Why is it SO HARD not to eat kids' leftovers?

so many germaphobes here,
you must know some cross contamination builds a healthy immune system.

This is one thing I will never understand. Eating leftovers in general has always bugged me. I'd never be able to eat anyone else's leftovers. That just seems so gross to me. My mom does it and I have no idea how she can do that. It just makes me want to gag. If you like it I don't care, but noooooot me. Totally not my thing.

I don't have kids, but I have nieces and nephews.

CattOfTheGarage wrote: »

I know all the helpful thoughts - especially "it's still wasted if you eat it, only now you need to burn it off as well" - but I still feel this powerful urge, like it really bugs me to see the wasted food and I feel like it won't be so bad if I eat it. I don't even want it! And it's only half an omelette, it's not like it's going to break the bank (though how me eating it would somehow balance the books is a puzzle anyway).

Anyone got any insight into this? I feel if I could understand this, I'd be on my way to understanding other situations where I eat without actually wanting to.

Yuck. I have no desire to eat my son's left overs.

Theo166 wrote: »

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »

Theo166 wrote: »

so many germaphobes here,
you must know some cross contamination builds a healthy immune system.

That depends upon what you are contaminating yourself with. Not all germs and bacteria will build you up. Some will tear you down. Further it's not necessarily about "germs" but rather the idea of eating food that has been touched by hands that have been scratching one's rear end, or crotch or digging in one's nose is just gross. The idea of eating another person's spit is also unappealing. I don't care if it's sterile or ridden with germs and bacteria. I don't want to eat it either way!

Teaching the rugrats to wash the hands before the meal sounds like it should be the top priority

Also, most parents can't avoid touching their kids, some even take the risk of 'kissing' them!
I just don't think germ transfer can be avoided.

You have never been around kids eh? Do you control what they do when your back is turned? No. You don't. Wash before the meal and then hope they aren't digging for gold or whatever else when you aren't looking. If you are able to stare them down from the start of the meal until the finish then by all means be my guest.

Also, I will bring you back to what I said about the germs. It's not about the germs so much as it is disgusting to consume the snot, fecal matter, ear wax or what ever else they may drag up from all the places they dig(for this please refer to the above paragraph). It's gross whether you account for germs or not. Also hugging or kissing a child is not the same as eating their spit, snot etc... as was mentioned. But you know that. Further, I won't eat off of someone's plate no matter who it is or how clean they are just because it's gross in my opinion.

Theo166 wrote: »

Mysophobia, there are legit treatments available.

You hear what you want to hear. That is your choice.

You're greedy. I'm being real with you love. Throw the left overs away.

I keep thinking this topic is: why is it so hard to eat kids?

lizery wrote: »

I keep thinking this topic is: why is it so hard to eat kids?

They're quick little buggers

lizery wrote: »

I like children ...

But I don't think I could eat a whole one.

But what about in multiple meals, as "leftovers"?

CattOfTheGarage wrote: »

Why thank you, all those who have never been tempted to do this, don't understand it and think it's gross. Your contributions are what's really made this conversation truly valuable.

@vingogly thanks for the insight and book suggestion. I've seen this one recommended a few times, sounds like it would be worthwhile.

Oh gosh, lighten up!! Its not personal - havent you laughed out loud at some of the comments?! EVERY KID EVER = dirty little meat sacks!!