How should I approach this..

[ImarriedET]

Hi All,

I've been babysitting a little girl since she was 11 weeks old... She will be 3 Yrs. in Nov.
Her mom supplies a lot of her food which is usually pre packaged stuff- Dinty Moore beef stews, Chicken and Rice, Etc. which in my opinion are just not healthy (too high in sodium, meat, etc)

She also brings TONS of junk food which she does with a good heart because she brings for my kids as well which is part of the problem I don't want them to have it.

A lot of days the little one just eats what I fix us for lunch other days if she doesn't like what we have I fix something her mom has brought.

So since we are returning to veganism and choosing to eat healthier how do I approach these things with the little ones parents. without imposing my views on them.....

Do I just tell them I don't mind her eating what we have here and suggest they don't send food anymore?

If you were her parent how would you like me to approach you?

We love our "little sunshine" as we call her and I don't want to upset her parents..

Thanks,
T

[revelsunrise]

I think that if it was my child I would be a little upset if you told me that you don't want your children having junk food and that you're family is returning to veganism. I think it would come off as sounding condescending and like you think your a better parent than her.

It might be a good idea to just let her know that her daughter is more than welcome to eat meals with you because you consider her to be like family. Inform her that you will keep something on hand in case "little sunshine" (adorable nickname btw) doesn't like what you're eating, and that if she insists on contributing she can always just add a few extra dollars to the babysitting fees. Also, maybe try some of Kreelies vegan junk food recipes and maybe let the mom try some.

I don't know though. That's all just my opinion.

[citronella49]

Im sure you could let the mom know about your diet change in a very nice way. Im sure you are hoping that she will just want her kid (and maybe mom too) to start eating healthy, but dont count on it. Personally, as a new vegan, if I had a kid and my babysitter was trying to eat healthy I would love it, because I would be happy to have a good role model for my kid while I was at work. So I think this could be a great thing... best of luck.

[pickletatertot]

I think you should tell her about your diet change and that the little girl is more than welcome to eat with your family but ultimately, it is the mom's decision what the little girl should eat and you should feed her what they pack if that's what they want.

[Tash]

I think you should tell her about your diet change and that the little girl is more than welcome to eat with your family but ultimately, it is the mom's decision what the little girl should eat and you should feed her what they pack if that's what they want.

Agreed....If it's too much to bare, you can always decline to have her there. But if it's a service you're providing, then most will take it as an infringement.. Good luck though-!..T.

[ImarriedET]

Thanks for all of the feedback!

[Wolfie]

Feed her what her mom brings and if the girl likes what you're having, let her eat that and save her food for the next time, if her mom doesn't mind. That's what I did in the same situation. My "kid's" parents were about as meat and potatoes as you could get but they didn't mind if she wanted to eat with me. I wouldn't tell the mom not to bring food for her kid though.

As for the junk food and your kids, I'd tell the mom politely your family isn't eating animal products any more but you really appreciate her thoughtfulness. Or maybe if some of the junk she brings is vegan allow them to eat a little of it and throw the rest out (don't tell her that part of course - just tell her they loved it!)

[UUVeggie]

Try approaching it from a different angle. Instead of saying, "don't bring that stuff here," say, "I don't want you to have to worry about that."

My kids went to a babysitter for a few hours a week, and this sitter had several kids she took care of. She made a BIG point of emphasizing that she provides all the food for the kids - healthy, vegetarian food, even though few of the kids were veggie - free of charge. It was presented as though it were a bonus to us parents because we didn't have to pay extra for it. Also, she wouldn't hear of anyone bringing snacks - but again, it wasn't because she didn't want them, it was because it was too much trouble for us. Now, of course, I wonder what her real motivation was, but the parents really appreciated it!! Everyone thought she was very generous.

[ImarriedET]

Great advice UUVeggie!

I guess my original post came off like the parents wouldn't agree, I didn't mean for it too. They are really great folks and they are really good to me.
I just don't want to upset that balance..

T

[UUVeggie]

Great advice UUVeggie!

I guess my original post came off like the parents wouldn't agree, I didn't mean for it too. They are really great folks and they are really good to me.
I just don't want to upset that balance..

T

Well, it sounds like you're a wonderful sitter!
:)