When you're eating for one, you can get away with fast food. Sure, it's expensive, but achieving an economy of scale while feeding one person requires taking an Adulting 401 class.

You're gonna spend a lot, but less than what you would probably waste.

Your parents can buy a $5 bag of potatoes and make fries for days :)

My teen can demolish a family-sized box of mac and cheese and a side of veggies.

The real pain for your parents is probably waste.

7YO: I WANT NOODLES,

makes them noodles

they don't eat the noodles

Me: Why didn't you eat your noodles?

7YO: I DON'T WANT NOODLES!

Me: What do you want?

7YO: I DON'T KNOW!

I don't know what I'm making them next, but now I know I'm eating noodles for dinner... 🎵come on hot sauce, my old friend 🎶