Drain on paper towels; crumble bacon. Drain drippings from skillet. 2 In skillet, cook beef and onions over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in bacon, baked beans, kidney beans with reserved 1/4 cup liquid, brown sugar, ketchup and vinegar. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until bubbly, stirring occasionally. Pour into ungreased 11x7-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish. 3 Unroll dough; separate into 12 strips. Arrange strips in lattice design over bean mixture, overlapping as necessary to fit. Brush dough with milk; sprinkle with sesame seed. 4 Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until breadsticks are golden brown and filling is bubbly.

cheesy chicken/corn

Ingredients

· 1 Box Yellow Rice

· 1 Stick Margarine

· 1 Can Cream Of Chicken Soup

· 1-2 Cups shredded, cooked chicken

· 1 can Whole Kernel Corn (drained)

· 1 1/2 Cups Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

1. Cook rice according to package directions. Add rice and all other ingredients, except for 1/2 C of cheese, into a bowl and stir until well combined. Spoon into casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 for about thirty minutes, or until bubbly.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I love the idea of potato soup as that is one of my dad's favorites.

We made this a few weeks ago - it is by far the easiest potato soup recipe I've ever seen:

Ingredients:
*1 30oz. bag of frozen, shredded hashbrowns
*3 - 14oz. cans of chicken broth
*1 can cream of chicken
*1/2 cup onion, chopped
*1/4 tsp. black pepper
*1 package cream cheese (do NOT use fat free- it won't melt)

Throw in everything except for the cream cheese, that will go in an hour before serving. Cook on low for 6-8 and top with cheese, bacon, green onions or sour cream.

I left out the onions because I was afraid the kids wouldn't like 'em. You leave it in the crock pot all day and add the cream cheese at the end ~ an hour before serving. You MUST use the real cream cheese though; the fat free won't melt Even the real stuff won't melt completely, but it will for the most part. We top a bowl with shredded cheddar cheese & bacon crumbles. Best part is this is almost a zero effort deal. You'll spend more time cooking the bacon than everything else combined

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

Thanks all for the wonderful suggestions and thank you for extending care for my well being. I truly appreciate it.

I love the idea of potato soup as that is one of my dad's favorites.

My parents do not contribute anything to the household financially. They spend their monthly social security on medications and the remainder seems to go to my brothers (one who doesn't work and neither does his wife and the other that makes of $70k per year). DH just realized they aren't contributing a week ago and that's when he said we needed to take a serious look at budgeting for food. Mom tries somewhat with her money but my dad spends every penny of his w/i two days.

DH loved the idea of a meal plan each week but still will not cook.

My mom just won't. She does make pb sandwiches or cereal or a grilled cheese for dad when I'm not home.

I have printed all the suggestions and will start by making a meal plan tomorrow while DD is at dance.

I am the only shopper and as the only driver no one else could go anyway.

I have two brothers and they both have wives that don't work and one brother doesn't work but they contribute nothing to the care of finances.

They all know I am running on empty. I am just now recovering from a sinus infection, ear infection, bronchitis, and back spasms that all hit in the same week. They say, "We don't know what we would do without you". But honestly not one of the three offered to do one single thing while I was sick. DD (6) did though. She was my "nurse" and "waitress".

Thanks again for all the wonderful suggestions. I got a free one yr to Rachel Ray today and am looking forward to some serious planning this weekend! The crock pot is out as well as the food processor and I stocked up on groceries tonight that you all suggested like cheap frozen dinners and salad items etc.

Anyway I have used this posting to whine and that's something I try to not do. So thanks again and have a good night!

WOW! Just WOW! Op go back an re-read this post and like a pp said, remove yourself from the situation and pretend someone else wrote it.
Someone who would put up with a situation which you describe here is either a saint or ....I cannot say the words. All I know is that NOBODY can do to you what you do not allow them to do. They (your parents and to some extent your dh) do this because they can. It is up to you to stop it and stop enabling your parents. It is a sad situation that when you were ill only your dd tried to take care of you. She sees and understands more than you think.
How did your parents survive before they moved in?
Why did your dh not know the truth about your parents not paying their way in your home? Why are you accepting for them not only to freeload and abuse your kindness but to actually give their money to your brothers who do nothing for them?

I do not in any way say this meanly but your problem should not be about food cost and preparation but about how you are being treated by your "family" and why you either have such low self esteem or guilt to allow yourself to be a doormat. I really do hope you listen to all the good advice you have received from everyone here and make some changes for yourself. Good luck.

 

[Natalie's Mommy]

My mom could easily cook but doesn't. I've hinted a number of times but no go. My mom won't eat leftovers bc she says leftovers make her sick...

My dad will not eat most of what I fix... In the 14 months since they officially moved in, I've made two dishes that he would eat. Two! The rest of the time I've made him something else.

I just went back and added up what I have spent each month over the last three months and I am averaging $988 including short trips for soda, water, milk etc. And averaging $174 on takeout.

Your mom needs to start cooking....end of story!

your dad needs to be less picky, and who eats every hour anyways????

OMG that is way too much money a month!

Girl, what did your parents do for food before they moved in???? It sounds like you are being taken advantage of. I know this is your family and you want to make them happy. But look at your post and make believe someone else wrote it. Wouldn't you tell that person they are doing way too much and not getting help? What is this teaching your daughter? That it is OK to have 1 person be the slave for everyone else? Actually you are teaching your daughter a wonderful lesson in hard work and compassion because you are working so hard for your family and that is awesome. But you are being taken advantage of and I that makes me sad

i agree here 100%

I don't agree with this opinion. If your parents were living in a nursing home, they would not be given a specific, individual meal of their choosing every night. That is not a necessity for a health old age. If you are providing a healthy variety of good foods every night and your parents refuse to eat it to the point that they lose weight, then they probably need a different type of care--maybe mental health care or maybe a nursing home. You should not feel guilty if your parents refuse to eat what you cook, especially since your mother, at least, is capable of cooking her own food.

then her parents need to be in a nursing home with more specialized care than she can provide! I would flat out tell them that too!!

My parents do not contribute anything to the household financially. They spend their monthly social security on medications and the remainder seems to go to my brothers (one who doesn't work and neither does his wife and the other that makes of $70k per year). DH just realized they aren't contributing a week ago and that's when he said we needed to take a serious look at budgeting for food. Mom tries somewhat with her money but my dad spends every penny of his w/i two days.

My mom just won't. She does make pb sandwiches or cereal or a grilled cheese for dad when I'm not home.

I have two brothers and they both have wives that don't work and one brother doesn't work but they contribute nothing to the care of finances.

im sorry but OMG ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Your parents dont contribute AT ALL to the finances but are being super picky about food, won't cook it and are giving their money to your other brothers who don't help out with their care. THIS IS JUST INSANE!!! INSANITY!!!!

You really need to re-read this and see how you are being flat out USED by not only your parents but by your brothers as well....they are getting the rewards of YOU taking care of your parents.

if i were you i would find your parents a nice assisted living community since they clearly are not team players.

 

[hereyago]

This pretty sums it up in a nutshell, great post!

 

[minpin3]

Great advice and great recipes!