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!
Wendy says
I was vegetarian for two years & now been vegan for 6 months. Best decision I ever made. My 1 year old is a shocking eater, being that he just doesn’t care to eat solids at all. Fruit out of packet maybe. I offer vegie sticks but he has a strong gag reflex so nothing actually makes it down. I’m sure one day he’ll eat a sandwich. He’s dad isn’t vegan but as I prepare all meals we eat 99% vegan anyways. I’ve decided he can eat what ever we eat. If dad eats meat and he wants to try he can. When he’s old enough I’m hoping he’ll choose to be vegan… Well, that’s the plan. I guess my current concerns are around weaning. Because he is a ‘bad’ eater, breast milk is what he lives on. He’s 12 months now but I’m hoping to wean soon. He won’t take a bottle. I’m thinking some dehydrated vegies ground up and sprinkle over what ever I can get him to eat might be a good way but what else can I do. Even when he starts to eat better, how best can I get good stuff in, in a small meal? The other question would be b12. Other than the enriched vegan sausages etc that are high in sodium, where can the whole family get daily b12 from? Thanks, Wendy.
Blake says
This is great! I would love to get some insight as far as nutrition goes for both my 2-year-old son as well as my pregnant self. I am consisten with sprinkling nutritional yeast flakes on popcorn or meals daily for vitamin B-12, some protein and fiber, as well as getting in as many veggies into my son’s belly as I can, which is not always as easy as fruit. I occasionally mix Vega powder into our smoothies for added to our smoothies. My concern would be that he is close to the lower end in percentile, which is absurd that I look at (!), in both weight and height, however, I am 5’3″ and petite and my husband is 5’10” so we are not tall or big parents. Any thoughts would be appreciated 🙂
Jill says
I also just wanted to say that I think it is great how you are selective about what you post for pictures with your kids. The Internet can be a scary place and I am cautious about what I post and who can see it. Your explanation is perfect and your kids have a wonderful mom!
Jill says
I was a vegetarian for almost 4 years before becoming vegan over the last 5 months. I have learned a lot through my daughter’s sensitivities to dairy amongst other things (wheat and soy). Through nursing her I quickly realized from process of elimination what the foods were that bothered her. Since she was 2 weeks old I eliminated dairy from my diet and eventually eliminated all animal products such as eggs. She is now 17 months and does not know any different. Over time she will hopefully outgrow her food sensitivities, but I would like her to remain meat and dairy free. We went to a birthday party last weekend and I brought my own food for her. She was not able to participate in the cookie decorating or have a cupcake. I feel she is too young to eat those things anyways, but as she gets older I am not sure how to handle the situation. I do not want her to get picked on by others or feel left out. I have parents who already judge because of our healthy lifestyle and think that my daughter is not getting the nutrients she needs. She gets all her vitamins, minerals, proteins, and more! Others are just so uneducated on the topic. I find social situations to be hard because not only is my daughter judged, but I am as well.
Sandy Pluss says
I would totally LOVE to see a kids series here!
I am a mother to my gorgeous (bias mother syndrome) 7 yr old who is in grade 2 at school and is ‘teased’ for being vegan & bringing vegan food to school. She’s finding it quite hard at the moment but i’m doing my best to encourage her to stay plant-strong.
I would love to be able to show her a series like this to help her feel less alone and to be able to give her ideas too because ultimately I want her to choose a plant-based diet/lifestyle for herself not just because mum does lol!