What is it about those that we cook for?

[Glassunion]

I worked all day, just like they did.

I got my ass home 20 minutes after them.

I jumped right into the kitchen...

I'm marinating tofu, sautéing: green beans, carrots, broccoli, and peppers... I'm making sure I have a protien, starch and veggie on the plate.

I'm cooking a real home cooked meal, made from wholesome ingredients while they read a book.

Here is what I get... "when's dinner?"

Aaaahhhhhh!

God do I love cooking!

[Denninmi]

1. Perhaps some tough love.

Maybe it's time for you to come home, sit on the couch, grab the book, and then look up and say "When's dinner?"

[Glassunion]

2. The problem with that. Is I know exactly what I would get.

A horrific dinner

[Denninmi]

3. No one said struggle was easy.

Of course, you could always secretly stash something away for later to ease the pangs.

[grasswire]

4. are you complaining?

I can't quite tell.

I've always been the designated cooker in any family configuration. A good thing, but ya need a break regularly. Maybe someone else could take a couple of days a week.

[Glassunion]

5. I love cooking... It relaxes me.

It's the idea around the house that dinner somehow has to keep to a schedule.

Tonight I made an awesome meal. How many people do you know have made a stirfry sauce from pumpkin beer and maple syrup?

Anyhoo. I get asked the "when's dinner" question and the one asking is not asking because they have somewhere to be. They want to know how many minutes are going to pass before they can stuff their face. Heaven forbid dinner hits the table any later than promised. Than you get the whole "you said dinner was going to be ready in 20 minutes" crap.

I tonight I simply replied "shortly". I was then asked "how long is that?". To which I replied "longer than later but shorter than now. If it's too long we can always order some shitty pizza".

I love cooking. It's one of my arts that I take as a hobby. IMO if someone is cooking for you, sit back, relax and enjoy it when you are served.

[Denninmi]

6. Ah, well, instead of a complete strike.

Perhaps a work slowdown is in order.

It could be a very, very long 20 minutes.

[Lucinda]

7. We both cook. Bill probably cooks dinner more than I do, and we also cook together

It all depends on the dish...but I can relate when it comes to washing dishes. They don't get done unless I ask, or do them myself. :)

[Tesha]

8. You have options, right?

Are you talking about children being impatient? Then...

Ask yourself if you want to make sure your kids know their way around the kitchen...
they may find they love cooking as much as you do, and imagine your joy when they deliver an edible meal!

Yes, teaching them isn't relaxing, but I can't thank my Mom and Grandmothers enough for their time and patience.


Are you talking about adults?

Set the normal expectation of a specific time - "we eat at 6:30 when there is any delay I'll let you know."
If you're cooking something without a specific time to finish make it clear to them, nothing says you
can't disturb their reading to tell them your creative juices are flowing a little more slowly tonight.


Set another expectation that the phrase "when's dinner" is not an acceptable conversation starter.
"I'd like to wash ny hair before dinner, do I have time" - "They want to leave by 7, would that be OK?

Let them know that you expect them to ... you know... communicate?

[Glassunion]

9. I was venting.

Just one of those things I don't understand. I'm talking about an adult.

I guess I would understand more, if let's she was hungry and was trying to decide if she wants a snack. That I'd be cool with. If I ask her why she needs to know the response is usually "I just want to know". She has nowhere to be, nothing to be doing.

Last night I explained to her that I love cooking for her, but that I don't like the pressure of being timed when I do.

[Phentex]

10. I like cooking but I hate always being the one to plan and implement!...

I have learned to let go of some of the comments but yeah, I can't remember when it was decided that the Queen should do everything. :)

[GoCubsGo]

11. I agree.

If the kid wants dinner on time, she should get her butt in the kitchen and lend a hand.