Guest guest Posted June 29, 2006 Report Share Posted June 29, 2006 I don't know when peer pressure really begins to influence our children. Teenage years perhaps? I am so proud of my children sticking to their diet amidst meat eaters and not regretting it. My children attended a Vacation Bible School last week where meat was served on 3 days out of the week - chicken noodle soup, hamburger, chicken sandwiches, and peanut butter/jelly and mac/cheese on the other days. I prepared a bag lunch each day for my vegan, " no-sugar " children with things they requested and they seemed content (they never complained!), even when ice cream on a cone was served. I began to feel sorry for them, but my conscious would not allow me to let them " indulge " with the other children. I rewarded them for being willing to " stand out " and be good examples to their peers. - crowclark Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:43 AM Re: when one parent is not vegetarian... > My husband has always been ok with us not having any meat in the house > and when we go out to dinner he doesn't order meat in front of me. Meredith, My husband is the same - will not eat animals in front of me, and is okay with no meat in the house. When we met I was vegan and I compromised and allowed milk, eggs and cheese. I know he eats chicken occasionally at lunch, but after several years of living with me and getting to know the facts he HAS given up every other meat. When our daughter was born (she's now 2), he agreed to raising her vegetarian and he's vigilant about it (went off on a waitress when they accidentally included meat in one of her meals). So I don't think we'll have any problems with him " sneaking " meat to her when their out without me (my SIL is a different story and I don't think I will ever trust her alone with dd). It's the other children that she will meet that I'm more concerned about. But hopefully we will have taught her (and she will understand) the health benefits well enough to avoid that peer pressure. As for books - I bought Super Baby Food and found it somewhat useful, but you might want to check it out at the library first. There's a lot of work involved in her methods and I was just too tired when dd was younger to do everything she recommended. I'm sure there are some other good books that might be useful, just don't know them. Good luck! Phyllis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 29, 2006 Report Share Posted June 29, 2006 I think kid's are influenced by peer pressure anytime they are around other children for long periods of time. My daughter hated to wear jeans before she started kindergarten - she didn't like the feel and practically lived in sweats or track pants during the winter. Now she won't wear sweats at all because they don't look 'cool' she will wear track pants (athletic pants with the stripes down the side) but she has to have a couple of pairs of 'cool looking' jeans. Well its shorts season now anyway so it doesn't really matter.. but I dread my fall back2school shopping excursion. As far as food goes I don't think my daughter would ever eat meat on purpose. Anymore than a meat eater would probably drink blood if other kids were doing it. It has a certain amount of 'ick' factor. Non-vegan vegetarian foods are a different story though.. mostly because my husband and I have been on different sides of the fence. Like well if daddy's vegetarian and he eats maccaroni and cheese then it is okay. Renee admartin5 wrote: I don't know when peer pressure really begins to influence our children. Teenage years perhaps? I am so proud of my children sticking to their diet amidst meat eaters and not regretting it. My children attended a Vacation Bible School last week where meat was served on 3 days out of the week - chicken noodle soup, hamburger, chicken sandwiches, and peanut butter/jelly and mac/cheese on the other days. I prepared a bag lunch each day for my vegan, " no-sugar " children with things they requested and they seemed content (they never complained!), even when ice cream on a cone was served. I began to feel sorry for them, but my conscious would not allow me to let them " indulge " with the other children. I rewarded them for being willing to " stand out " and be good examples to their peers. - crowclark Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:43 AM Re: when one parent is not vegetarian... > My husband has always been ok with us not having any meat in the house > and when we go out to dinner he doesn't order meat in front of me. Meredith, My husband is the same - will not eat animals in front of me, and is okay with no meat in the house. When we met I was vegan and I compromised and allowed milk, eggs and cheese. I know he eats chicken occasionally at lunch, but after several years of living with me and getting to know the facts he HAS given up every other meat. When our daughter was born (she's now 2), he agreed to raising her vegetarian and he's vigilant about it (went off on a waitress when they accidentally included meat in one of her meals). So I don't think we'll have any problems with him " sneaking " meat to her when their out without me (my SIL is a different story and I don't think I will ever trust her alone with dd). It's the other children that she will meet that I'm more concerned about. But hopefully we will have taught her (and she will understand) the health benefits well enough to avoid that peer pressure. As for books - I bought Super Baby Food and found it somewhat useful, but you might want to check it out at the library first. There's a lot of work involved in her methods and I was just too tired when dd was younger to do everything she recommended. I'm sure there are some other good books that might be useful, just don't know them. Good luck! Phyllis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 29, 2006 Report Share Posted June 29, 2006 <<I don't know when peer pressure really begins to influence our children. Teenage years perhaps?>> Thanks for the chuckle. My older daughter came to me in 2nd grade and told me that some kids in her classroom teased her daily about having vegetables in her lunch, so could I please not pack them and she'd just eat them when she got home from school instead? Prior to this, " peer " pressure happened more from teachers and family members who made (still make!) comments within my children's hearing. Peer pressure happens. Kids will tease each other about anything and everything. They'll see how far they can push another child. Our family knows we are vegetarian with the same absolute certainty that another family knows they are Catholic or Jewish. Vegetarian kids have the same need for positive self esteem, for the ability to say " this is who I am and I won't be bullied " , that any other child needs to be able to stand up for their own family's beliefs. Until they can do that on their own, you have to be their advocate. And believe me, it starts early! Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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