How would you handle this issue?

[smith2]

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Those all sound like great ideas for moochers. Thanks.

 

[smith2]

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If friends have asked, then I'd definitely have the whole crew over for a canning session.
Make it like a DIY 'pound party', where each person brings __ amount of one ingredient and $____ to cover jar cost. Then it won't sting when you send home a few jars with each person.

For example:
Mom brings __ pounds of tomatoes & $5
sis brings ___ pounds of onions & $5
friend 1 brings __ jars of vinegar & $5
friend 2 brings __ of ___ & $5

That's what I would do. Then you just have time & equipment invested, but not cash.

I do this all summer with my friends and then we just all share the stuff each of us has made. I supply eggs, others do the fruits, veggies, and meat stuff. I would never tell my parents no. My parents can have anything they want. Everybody else gets stuff for gifts if I have enough to supply my own needs first. These types of situations are always sticky with family.

 

[Wifezilla]

Is there anything you could swap them for? I know sometimes money is an issue but they should be willing to do SOMETHING for the eggs. Clean the coop, bake you a loaf of bread....SOMETHING!

 

[DuckLady]

I forgot my exception of time consuming, lotsa work tamales.

I don't care who you are. You don't help, you don't eat. Period.

 

[calicokat]

I had a problem with this and my Black Rasberry jelly this year. I made it with the neighbor lady who was teaching me to can. We picked the berries (ouch!! and mosquitos too!!) and everything. I ended up with 4 1/2 pints I think. Well, when we open one, it's gone that day (5 of us in the house). I gave one pint to my sister for xmas, but that was it. My mom got put out because I didn't give her one. I've told her maybe next year, as I hope to pick more berries and therefor have more jelly, but it was my DH's favorite, so I can't really give any more away.

I don't think it smoothed it over any, but at least she knew what's what.

I did share TONS of Pear, Carmel Pear, and Ginger Pear jelly - so it's not like she got nothing, just didn't get the one flavor.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

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Oh, but are they worth it! YUMMMM! Tamales are DEFINITELY a food where a lot of helpers can make a difference. IMO, a LOT more work than canning.

 

[Gonzo]

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YES!!!! I am the cooker, canner, baker, and chicken person in the family too! They will burn my phone up when they're out of eggs or something, but NEVER offer to help with expenses! I'm watching this post!

 

[HEChicken]

Hmmm....I guess I have a different take on it. I don't live near my family but have great in-laws, and I really value their many kindnesses and generosity to me, my DH and our kids. I am thrilled to be able to supply them with my surplus eggs. I do also sell eggs if I have any to spare, to others, but wouldn't consider taking money from my family (real or in-laws). They do and have done so much for us that no matter how many eggs I give them, we will still be forever in their debt....

 

[Deanner03]

I would give my parents every egg I had and every chicken, too if I thought they needed/wanted it. They gave me life. It's the least I can do.
My twin sister struggles financially. She has a special needs son, and the job market is crap around here. I help her out, too. If I'm giving to my parents/twin, I can't exclude my other sister based on ability to pay. I'll give to her, too.

I keep chickens because I enjoy it, not to make money. I KNEW they wouldn't pay for themselves. It's a fact of life.

 

[Wifezilla]

There is a big difference between helping a family member in need and family members who just expect you to fork over your time, money, products, etc... because you are family and easy to take advantage of.