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!
Holly A. says
Hi There! I am not yet a Mom but I am very interested in your tips of social situations and/or household mixes. In a home where my husband may be a meat eater one week, vegetarian the next and never vegan, I often wonder how we will cross the bridge when we consider children. Thank you!
Kate says
I’m relatively new to eating vegan, and have still not entirely figured out what to do about my kids (11 months and 3 years) as my husband is not vegan. I’d love some good snack and lunch ideas for kids. Also what do you do in social situations. I’m already having a hard time keeping my older son away from the junk “kid” food that all his little friends eat. Great idea!
Christy says
I don’t have kids and don’t really care about any more tips for feeding vegan than you have given me in your cookbook. Not all of your readers will bother to tell you this, but I don’t mind.
If you are going to do this, please consider a separate blog or else very prominent headers that tell me I can skip the post.
michelle s. says
I would love to hear more ideas about feeding plant powered food to kids/ family. I have all your cookbooks and my kids are eating well, but i always like reading new ideas. I still haven’t tried many of your recipes, esp from the newest cookbook, and i think stories and photos of your own family’s enjoyment of them would inspire me. Although you don’t share a lot of personal info about them, or photos of the kids, i know lots of readers would be interested if you felt comfortable sharing more about the meals you have at home. I would also be very interested in nutritional info, like how much iron or B12 growing kids actually need.
michelle s. says
i meant photos of the food would inspire… not of the kids!
Chris says
I would love to see some discussion on social situations with vegan kids. Ours is 4 and we haven’t had too many issues yet but I know we will have more and more challenges with school, parties, etc. as he gets older. In his first year of preschool it seemed every other week there was a birthday celebration where parents would bring in non-vegan treats. We tried to anticipate this and bring in something special for our son on those occasions but it’s a challenge. As is going to a birthday party and bringing a vegan cupcake for him but then all the other kids are eating cake. He’s been pretty understanding in these situations so far so maybe we’re stressing about it more than him but still, we would appreciate advice from other parents who have been there.