Fries at mum's, burritos at dad's: How kids learn to cope through food


By AGENCY
  • Family
  • Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Kids may compartmentalise their eating habits according to where they are. — Boumenjapet/Dreamstime/TNS

My 15-year-old son goes back and forth between his father’s home and mine. When he’s ready to return, I always go to the supermarket and stock up. Yesterday I was talking to his bonus mum (my co-parent’s wife) and she mentioned his favourite food at their house. I was shocked. He never eats burritos at our house, and I told her so. I told her about his favourite food at my house – French fries from the air fryer – and she laughed. They don’t have an air fryer and he never eats French fries there. I’m so afraid there is something psychologically wrong here and we have tried so hard to make it easy on him. What’s good ex-etiquette?

There may be some psychological issue, but I can’t say that based on what you describe. It’s more that he has compartmentalised his eating habits.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Family

Women are being paid less than men in Germany
New year, new beginnings: Seniors embracing change
All myths aside, ageing women can still be strong and healthy
No slowing down for retired professor passionate about conservation
When schools reopened, mental well-being among young people improved
Swedes say 13 is too young for criminal responsibility
In Yemen, kids are forced to learn without basic amenities
Starchild: Why Malaysian kids want futuristic watches on their wrists
Trading cries for barks: Are people choosing to have pets and not children?
Does excessive screen time affect the older generation?

Others Also Read