How would you handle this issue?

[australorpchick]

So I'm the cook, baker, canner and chicken owner of the family.

The other day my sister made a comment that she's still waiting for some eggs and later on, she mentioned that she still hadn't tried my canned salsa (I didn't give her any).

A week or two earlier, while telling my parents about my first carrot cake that I made, my BIL complained that carrot cake was his favorite (unknown to me) and how come I didn't give him some.

Now I just received a text from my mom saying she was out of salsa and out of eggs.

Does anyone else have this issue? This is really starting to bug me and it really bothers DH, because he sees all the work I put into it. It may be free for them, but it's not free for me. There's all the supplies I need to cook and bake. You all know raising chickens isn't free. Not to mention, the time involved, which is done on the weekend, since I work 9+ hours a day M-F. Frankly, sometimes I don't feel like sharing. I do this for my family, not everyone else. DH and I have recently started selling some eggs and are trying to barter for some fresh fruits & veggies, to help recoup some of the feed expense (who am I kidding, I'll use it to buy more hatching eggs).

How would you politely tell your family to quit being mooches?

 

[Ang]

I would reply to my mom that my salsa is priced at $X jar and my eggs at $X a dozen. How many of each would you like? If she complains, just explain that you put time, effort and money into those things and you can't just be giving things away because it does take away from feeding your own family. If she gets her nose out of joint over that, then I guess she doesn't need eggs or salsa that bad.

 

[redux]

I would just pretend I didn't hear them. Just because they want it doesn't mean you are supposed to give it to them.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

If you give in, their test plan worked. They will have learned that they can guilt their way into getting things from you. Don't buy into it.

 

[Teach97]

family...we don't get to pick them unfortuanately

You might let it leak that you are making some money off of your talents...maybe they will realize they might offer to pay...

You could limit your giving to family to birthdays or times when presents are being exchanged...

You could talk about the fact that you have orders for this stuff and filling them is really taking up some time and such...

Also...you might look at is as your family is really impressed with your talents and are complementing you on your work by asking for some. IT could be that they are praising you and the desire or addiciton even to your wares has them not thinking straight...think egg hatching...

then again...you could be blessed with a bunch of mooches that just want something fro nothing in which case tell them to shove-off and find themselves a new host you bunch of parasites!

 

[trilyn]

I hear you...my sister doesn't even offer to pay for my eggs, she just expects them.

Well, I have ignored her! Now my dad on the other hand, I never even wanted to charge him for the eggs, just wanted him to have them; and he has always paid me more than what I am asking for them!! He's a sweetie!!

Just explain to them, they can't be that clueless and if they are well......be firm and politely say no!

 

[OutInTheStiks]

Send them the recipes for the carrot cake and salsa.

As for the eggs, tell them you will let them know if you have any left over after you fill the orders that you have.

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Some very good advice there! Sorry Mom, but all the salsa is to fill orders, do you want to order some? It's $x.xx a jar and I should have some more made in 2 weeks. And then tell your conscience to hush!

 

[Mattemma]

I would respond with," I am sorry,but I don't/didn't have any extra to give away. It may be a really long time until I can spare some salsa,eggs,baked goods.If you are interested in doing all this on your own you should come over one time and garden,cook,bake,tend to the hens with me.They you can see if it is something you want to dr you can just wait for those rare extras I might or might not have in the future!"

I would limit it to a holiday or birthday or when/if you really do have extra. Doing all that stuff IS hard work.And it takes money and time to get those ingredients/supplies.Maybe seeing it first hand would make people appreciate it,and not nag so much for more.

My mom just gave some roasted peppers in a rice wine vinegar/oil.It was awesome.I won't bug her to make me more.I will make some myself and share some with her!And I don't always have extra eggs but she lucked out and got 2 dozen.Some months I can't spare any. Best wishes whatever you do!!!!

 

[cluckcluck42]

I would tell them how much the salsa and eggs cost or offer for them to come over and learn, like other people have said. it is NOT your responsibility to make your (extended) family food! They can figure it out themselves. The nerve of people.