Carmen in Switzerland

January 15, 2002

We've been vegetarians for less than a month. Well, I told the

neighbor she could finish eating it at home so as not to hurt the

neighbor's feelings. She wasn't having dinner there, it just happened

that the neighbor feed her daughter, mine and another neighbor's

child. They were outside playing across the street from my home at a

child's house next door to this woman. So, my daughter was playing

with both children. It was a surprise to me that she was feeding them

and also that my daughter was eating meat. My daughter seems to

understand now after I explained it to her. This is new situation for

the both of us, just as I had once went into the store and out of

habit grabbed some pork rinds and went to eat it and realized that I

wasn't eating stuff like that any more. But, she did eat pizza at

school and told the teacher that we were vegetarians and could they

help her take off the meat. I pack her lunch for school but she also

goes to Educare which is After-school care for up to an hour and they

may give them sandwiches etc. I want her to understand why we're not

eating meat any more so that it isn't just my decision. We are doing

this for religious reasons also-being Buddhist-so I want her to

understand it and take it seriously, which now I see that she is.

January 18, 2002

My daughter and I have been vegetarians for about 7 years now, since she

was 3. Of course now it is habit for all of us, as it will be for you

in time. I know that if(when) people offer Lilli (my daughter) anything

with meat in it she says no. In fact she's actually gone without food

at child care because she is a vegetarian. She's at an age where things

are either all or nothing, black or white, so if it has meat in it she

doesn't eat it. I am working with the child care workers, they are well

meaning but surprisingly ignorant. They now have a variety of

acceptable snacks for Lil when the rest of the group has a snack with

meat.

I have heard people say that they want it to be their child's decision

about whether to be veggie. I don't understand this. Lilli has to do

lots of things that are not her decision, but I feel that they are in

her best interest. This includes things like brushing her teeth,

getting enough sleep (which implies GOING to BED!) , doing her homework

etc. I know that someday (soon) I will not have a say in her lifestyle

choices, but for now I want to help her establish healthy, life

affirming habits.

My philosophy for myself is to do the best I can and accept that. I

began a vegan diet in September. I don't think I have to be perfect,

I just keep going back to my belief that this is the right thing to do.

I too am doing this for religious reasons. I need to be gentle with

myself when my efforts fall short.

Gail

January 18, 2002

BRAVO, well said. I am a health-conscious semi-vegetarian / parent. My

daughter, turning 5 in July, has been following my lifestyle since day 1. My

meat-eating husband is understanding & supportive. Even her kindergarten is

open-minded and supportive to our choice. Her school will prepare vegetarian

(usually biscuits) alternative if the other kids are served with meaty snacks.

Of course, I've consistent close communication with the school to make sure they

do what you want. In addition, I'll always bring in Chinese & western

vegetarian foods to share with the kids & the teachers whenever the school is

holding festive celebrations. This is a good experience for them that

vegetarian foods can be tasty, fun & healthy.

I'm bringing up my child with all the tasty & healthy goodies. That's an

influencing, positive life experience to help her judge for herself when she's

old enough to make her own choices.

Yolanda

gail turner-graham <gjtg wrote: My daughter and I have been

vegetarians for about 7 years now, since she