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!
Shelley says
I would love to read a series like this! Although my daughter is great about eating veggies, beans, etc. at home, I struggle with lunchbox ideas to send with her to day care (she’s 3…and I have a 7 month-old boy who will be going to daycare in a few months). We usually send leftovers with her (i.e., rice, beans, pasta, broccoli, etc) because they have a microwave to heat up. However, they occasionally go on field trips and need a picnic lunch. She loves peanut butter sandwiches, but the day care is nut-free and she won’t go near sunflower seed butter! I know I’ll need a ton more lunchbox ideas for when she gets to school without a microwave! I have a thermos for her, but she’s still too little to open it herself! I also have an issue with how many cupcakes/treats people bring in for birthdays. I’m not told when the birthdays are, so I’m not prepared to send her vegan cupcakes every day! My husband thinks she should just eat them to fit in, then just eat healthy at home, which is what I’ve been doing so far.
Also, when we go to large family events, she will go right for the cheese and cold cuts (we’ve only been eating a whole-food plant based diet for 5 months, so she still remembers eating yummy choose)! I don’t really want to give her food issues by telling her “No,” so I try to intercept her with healthier fare, but I’d love some tips to deal with this!
Some of my friends back in my hometown are scared to have us over for a play-date over lunch because they don’t know what to feed us.
Any posts on this topic would be very interesting to me!!
Jamie says
We’re very new to eating vegan and are also raising 3 kids. My 3 1/2 and 5 year olds have made the switch to almond milk (sweetened, vanilla – I still question whether it’s healthier than cow’s milk), but I’m wondering what to give my 9 month old to drink when he gets a bit older. Are nuts a no-no until after 2 years old? We love so much of the food from Let Them Eat Vegan, but I’m really making an effort to limit soy consumption and it seems as though our meals are really nut heavy (which is great for the rest of us – I just don’t want to have to cook separate meals for our baby much longer).
Also, when we go out to eat, my son (who is now reading), always wants a hamburger. We haven’t made a big deal about what we eat and why aside from fruits, veggies, beans/nuts and whole grains being healthier than candy and sweets. Should we explain to them where the hamburgers come from and why we don’t eat them? Is it really possible for kids to eat vegan in a “conventional” restaurant aside from white-flour pasta and sauce?
Rebekah says
I can always use more lunchbox ideas!
And on the social front: birthday party foods for the kids’ friends. I can make an awesome vegan birthday cake (or cupcakes), but many of my kids’ friends will serve a meal as a part of the party (usually pizza delivery). I’m trying to figure out a kid-friendly, easy meal that I could serve on paper plates in the backyard, that wouldn’t be too messy. Also, that would avoid nuts as there are so many nut allergies to worry about!
Rebecca says
I will be very interested to hear anything you have to share on this topic. I have a 3 year old and a 9 month old. As others have shared, packed lunches can be a challenge for when my little guy is at preschool. It’s hard to get the veggies in – I send carrots or broccoli with hummus or dip, but they often come back in the lunch box. Social situations is a big one too – trying to send vegan versions of party treats etc. And we’re in a bit of a rut with family dinners, as he doesn’t like anything “spicy” and I really want us all to share the same meal (or as close to it as possible). Sometimes it’s all in the name – power burrito, yes; tofu and bean scramble wrap, no thank you. Thanks for all the tips in your new book – I’m loving it, and the food introduction schedule in Vive has been helpful with both kiddies!
Shira says
I’d love some tips to get my two picky young kids to eat more veggies (and a bigger variety)! My 18-month old will only eat pureed veggies (but refuses all other “baby” food), and my 3.5 year old will only eat certain kinds of veggies (i.e., crunchy carrots, brussels sprouts) and will refuse all others. Neither child will eat anything too heavily spiced or where they can see things like herbs. I love the tips you give in your cookbooks and I’m working through making dishes from them that I think they’ll eat, but I’d love more ideas especially for veggies. Thanks!