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!
CJL says
I look forward to any and all you can put together on this. My biggest issue at this point is getting my 9 year old to try anything – let alone getting to the point that he likes it….
Becky says
I don’t have any children, but do have a meat-eating husband to feed, so I would be interested in seeing hearty recipes that could please omnivores and vegetarians/vegans.
Lainey says
I look forward to reading your series! I find social situations the most challenging, especially if I’m not there, birthday parties, school, play-dates. I usually try to make other arrangements for my kids or if I know what the food is being served bring some kind of a substitute but it’s so challenging! I need a 2 servings cupcake recipe:) I could use some tiny recipes like 6 cookies, 6 granola bars, 6 buns ect… I know I should be able to figure this out but I never seem to do it:/ Also lunch boxes and snack foods that are balanced, my kids are picky too and if fruit or veggies are not at their optimum temperature and peak freshness my kids won’t eat them! I’m ashamed to admit I send a lot of prepackages vegan organic snacks… not exactly health food:( I need more food that is portable and that resembles non vegan food:) I’ll give it more thought too!
Thanks!
lauren says
I think parenting and veganism is always something that needs more space. The social aspects are super important, and if there are specific nutritional things that are needed at certain ages or should be watched out for that is always good to hear lots of times.
I don’t have children yet, but would like to. and when I do I would love to raise them in a vegan home. I don’t have any examples of that in my day to day life, so It would be good to see other people succeeding at it.
Kelly L. says
It’s easy to get my small kids (2&5) to eat whole grains, fruit, nuts and seeds. Where I struggle is trying to get dark leafies and other high nutrient veggies into them, other than in a smoothie!
Also, my husband and I like stir fries, but the kids either want the vegetables mushier than we’d like or they want way less flavor than we want. How can we avoid making 2 different meals and still satisfy everyone? What meals did your kids eat when they were small? Did you have a short list of family favorites you rotated through?
Thanks for offering up this series!