Most of you know that I don’t post many personal details about our children on my blog. I’ve discussed it here. I occasionally share photos (as with today’s post) that show them as part of our family, but without identifying their faces and features. For the most part, I like to keep them anonymous so that they have their own life journeys apart from my blogging as an author.
Still, I AM a vegan mom of three strapping vegan girls! And, I realize that this is a unique perspective as a vegan author and blogger, and that I have useful information and experiences to share. I receive e-mails and comments daily about vegan parenting. So I know you are searching for more information and insight – either as vegans moving into parenthood… or parents moving into veganhood!
Last week I was struck with the idea to do a series on feeding vegan children. I should mention that I do share many family-friendly tips in my cookbooks, especially in Let Them Eat Vegan. There is an entire section in the back of the book called “Powering the Vegan Family” and “The Plant-Powered Lunchbox”. Plus, I sprinkle advice and tips all through the recipes. But, after a brief discussion on facebook (as well as numerous e-mails these past few weeks), I decided it was time to consider a “Feeding Your Plant-Powered Children” series – here, on my blog.
If I start this series, I need information from YOU. I need to know… what pieces of the puzzle you are missing, what stresses you, what is difficult, what is too time-consuming? I’d like to have a “Feeding Vegan Kids Wish List” of sorts. Tell me where you need help! Is it recipes? Day to day tips? Meal planning and preparation ideas? Social situation advice? Help with ingredient groups (ex: nuts or beans)? Lunch strategies? Snack ideas?
Tell me – What information would YOU like to tap into from this vegan mom of three?
My intuition tells me I am on track with this idea. I will run with this series if the response here is strong. I am off to Summerfest this week, and will work on ideas once I return. So, please comment if this is something you’d like. And, equally important – please share this idea to recruit more feedback. The buttons are above to share to pinterest, fb, etc, so get the word out – so I can get the word in!
Jenni says
I love this idea! Because I live in the Midwest, in a non-urban area, we are the only vegans we know. My husband and I have been vegetarian for 16 years and have raised our 7 year old sons as vegetarian. Recently we’ve decided to become vegan. Any advice on transitioning to a vegan diet and the additional social challenges it brings would be greatly appreciated. I would also love some advice on making sure that extremely active children are getting all of the nutrition they need. Both of my boys are in multiple sports and activities. Thank you!
Tammy Phillips says
Very interested! Not vegan, or even vegetarian. Plant-based. Most definitely conflicted. Raising an almost 5 yr old boy who is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and sunflower (as well as dairy, fish and shellfish).
audy m says
I think its a great idea! Its hard trying to change my family’s eating habits, especially because my husband still likes to eat the standard American diet. My kids are in love with milk and cheese and its frustrating to cook healthy food and have no one eat it! Like most, I want to know how to meet their nutritional needs with a well balanced diet. My kids are grazers so they prefer small meals throughout the day. Also the social aspect, holidays, birthday parties, school,etc.. thats always tough..A lot of people either poke fun or are critical of the decision to have a vegan lifestyle. So I want to be as well informed and prepared as I can be so I can feel empowered knowing that I’m doing the right decision. We need all the help we ca get!
melissa says
Our little person has been vegan since birth, I have been vegan for almost 10 years and her dad has been vegan for about 13. Luckily we have had a very supportive preschool environment, where although she is the only vegan, they talk often about diversity and lifestyles, and she is very proud/empowered of/by her veganism. Moving into kindergarten soon, however, seems like a new adventure in planning and advocacy. We are strategizing best methods for starting a dialogue not only with her teacher but the principal, etc. and just coming up with a method for open and honest communication and our expectations of her learning environment and potential impacts of being perceived in a negative connotation of being “different” than other children. As she gets older and faces more social situations we feel there is more need to foster pride in resisting mainstream ideation about our food system, while maintaining her compassion for others no matter where they are in the journey.
Christine says
Hi Dreena, I think this is a great idea. My question/ issue is that I am vegan and my husband is not. I have a 9 year old step daughter and am frustrated because I cannot “change” her eating habits but want to give her options when she’s here. She HATES vegetables and it is a battle when we have dinner to get her to eat anything green but peas. Luckily I have been able to ban hotdogs from the house though! The other issue I have is that if we have our own kids I want to raise them (at least initially) to be vegan. It is causing a little tension so I’m wondering how to address it or if there are any good resources out there for that. Thanks so much!