How Can You be Frugal when

**Hollyhandi** · 01-15-2005, 04:43 PM

your kids are fighting you every which way.
I have a teenager who wants food when he wants it and has it in his head he hates homecooked meals.
He wants junk food and food he can throw in the microwave and since I can't afford it he complains there is nothing to eat.
Any ideas that would get him homecooked meals that are fast to put in his stomach. And still save our money.
I truthfully am at my wits end.
I Love the kid but there are times I'm not happy with him.

**sunshine** · 01-15-2005, 04:54 PM

OAMC (once a month cooking)--- or at least cook extra of whatever you are making for dinner. . . and freeze in single portions that he can microwave for himself when he wants.

Other than that-- drag him along when you go grocery shopping. . . .have him plan the meals. . . . . snacks. . . . . coupons. . . . . for 2 weeks and see how he does- he might surprise you. (mine did)

Crockpots are another life saver with teens. Mine eat in shifts--- so I throw stuff in the crockpot in the morning and they (and their friends) eat when ever they show up here for dinner.

**BlessedMommy** · 01-15-2005, 05:03 PM

Can you try making copycat versions of some of his favorite "junk foods"?
If he likes Hot Pocket type sandwiches you could make your own and have them ready in the freezer. If he likes snack cakes, make a 9 x 13 cake, frost and cut in pieces. Freeze indiviual pieces in plastic containers (or make cupcakes). If he likes salty muchies make up a big batch of Chex mix made with loss leader/store brand/Aldi brand cereals.
I remember when my 3 brothers were teenagers. They ate my parents out of house and home. They ate so much cereal that they used vegetable bowls instead of cereal bowls!

**Hollyhandi** · 01-15-2005, 05:21 PM

i would love to be able to do the copy cat junk stuff for him but I don't know how and stay into a budget. My BF and I are both on disability and he does work some to subliment. By the time we pay our bills I have just enough to buy basics and cook
as much as possible from my pantry and garden in the summer.
I stock up on vegetables and things for soups and stews
but he wants spaghetti and lasagnea and expensive stuff
and wants it done when he's hungry and not wait for dinner.
this week we will be living on $30.00 for everything until
Doug gets paid Friday.( gas for doug to go to work and take the kid that lives with us to practice and games, drs appointment, milk or whatever we need .

**homesteadmamma** · 01-15-2005, 05:35 PM

He eats what everyone else eats or he goes hungry. He won't go hungry long before he'll eat anything. Also he can fill up on carrots, apples, bananas which are healthy and not nearly as expensive as other things.

Otherwise maybe he can get a part time job and buy the extras he likes to eat.

Edited to add: I hope I don't sound too harsh here, but when your on a limited budget, the whole family has to work together to make ends meet.

**forestdale** · 01-15-2005, 06:11 PM

I totally agree with cj. He eats what's there or he's hungry. I have two older sons so I know how much they eat - hang in there cause they cut back on the food around 20 -21.

Have you told your son why he needs to conform to the homecooked meals and that although you'd love to give him what he wants, you just can't. That's what I'd do and if that doesn't work, he can go "hungry". Believe me, he won't starve.

**slowtypinwoman** · 01-15-2005, 06:12 PM

I have to agree with CJ on this one. I don't have a teen aged boy but a child is never too young to learn that we have to work as a family in order to get the long haul done.

**Hollyhandi** · 01-15-2005, 06:17 PM

he knows this and most times he's really fine with it.
He's been grocery shopping with me many times and knows the cost and he does good most of the time. Its just lately( He'll be 16 next month ) . I keep hoping its just puberty.....

**forestdale** · 01-15-2005, 06:24 PM

holly, if he knows then it's his own fault if he goes hungry. You can only do what you can do. It might take him a while to realise he can't eat what he wants but he will get there.

Good luck with your frugal living.

**Hollyhandi** · 01-15-2005, 06:28 PM

Thanks
I have learnt so much just in the last couple days.
You guys are really inspirational....

's

**homesteadmamma** · 01-15-2005, 06:39 PM

Originally posted by forestdale
holly, if he knows then it's his own fault if he goes hungry. You can only do what you can do. It might take him a while to realise he can't eat what he wants but he will get there.

Good luck with your frugal living.

I agree.

**BlessedMommy** · 01-15-2005, 06:56 PM

Holly! It's not easy raising teens!
Cj and the others have given you great advice!
Hang in there and remain strong!

**mommy2many** · 01-15-2005, 07:10 PM

Originally posted by homesteadmamma
He eats what everyone else eats or he goes hungry. He won't go hungry long before he'll eat anything. Also he can fill up on carrots, apples, bananas which are healthy and not nearly as expensive as other things.

Otherwise maybe he can get a part time job and buy the extras he likes to eat.

Edited to add: I hope I don't sound too harsh here, but when your on a limited budget, the whole family has to work together to make ends meet.

I couldn't agree more!

**Early Bird** · 01-15-2005, 09:10 PM

I still like the crockpot idea ... he's old enough to dish up for himself.

Some inexpensive ideas for the crockpot: split pea soup; chick thighs in bbq sauce (can get thighs for $0.59/lb here on sale); meatless crockpot lasagna; pinto beans (use to fill tortillas); cheap cuts of meat for stews; sausage and sauerkraut. Also, look up vegetarian recipes.

Do you have Aldi near you? Oh! I miss Aldi so much -- I'd fill the cart with fresh fruit and veg and milk and treats and .cheese and cream cheese etc. ... and I spent a lot less than shopping at mainstream stores. I could feed the family very, very well for about $75/wk.

**guest2** · 01-15-2005, 10:00 PM

I agree with CJ and Rhonda on the he'll eat what is there or go hungry. I have 3 bottomless pits (15 year old twins and 17 year old) and all their friends here. I make huge pots of vegitarian spaghetti and they can reheat it during the week when they are hungry. Potato cheese soup is another winner here that is cheap and filling. The boys and their friends actually ate 5 quarts of it in one sitting the other day!

My kids know that Burger King and such is not in the normal budget and if they want that kind of stuff or the snack cakes and such they have to earn their own money to buy them.