A few questions on getting my kids to go vegetarian

[Willow Tree]

I really want my kids to become vegetarian, but not sure how to go about it. Obviously I don't give them meat (and eventually other animal products but I'm just talking about actual meat for now). Do I tell them they are no longer to eat meat, do I just not buy it for them? They aren't very big meat eaters anyway and the meat they DO eat I am hoping to buy fake meat (like nuggets for example). Also they aren't big veggie eaters which is going to make it harder. My eldest, 5 is pretty fussy with her food I don't think she'd be open in trying new things, she just sticks to what she knows/likes. The two of them (they're age 2 and 5, I also have a 3 month old who isn't on solids yet) and the veggies they eat are carrots, potato (mashed or baked), cauliflour with cheese sauce and corn kernels (the 2 year old likes eating frozen peas and corn too for some reason).

Any tips/suggestions etc on how to do this. My eldest daughter doesn't like any sauces or whatever so I can't hide veggies (and I don't really want to anyway, I want them to know they are eating veggies and like them too).

Also any advice on getting family and friends to not give my kids meat. I just know my family, in-laws and some friends of ours will be saying things like "but they need their iron" and "you're depriving them" and "just because YOU want to be a vegetarian doesn't mean your kids should be"

Sorry about the (stupid?) questions. I am new to this.

[IrieMama]

Maybe you could read them the book "that's why we don't eat animals" If they fuss, you can always buy them faux meat that tastes just like the real things.

[The Lurker]

From experience the biggest problems are a) stopping other people giving them meat and b) stopping them choosing meat when they're not with you.

The only way to stop other people giving them meat is to flat out say that you want them to be vegetarian - make this clear to everyone in your family and anyone who will be feeding them

b) is harder when it comes to them going to things like school dinners or birthday parties where they will be picking their own - sometimes they just wont know what to do

[Willow Tree]

I will try and find that book.

Those things I am worried about. I can picture my family and in-laws feeding them meat just to p!ss me off. I remember having a conversation with my sister-in-law once about vegetarianism and she said that parents who don't give their kids meat are abusive. WTF? Anyway, Christmas is just around the corner so we'll see how that goes. My girls aren't very big meat eaters anyway so I don't think it'll be hard to have them go vegetarian, I just don't buy meat but its other people that'll make it hard. Many times I have put meat in front of my kids and they just stare at it anyway and don't touch it.

I actually did buy some fake meat the other day, my 2 year old ate it and wanted more, my 5 year old wasn't so keen though.

[IrieMama]

well your five year old is already set in his eating habits. I would wean the five year old slowly and just go cold turkey with the two year old [if possible]

Just explain that you want them to be healthy and help the earth and the animals.

[The Lurker]

Those things I am worried about. I can picture my family and in-laws feeding them meat just to p!ss me off. I remember having a conversation with my sister-in-law once about vegetarianism and she said that parents who don't give their kids meat are abusive. WTF? Anyway, Christmas is just around the corner so we'll see how that goes.

My sister in law took great delight in telling me that after she'd taken the kids to the fair they'd gone to 'Wimpy' and had burgers - it's the amazing the ignorance of some people.

We had a bit of a problem last xmas when everyone was round at our house and people were trying to give the kids paté, I caused a fuss at the time which was awkward but it has come up again now that people are talking about what we're doing this year.

'Hell is other people' as they say . . .

[IrieMama]

My oldest brother is a real A hole like that. He fed my daughter the icing on his cake when she was six months old. Because "she should be able to consume dairy" Six months is way to young for icing. AND shes lactose intolerant.

He also tells me if he ever babysits her that he'll feed her meat. That is why I will never leave her alone with him.

My mother in law would only feed her something non vegan because she really doesn't understand what the term means. She may not feed her meat or dairy but she would give her rice that has been cooked in chicken stock. Or something with honey.
ALthough she isn't doing it to be malicious.

[Semicharmed]

I'd treat kids like they're intelligent enough to grasp the reasons for being vegetarian.

Honestly, if you explain to children what meat IS and how it ends up on their plate, plenty of them will be disgusted because they're smart and compassionate and they love animals.

I was never really allowed to be picky about food, and I've never allowed the kids (from three families) I nannied for to be picky, so I've never understood that. I wouldn't go out of my way to prepare foods I knew they genuinely didn't like, and I wouldn't make it an eat-it-or-starve situation, but they were quite clear on the fact that they did NOT live in a restaurant. I've found most kids, when presented with food the right way (which, often enough tends to be making them something they know and like and then making myself a separate meal. They get curious and simply HAVE to have some of my "special" food) they aren't brats about it.

[Willow Tree]

The hardest thing is going to be other people. Friends and relatives giving them meat or other animal products (weather its done on purpose or not). Today we went grocery shopping, my two daughters went into the shop before I got in (they were with their dad) a lady gave them some ham (there was a taste test) before I could say anything they'd eaten it (and I was surprised because they usually don't like ham, maybe they were hungry). I wish people would ask me first before giving my kids food. What if they had allergies? What if I was trying to get them to go vegetarian? I've had people give my kids chocolate and lollies without asking me first which really annoys the living daylights out of me, but thats probably for another thread. ;)

I am wondering if its too late to get my 5 and 2 year old to go vegetarian. What do others think? I really want them to be one, but like I said, its other people feeding them meat thats the problem.

[Willow Tree]

The hardest thing is going to be other people. Friends and relatives giving them meat or other animal products (weather its done on purpose or not). Today we went grocery shopping, my two daughters went into the shop before I got in (they were with their dad) a lady gave them some ham (there was a taste test) before I could say anything they'd eaten it (and I was surprised because they usually don't like ham, maybe they were hungry). I wish people would ask me first before giving my kids food. What if they had allergies? What if I was trying to get them to go vegetarian? I've had people give my kids chocolate and lollies without asking me first which really annoys the living daylights out of me, but thats probably for another thread. ;)

I am wondering if its too late to get my 5 and 2 year old to go vegetarian. What do others think? I really want them to be one, but like I said, its other people feeding them meat thats the problem.

[Semicharmed]

I am wondering if its too late to get my 5 and 2 year old to go vegetarian. What do others think? I really want them to be one, but like I said, its other people feeding them meat thats the problem.

I'm going to go ahead and recommend you don't live your life, alter your parental goals, or abbreviate your ethics simply because other people will make it harder.

I mean, honestly... "Oh, crap, they ate a chunk of ham because I didn't get their quick enough" does NOT translate to, "Better just throw in the towel with raising my children the way I want to raise them."

At least in MY world it doesn't translate that way. I guess I can't say about anyone else.

[Mrs Doolittle]

Personally I would take things in stages. Don't worry about what other people feed them for the time being. Instead concentrate on what you give them at home. They are very young, so if you stick to your no-meat guns, they will just accept it over time.

Try and introduce a new vegetable every week. I found Seasoned Rice Vinegar invaluable at getting my kids to eat their veggies/salads as it's quite sweet.

Good luck with it!

[NZVeggie]

I am wondering if its too late to get my 5 and 2 year old to go vegetarian. What do others think? I really want them to be one, but like I said, its other people feeding them meat thats the problem.

I dont think they are too old at all. They are in fact still very very young in my eyes. They both still think their parents know everything and so you should pretty easily be able to make the change. As long as you present it in the right way. Don't make it sound like they are missing out on anything, rather make it sound like they are going to get way more 'special' foods etc.

And also of course your 5 year old is going to kick up a fuss if you suddenly take away some thing they like. But as I said above present it in the right way and don't give in. If your 5 year old suddenly decided that they wanted to start playing with guns then that would NOT be ok. So I put it on the same scale. Guns are not ok and neither is meat. Thats that.

At 2 and 5 they are still very much under their parents 'control'.

As for other people. Explain to your family that this is something you are serious about. And that if they plan to feed your vegetarian children meat then they won't be allowed to be alone with them again. Or alternatively always send food with the kids. that way they eat food you have provided and you know its 'safe'. As for in public... yes it shouldn't happen but hey mistakes are made and its not the end of the world. Once it becomes habit they might even start refusing meat. My sis at age 1.5 years would refuse all food from other people except fruit and veg because she had a severe lactose intolerance..... this included all lollies, chocolate, icecream and baked goods at parties. To her this was normal!

I'm curious... you haven't mentioned your husbands stance. If he was watching the kids then why did he let them take the ham. Or is he against vegetarianism too? You really need to get his support. Even if he doesn't agree he should be able to compromise and realise how important this is to you. Relationships should involve compromise!

[Willow Tree]

I am yet to discuss the kids being vegetarian with him. I don't think he'd agree with it but he knows the kids don't eat alot of meat anyway. I'm not sure if he actually saw them take the ham though.

He isn't on board with me being a vegetarian so I don't think he'd be happy with the kids being like that too. I am home with them more often then he is (because he works and I'm a stay at home mum) so during the day its fine, but on weekends and nights its a different story, but then again he (or I, or anyone really) could put meat in front of them and 9 out 10 times they wouldn't eat it anyway.

[TornadoChaser]

You should definitely talk with your husband about it. You'll need his support. I'm guessing you still cook meat for him but would he agree to start trying vegetarian meals at least a couple times a week? It would be easier to get the kids switched over when the family is all eating the same meal.

And they are definitely not too old. Just keep giving them good food, most small children don't even think along the lines of "There's meat/no meat in this". They will eat what they like so just find vegetarian versions.

[Treehugger267]

I approach things a little differently than some do. I do all the cooking and it is all vegetarian, with the very rare request from my husband for something other. When I get a request, I go right ahead and make them what they want and then get back to my veggie program immediately following. I explain to my little ones (8 & 10) where meat comes from and why I don't want to eat it. They are very smart and very compassionate. That said, if they go to someone else's house they just might end up eating meat. Oddly enough, I'm okay w/ that (even though I'd rather they didn't). Here's why. I just think that it's my job to give them as much information as I can, not too much all at once so as to overwhelm them, but enough to keep them thinking about the big picture. At some point, they are going to have to start thinking for themselves and making their own choices. Unfortunately, I won't always be there to guide them. There is a very good chance that they will make the decision for themselves to be vegetarians. When I was little, I didn't even know there was such a thing and in my meat and potatoes home with canned vegetables sides. Who would have thought that I'd be where I am today. My guys have lots more information. My little guy even says he wants to open a vegetarian very fancy restaurant, how cool is that. I think this, like most things, can be done in small doses, little stress and can have a good result, but that's just they way I do it, it doesn't mean it's a perfect plan.

[Willow Tree]

You should definitely talk with your husband about it. You'll need his support. I'm guessing you still cook meat for him but would he agree to start trying vegetarian meals at least a couple times a week? It would be easier to get the kids switched over when the family is all eating the same meal.

And they are definitely not too old. Just keep giving them good food, most small children don't even think along the lines of "There's meat/no meat in this". They will eat what they like so just find vegetarian versions.

I already do a few meatless meals a few times a week anyway and noone really notices or says anything.


I approach things a little differently than some do. I do all the cooking and it is all vegetarian, with the very rare request from my husband for something other. When I get a request, I go right ahead and make them what they want and then get back to my veggie program immediately following. I explain to my little ones (8 & 10) where meat comes from and why I don't want to eat it. They are very smart and very compassionate. That said, if they go to someone else's house they just might end up eating meat. Oddly enough, I'm okay w/ that (even though I'd rather they didn't). Here's why. I just think that it's my job to give them as much information as I can, not too much all at once so as to overwhelm them, but enough to keep them thinking about the big picture. At some point, they are going to have to start thinking for themselves and making their own choices. Unfortunately, I won't always be there to guide them. There is a very good chance that they will make the decision for themselves to be vegetarians. When I was little, I didn't even know there was such a thing and in my meat and potatoes home with canned vegetables sides. Who would have thought that I'd be where I am today. My guys have lots more information. My little guy even says he wants to open a vegetarian very fancy restaurant, how cool is that. I think this, like most things, can be done in small doses, little stress and can have a good result, but that's just they way I do it, it doesn't mean it's a perfect plan.

Yeah I am thinking that maybe have them be vegetarians at home and when they go to someone's house if they want to have some meat (even though I really wouldn't want them to) I'm not going to make a big fuss because as you said, I cannot be there all the time. My kids meat intake is very little anyway. We've been to many bbqs where they've refused sausages and other meats but are happy to eat bread and potato salad or pasta salad. If I can buy a few different fake meats from the supermarket or whatever they probably wouldn't know the difference anyway.

ETA: If they go somewhere (eg their Aunty's) and they want to TRY meat, I am not going to make a fuss, but if they are FORCED to eat it then I'll be angry. If they are served meat and don't eat it thats fine.

[IrieMama]

I think that is a good way to start out. Just make sure you explain to them why you don't eat meat at home. By just not letting them eat meat at home you are doing something :]