HOw do you decide?

[jldumm]

We are vegetarians at home but hubby eats meat out. I struggle with what to do for our kids. I thought at one point they would get a choice at age 5 or so to choose to eat meat out as well. But then i would rather them get happy meat if they are going to eat it, so i would have to cook it at my house or a friends. Then my Husband is saying they will just be used to eating this way because it's what we do at home, and not to introduce the idea to them....

How do you guys weigh the decision?

This is becoming more real to me because my 3 year old accidentally picked up bacon at a family outing and took a bite or two before anyone noticed. I was way more freaked than anyone at the table. She just gave it back and didn't say much. We have started to talk about where meat comes from and we have friends that raise cow, pig, sheep, turkey, goat and chicken for food.... so we talk about that. So any books or things to watch for a small child to start making the decision would be helpful too.

Thanks

[meesh933]

My oldest is only 3, too, so we're kind of in the same place as you. I picked up a book at the library...That's Why We Don't Eat Animals. It's a kid's book, but a little graphic for a 3 yo IMO. Maybe in a couple of years. For a long time, she thought all girls were veg and all boys were omnivores, since DH eats meat, so we've (well, me) just explained to her that most people - boys and girls! - are omnivores, we don't eat meat because meat is from killing animals, but if she wants to try meat when she's a little older, that's fine too.

I think if she accidentally ate meat I'd try not to freak out. It's her body, after all, her choice (although I don't believe at 3 yo she can make an informed choice, that's why I don't offer her meat). But I try not to make it a control issue at all. For example, this week at story time, the story was about worms and the librarian offered the kids each a gummy worm. I told her that it was candy, but it did contain gelatin, which isn't veg, but it was her choice whether she wanted it or not. She took it, of course, but only ate a bit anyway.

Also, it sounds like your DH is a little more on board than mine. He says by the time she's allowed to choose, I'll have brainwashed her.

[mumkimum]

Dh & I decided that IF and WHEN our kids expressed an interest in eating meat, it would be okay, and we would teach her about it so that she'd be able to do it in a healthy way. That's really the most important thing, imo, to be aware and thoughtful about all food you eat and understand eating in a balanced and healthy way.

Dd1 is 3.5 (dd2 only 3 mo, so nowhere near close there ) and sees dh eat meat out and sometimes at home. She states she's vegetarian, and aside from telling us about having some 'veggie pepperoni' at school once (probably meat. . . I really doubt someone would bring in veg pepperoni but I suppose its possible - we tried to just listen about that one) she hasn't had meat otherwise. She does like to pretend she does, and also thought that girls don't eat meat and boys do, for awhile too that's so funny (she'd ask for girl cheese sandwiches = grilled cheese, thinking it was a girl sandwich b/c it didn't have meat).

[dbsam]

My children and I are vegetarian and my husband is veggie at home but eats meat when we are out. He supports the children's diet and wants them to remain veggie. (Like the pp, he used to joke that they will be 'brainwashed' by the time they are old enough to decide.)

Recently my children have been pressured by their cousins to try meat. When we are together I've heard them almost badger my children saying 'they need to try this or that'...or 'they are missing out on such good meat'. As a result, after getting together w/my sister's family the subject of eating meat tends to come up. I told them when they are a little older they can try it and decide. I thought we w/b dealing with this much later but it looks like it is becoming an issue younger. They understand meat is a result of killing animals. I was hoping they would be older when they wanted to try it so they could understand more about the meat 'process' - but I do not want to upset them at a young age. I'm tempted to tell them they can eat meat when they can buy it and make it or drive to a restaurant - but I'm afraid that would not be the best solution.

So far being veggie hasn't been an issue at school - I was surprised how many vegetarians were at their Montessori school - including teachers. They start a new school this fall and a veggie lunch option will be offered daily. So I hope they continue being content, even proud, of their vegginess!

Also, we’re going to a veggie fest next month. It is family friendly; I’d like them to see that many families are vegetarian.

[dbsam]

Originally Posted by mumkimum

and also thought that girls don't eat meat and boys do, for awhile too that's so funny (she'd ask for girl cheese sandwiches = grilled cheese, thinking it was a girl sandwich b/c it didn't have meat).

This is cute!

[crunchy_mommy]

dbsam - how old are the kids & cousins -- could someone gently explain to the cousins that different people follow different diets? Or if it's more good-natured teasing, could your kids tease back about how they're missing out on such good broccoli, such a yummy veggie burger?

Originally Posted by dbsam

I'm tempted to tell them they can eat meat when they can buy it and make it or drive to a restaurant - but I'm afraid that would not be the best solution.

Actually that's sort of my plan -- is that nuts? Well maybe not quite that strict but I have no intention of having meat in our home. I guess if they really want to try it when we eat out once a month/attend a party or something, I'd consider that (once they are old enough to really understand). DH eats 100% vegan at home, 50% vegan when he's out somewhere (which really is only 1-2 times a month)... I suppose when they're old enough they can adopt the same patterns if they really want to. But I don't see any reason for me to buy & prepare meat at home -- no more than I would have expected my own parents to buy & prepare something they were opposed to like... brussel sprouts?

[dbsam]

Originally Posted by crunchy_mommy

dbsam - how old are the kids & cousins -- could someone gently explain to the cousins that different people follow different diets? Or if it's more good-natured teasing, could your kids tease back about how they're missing out on such good broccoli, such a yummy veggie burger?



Actually that's sort of my plan -- is that nuts? Well maybe not quite that strict but I have no intention of having meat in our home. I guess if they really want to try it when we eat out once a month/attend a party or something, I'd consider that (once they are old enough to really understand). DH eats 100% vegan at home, 50% vegan when he's out somewhere (which really is only 1-2 times a month)... I suppose when they're old enough they can adopt the same patterns if they really want to. But I don't see any reason for me to buy & prepare meat at home -- no more than I would have expected my own parents to buy & prepare something they were opposed to like... brussel sprouts?

I'm really not sure; I think I will figure it out when we get there. I didn't want it to become a power struggle or make it into a bigger issue but I do not buy/make meat for my husband and he’s been fine with that for 23 years I guess if the children decide to eat meat they can go out with their dad for a steak dinner. Right now my children are six and are content - except after seeing cousins and we are going over their house today. Their cousins are 6 and 9. I really think it originates w/my BIL. My husband has heard him say comments about my children being veg. I considered talking to my sister about it but she is very defensive about her husband and children so I figured it is easier to talk with my children and remind why we are veggie and that all families are different, etc.

[crunchy_mommy]

That makes sense. I think I'd find that situation kind of frustrating with the cousins. I guess a lot of people just don't understand vegetarianism. DH told a coworker the other day that we were raising DS vegan & the coworker was like, "Oh you better talk to his doctor about that, that's not too healthy" etc. (Yeah I'm sure he'd be MUCH healthier eating Big Macs & coke like many kids I see! ) I guess seeing as veg is the minority we have to talk to our kids about how different families eat differently but I wish it were more widely accepted. I hope your kids enjoy the veggie fest, we go to one almost every year & it's so awesome to see a huge packed convention center full of veg*ns (even if we do have to drive over an hour to get there)!

[dbsam]

Originally Posted by crunchy_mommy

I hope your kids enjoy the veggie fest, we go to one almost every year & it's so awesome to see a huge packed convention center full of veg*ns (even if we do have to drive over an hour to get there)!

Yes, we've been trying to get to this one for two years but something always comes up. We put it on our calendar back in January and plan to go unless there are tornados that day! (it's outside) Are you near Chicago? We are going to the fest in Naperville which is about 1.5hours for us.

[crunchy_mommy]

No we go to the one in Boston. It's a little over an hour from us. It's usually in October or November... we didn't go last year but we went several years in a row before that... I can't wait. I love trying the yummy foods etc.!!

[indiefolklore]

Originally Posted by dbsam

Are you near Chicago? We are going to the fest in Naperville which is about 1.5hours for us.

So glad i found this thread because i just moved back to the Chicago area and had no idea about veggie fest! Sweet!

Thanks, definitely adding this to our calendar.