For a number of years, especially during high school, I rarely understood my mom, or even tried to. I think part of this new relationship is because we don't live under the same roof anymore, but my experiences taking care of myself during college have helped me gain insight into why moms do what they do. I was also a church camp counselor last summer, often playing mom to as many as 100 kids of different ages, backgrounds and personalities. I can't imagine doing what you do, but hopefully I have learned to understand you better in the past two years. Because Jif is more expensive.
Parents have budgets, and parents have families to care for.
Kroger brand is just cheaper, bottom line. This goes for not only peanut butter, but for other food items and clothing, as well. But I had Levi's. But the point is, jeans are jeans, and it's far more important that everyone is fed, clothed and cared for than having a small triangle on one's back pocket. They likewise don't like watching opportunity pass their children by.