Parents are trying to be friends with their kids rather than draw the line and tell them what proper public behavior would be.
They prospect of seeing oneself in the mirror clean-shaven is too close to a Vincent Price film... a prospect not to be contemplated, no matter the compensation.
I would snack on crisps and chocolate and my meals weren't the best. I ate lots of steak with creamy sauces, chips and peas, washed down with wine and a pudding.