The journey into parenthood can be a mix of joy and chaos, especially when welcoming a first baby. While it’s common for new parents to seek help from friends and family—often through meal trains—there are definitely better ways to make those requests than what one couple did.
In Philadelphia, resident Tom Johnson encountered a post on Nextdoor from a couple, aspiring parents, who were seeking assistance following their baby’s arrival. What began as a standard appeal quickly escalated into something far more absurd.
The soon-to-be dad, who identified himself as Jake Smith, expressed his anxieties about sleepless nights affecting his ability to support his wife post-delivery. But as he detailed their meal preferences, it became apparent that the couple was either out of touch or just plain entitled. The requests included elaborate items like homemade granola and Italian antipasto—a list that would make any potential helper cringe at the thought of expense and effort.
The couple’s demands were not just specific, they were also exorbitant. Asking for “kale and goat cheese ricotta cups” or “sweet potato salmon cakes with chipotle mayo” seemed more fitting for a high-end restaurant than for a neighborhood meal train. As if that wasn’t enough, they even suggested that neighbors could come over and handle household chores like cleaning their dishes or vacuuming instead of providing meals.
And in a twist of rudeness, they indicated that if they were busy or not feeling grateful, they would leave a cooler outside for food drop-offs—without so much as a thank you. This is not how meal trains are meant to function; typically, there’s an expectation of at least a nod of appreciation, not just a cooler for convenience.
Local resident Tom had mixed feelings about the post. While he believed asking for help isn’t inherently wrong, he found the couple’s approach to be quite excessive, especially when it involved asking strangers for gourmet dishes. The community’s reaction was divided; some defended the couple’s right to ask for what they wanted, while others pointed out the absurdity of such demands.
This incident serves as a reminder: when organizing a meal train, it’s best to keep requests simple and budget-friendly. A little gratitude goes a long way, and if you’re unsure about the etiquette, there are plenty of resources available, including sites like Make a Mom and In Vitro Fertilisation, which can provide guidance on how to approach these situations.
In summary, asking for help as new parents is essential, but it’s crucial to do so with humility and consideration for those you’re reaching out to. There are many in the community willing to lend a hand, but they should never feel taken advantage of, especially with unrealistic expectations.