Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

[Guest guest]

Just a thought, but rather than focusing on the fact of being different,

why not try to show him that there are other people (including children)

who are like him? Either join a local vegetarian community and start

meeting up, or get motivated to start one on your own. It would not take

much effort for you to start a local group on meetup.com and start

finding other vegetarians in your area. That way he can see that there

are other vegetarians.

 

This has also been one of my main concerns in raising vegetarian

children. I have two of them and I worry that they will come home some

day saying the same thing. So I when I moved to this area and found

there was a no vegetarian group in the area I started one. I actively

look for chances to get them around other vegetarians so they see they

are not the only ones. Also, a few weeks ago I did a search on facebook

(I use that site a lot) for vegetarians with children near me. It turned

up a vegetarian family about 15 minutes away! I was thrilled because

they have a daughter the same exact age as mine! So every week now we

try to get together. My daughter knows they are vegetarian and she likes

that. It reinforces that we are not the only ones. We also attend other

vegetarian meetup dinners, even those we have driven an hour to get to.

We also make sure to attend the Veg Fest each year in Orlando (an hour

away). So they know there are others out there.

 

If you want to stick with agreeing that you are " different " and putting

that emphasis out there, then start pointing out how some other people

are " different " as well and yet still hold true to their values. For

example, some people follow religions or customs where they dress a

certain way (e.g., wearing a turbin). It may be different, but everyone

is different and you have to hold strong to your values. Like the old

saying goes... stand for something or you will fall for anything! :-)

 

Jacqueline

[Guest guest]

How ironic that you posted this today.  My 11 year old daughter who was raised

this way sat me down last night and told me that she would like to start eating

some meat.  This has happened before when she was 8 and I tried to be strong and

tell her that it was her decision she just would not be allowed to eat processed

meats and I would not prepare it for her.  My husband eats meat so if she wanted

it then he would have to make it.  However when she did actually start eating

meat I would have to leave the room so that she did not see me cry.  I kind of

felt like she was going against the religion that I had raised her in.  By the

time I realized that she is her own person who ultimatley has to make her own

decisions she had decided to go bact to not eating meat.  It gave her stomach

aches anyway.  Now she wants to try again.  I am over the upset feeling  and

feel that if she wants to try again that is her decision.  The same rules apply

as

before but I told her she needs to take it very slow to avoid stomach aches

again.  It is just weird that I finally thought she was old enough to watch a

video on animal cruelty in the slaughter houses last week and now she makes this

decision  this week.  I do feel confident that she will change her mind, but if

she dosen't I can't worry about it.  She is educated and knows full well, why I

make the decisions that i do.

 

Good luck, I know how you feel

 

Tanya

 

--- On Mon, 4/6/09, admartin5 <admartin5 wrote:

 

 

admartin5 <admartin5

Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

Monday, April 6, 2009, 5:24 AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last night, my 8-year old who has seemingly been content with being vegan all

his life told me he is tired of eating differently than other people. I

explained to him that the reason we eat the way we do is because I want what is

best for him. I also told him that when he is " of age, " he can choose to eat

otherwise, but as long as I am responsible for what he eats, I will only provide

healthy foods for him.

 

Of course, all these words meant nothing to him!

 

Unfortunately, none of the people we associate with eat like us, which I guess

adds to the pressure. Ironically, however, an increasingly number of people that

we come in contact with want to learn more about our diet and want to

incorporate it in their lives but find it hard to do so. Even knowing this,

doesn't make my son feel better.

 

Has anyone else experienced this with their child? Also, are there any children

stories that you can recommend that might help a child with being different?

 

 

[Guest guest]

Paige (from this list) has written a great kids' book; I don't know if it's been

published yet.

 

 

 

--- On Mon, 4/6/09, admartin5 <admartin5 wrote:

 

admartin5 <admartin5

Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

Monday, April 6, 2009, 7:24 AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last night, my 8-year old who has seemingly been content with being vegan all

his life told me he is tired of eating differently than other people. I

explained to him that the reason we eat the way we do is because I want what is

best for him. I also told him that when he is " of age, " he can choose to eat

otherwise, but as long as I am responsible for what he eats, I will only provide

healthy foods for him.

 

Of course, all these words meant nothing to him!

 

Unfortunately, none of the people we associate with eat like us, which I guess

adds to the pressure. Ironically, however, an increasingly number of people that

we come in contact with want to learn more about our diet and want to

incorporate it in their lives but find it hard to do so. Even knowing this,

doesn't make my son feel better.

 

Has anyone else experienced this with their child? Also, are there any children

stories that you can recommend that might help a child with being different?

 

 

[Guest guest]

Have you cruised through the PETA website. They have all kinds of stuff veggie

kids. Also, penpals are great. We are very fortunate to be in a natural minded

homeschool group with lots of other veg heads and green living addicts, so we

are very fortunate. Also, in our area we have a that focuses on

raising healthy kids, and the moms form playdates and social activities with

other group members . Do you have a local . I don't know what your

religous preferences are but unitarians fellowships, and 7th day adventist have

a large amount of vegetarians that have non church veg support groups, potluck

dinners, and activities. I am catholic and through our constant military moves I

would always call the Unitarian church and 7th day church as soon as we got in

town to find their social groups and then make play dates with the families we

had something in common. Also, there are meetup.com sites and you just type in

your local area and

vegan/vegetarian and see what pops up. Let me know if this helps. I am the

proud wife of a retired navy guy that taught me to move, stand start over many

times and thrive. let me know if you need more ideas. Does he go to public

school? private? homeschool?

unita

 

 

 

 

________________________________

" admartin5 " <admartin5 (AT) embarqmail (DOT) . so Subject:

Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

 

Last night, my 8-year old who has seemingly been content with being vegan all

his life told me he is tired of eating differently than other people. I

explained to him that the reason we eat the way we do is because I want what is

best for him. I also told him that when he is " of age, " he can choose to eat

otherwise, but as long as I am responsible for what he eats, I will only provide

healthy foods for him.

 

Of course, all these words meant nothing to him!

 

Unfortunately, none of the people we associate with eat like us, which I guess

adds to the pressure. Ironically, however, an increasingly number of people that

we come in contact with want to learn more about our diet and want to

incorporate it in their lives but find it hard to do so. Even knowing this,

doesn't make my son feel better.

 

Has anyone else experienced this with their child? Also, are there any children

stories that you can recommend that might help a child with being different?

 

 

[Guest guest]

My daughter has been a vegetarian since she was 7 by choice. I am vegetarian

but the rest of the family eats meat. She is now 16. Middle school was very hard

on her and she had made the decision for herself. The kids could be mean.

Things like bringing in pictures of deer hanging, etc.... and showing them to

the group she was in. The teachers were not very understanding. High school has

also not been easy but she is more capable of handling things.

 

Maybe your son is starting to get some of the problems from the other students.

They really can be cruel.

 

Also, if you don't do it now, maybe you could send his lunch with some more

traditional things like PB and J or fake chicken nuggets, taco's or even salads

so that there are no differences in appearance.

 

Patty

[Guest guest]

My 8-year-old has already informed me that when he grows up he will be

vegetarian but not vegan. When he is at friends' houses or elsewhere without

us he is happy to eat cheese and eggs (not sure if he'd drink cow's milk).

We haven't been too strict about it because we want him to feel like he's

making up his own mind and not being forced into it -- we give him all our

reasons and he seems to understand, and we hope it time he'll make a good

choice.

Yesterday we were on our way home and it was a long drive -- our

two-year-old needed a washroom and the only service station for miles was a

McDonald's. I had to stay in the car with our 8-year-old because he said the

smell of the place just made him sick and he couldn't stand to go in!

Heather

 

 

On Mon, Apr 6, 2009 at 8:24 AM, <admartin5 wrote:

 

> Last night, my 8-year old who has seemingly been content with being

> vegan all his life told me he is tired of eating differently than other

> people. I explained to him that the reason we eat the way we do is because I

> want what is best for him. I also told him that when he is " of age, " he can

> choose to eat otherwise, but as long as I am responsible for what he eats, I

> will only provide healthy foods for him.

>

> Of course, all these words meant nothing to him!

>

> Unfortunately, none of the people we associate with eat like us, which I

> guess adds to the pressure. Ironically, however, an increasingly number of

> people that we come in contact with want to learn more about our diet and

> want to incorporate it in their lives but find it hard to do so. Even

> knowing this, doesn't make my son feel better.

>

> Has anyone else experienced this with their child? Also, are there any

> children stories that you can recommend that might help a child with being

> different?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ooh! We haven't had to deal with any McDonald's parties yet; hope we never have

to. If we do, my kids would be sticking to the fries and whatever else- and

they'd be so thrilled to actually set foot in a fast food restaurant, that would

be MORE than enough.

 

 

 

 

________________________________

Angela <angel.nail

" "

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 5:39:29 PM

Re: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

 

Wow so this is what I have to look forward to in the future! I often

get asked by people, in particular my mum what I will do if my son

asks for meat. I often think that I would say yes but make sure he was

educated about his decision. I guess his dad will have to cook it. His

dad was vegi for 13 years but after working in kitchens he started

eating meat that was getting chucked out, but now if someone serves it

he will eat it but won't buy meat himself. Anyway my boy is only 2 so

I prob have a while to wait. I do worry about school and mcdonalds

parties. I have to let him go so he doesn't feel left out but I hate

the place so much. How do you deal with those things?

Sorry for raving on this conversation has got me a bit paranoid about

the future!

Ange.

 

On 07/04/2009, at 12:38 AM, tanya wynette <wynettelove@ > wrote:

 

> How ironic that you posted this today. My 11 year old daughter who

> was raised this way sat me down last night and told me that she

> would like to start eating some meat. This has happened before when

> she was 8 and I tried to be strong and tell her that it was her

> decision she just would not be allowed to eat processed meats and I

> would not prepare it for her. My husband eats meat so if she wanted

> it then he would have to make it. However when she did actually

> start eating meat I would have to leave the room so that she did not

> see me cry. I kind of felt like she was going against the religion

> that I had raised her in. By the time I realized that she is her

> own person who ultimatley has to make her own decisions she had

> decided to go bact to not eating meat. It gave her stomach aches

> anyway. Now she wants to try again. I am over the upset feeling

> and feel that if she wants to try again that is her decision. The

> same rules apply as

> before but I told her she needs to take it very slow to avoid

> stomach aches again. It is just weird that I finally thought she

> was old enough to watch a video on animal cruelty in the slaughter

> houses last week and now she makes this decision this week. I do

> feel confident that she will change her mind, but if she dosen't I

> can't worry about it. She is educated and knows full well, why I

> make the decisions that i do.

>

> Good luck, I know how you feel

>

> Tanya

>

> --- On Mon, 4/6/09, admartin5@embarqmai l.com

> <admartin5@embarqmai l.com> wrote:

>

> admartin5@embarqmai l.com <admartin5@embarqmai l.com>

> Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

> @gro ups.com

> Monday, April 6, 2009, 5:24 AM

>

> Last night, my 8-year old who has seemingly been content with being

> vegan all his life told me he is tired of eating differently than

> other people. I explained to him that the reason we eat the way we

> do is because I want what is best for him. I also told him that when

> he is " of age, " he can choose to eat otherwise, but as long as I am

> responsible for what he eats, I will only provide healthy foods for

> him.

>

> Of course, all these words meant nothing to him!

>

> Unfortunately, none of the people we associate with eat like us,

> which I guess adds to the pressure. Ironically, however, an

> increasingly number of people that we come in contact with want to

> learn more about our diet and want to incorporate it in their lives

> but find it hard to do so. Even knowing this, doesn't make my son

> feel better.

>

> Has anyone else experienced this with their child? Also, are there

> any children stories that you can recommend that might help a child

> with being different?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Regarding McDonald's parties... my kids are 4.5 and going on 3. They

have never stepped foot in McDonald's. They point them out as we drive

because we say " yucky poop " and talk about how they only serve animals

on buns. I refuse to take my kids there. If they are invited to a party

there we will have to politely decline. I am morally opposed to the

place, and that's not compromisable. I'm teaching my kids to stay away

from such a place, so to say they could go for a party and have fun

would be hypocritical. Just as when I was a kid and there were places

that were off limits, so too is McDonald's for my kids. And I would be

politely honest with any parent that asked me why my kids weren't

attending.

 

Cheers,

Jacqueline

[Guest guest]

Being around so many like minded families in our Natural play group and social

circles has eliminated all that for us. Even though most of the others members

are meat eaters they are very green, organic, living types, who do not do

processed and fast foods. So most of the b-day events are natural. we have all

junk food free events. it so great, and i am so fortunate..

 

 

 

 

________________________________

jenni claire garverick <jennigarverick

 

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 10:28:43 AM

Re: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

 

Ooh! We haven't had to deal with any McDonald's parties yet; hope we never have

to. If we do, my kids would be sticking to the fries and whatever else- and

they'd be so thrilled to actually set foot in a fast food restaurant, that would

be MORE than enough.

 

____________ _________ _________ __

Angela <angel.nail (AT) gmail (DOT) com>

" @gro ups.com " <@gro ups.com>

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 5:39:29 PM

Re: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

Wow so this is what I have to look forward to in the future! I often

get asked by people, in particular my mum what I will do if my son

asks for meat. I often think that I would say yes but make sure he was

educated about his decision. I guess his dad will have to cook it. His

dad was vegi for 13 years but after working in kitchens he started

eating meat that was getting chucked out, but now if someone serves it

he will eat it but won't buy meat himself. Anyway my boy is only 2 so

I prob have a while to wait. I do worry about school and mcdonalds

parties. I have to let him go so he doesn't feel left out but I hate

the place so much. How do you deal with those things?

Sorry for raving on this conversation has got me a bit paranoid about

the future!

Ange.

 

On 07/04/2009, at 12:38 AM, tanya wynette <wynettelove@ > wrote:

 

> How ironic that you posted this today. My 11 year old daughter who

> was raised this way sat me down last night and told me that she

> would like to start eating some meat. This has happened before when

> she was 8 and I tried to be strong and tell her that it was her

> decision she just would not be allowed to eat processed meats and I

> would not prepare it for her. My husband eats meat so if she wanted

> it then he would have to make it. However when she did actually

> start eating meat I would have to leave the room so that she did not

> see me cry. I kind of felt like she was going against the religion

> that I had raised her in. By the time I realized that she is her

> own person who ultimatley has to make her own decisions she had

> decided to go bact to not eating meat.. It gave her stomach aches

> anyway. Now she wants to try again. I am over the upset feeling

> and feel that if she wants to try again that is her decision. The

> same rules apply as

> before but I told her she needs to take it very slow to avoid

> stomach aches again. It is just weird that I finally thought she

> was old enough to watch a video on animal cruelty in the slaughter

> houses last week and now she makes this decision this week. I do

> feel confident that she will change her mind, but if she dosen't I

> can't worry about it. She is educated and knows full well, why I

> make the decisions that i do.

>

> Good luck, I know how you feel

>

> Tanya

>

> --- On Mon, 4/6/09, admartin5@embarqmai l..com

> <admartin5@embarqma i l.com> wrote:

>

> admartin5@embarqmai l.com <admartin5@embarqma i l.com>

> Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

> @gro ups.com

> Monday, April 6, 2009, 5:24 AM

>

> Last night, my 8-year old who has seemingly been content with being

> vegan all his life told me he is tired of eating differently than

> other people. I explained to him that the reason we eat the way we

> do is because I want what is best for him. I also told him that when

> he is " of age, " he can choose to eat otherwise, but as long as I am

> responsible for what he eats, I will only provide healthy foods for

> him.

>

> Of course, all these words meant nothing to him!

>

> Unfortunately, none of the people we associate with eat like us,

> which I guess adds to the pressure. Ironically, however, an

> increasingly number of people that we come in contact with want to

> learn more about our diet and want to incorporate it in their lives

> but find it hard to do so. Even knowing this, doesn't make my son

> feel better.

>

> Has anyone else experienced this with their child? Also, are there

> any children stories that you can recommend that might help a child

> with being different?

>

>

[Guest guest]

McDonalds fries have beef marrow in them.  As far as I'm aware nothing at

McDonalds is veg-friendly and they don't claim to be.  We stick to places that

have a vegetarian menu.  My daughter is vegetarian now and eats the macaroni &

cheese kid's meals that is popular at BK, Bojangles, etc.  She said she wanted

to be a vegetarian like her dad.  I still believe it'd be healthier to be vegan.

But her dad and I were both vegetarian when we got married and we agreed to

raise her vegetarian, not vegan.  She is 9 its her choice to be vegetarian.  I

don't think she'd ever want to eat actual dead animals on purpose.  And she

doesn't see eggs/cheese to be the same thing.  I've never thought that eggs =

meat either just that its not healthy for people to replace meat in their diets

with eggs and cheese.  And that a plant-based diet is the ideal.

Renee

 

 

 

 

________________________________

jenni claire garverick <jennigarverick

 

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 10:28:43 AM

Re: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

 

Ooh! We haven't had to deal with any McDonald's parties yet; hope we never have

to. If we do, my kids would be sticking to the fries and whatever else- and

they'd be so thrilled to actually set foot in a fast food restaurant, that would

be MORE than enough.

 

____________ _________ _________ __

Angela <angel.nail (AT) gmail (DOT) com>

" @gro ups.com " <@gro ups.com>

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 5:39:29 PM

Re: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

Wow so this is what I have to look forward to in the future! I often

get asked by people, in particular my mum what I will do if my son

asks for meat. I often think that I would say yes but make sure he was

educated about his decision. I guess his dad will have to cook it. His

dad was vegi for 13 years but after working in kitchens he started

eating meat that was getting chucked out, but now if someone serves it

he will eat it but won't buy meat himself. Anyway my boy is only 2 so

I prob have a while to wait. I do worry about school and mcdonalds

parties. I have to let him go so he doesn't feel left out but I hate

the place so much. How do you deal with those things?

Sorry for raving on this conversation has got me a bit paranoid about

the future!

Ange.

 

On 07/04/2009, at 12:38 AM, tanya wynette <wynettelove@ > wrote:

 

> How ironic that you posted this today. My 11 year old daughter who

> was raised this way sat me down last night and told me that she

> would like to start eating some meat. This has happened before when

> she was 8 and I tried to be strong and tell her that it was her

> decision she just would not be allowed to eat processed meats and I

> would not prepare it for her. My husband eats meat so if she wanted

> it then he would have to make it. However when she did actually

> start eating meat I would have to leave the room so that she did not

> see me cry. I kind of felt like she was going against the religion

> that I had raised her in. By the time I realized that she is her

> own person who ultimatley has to make her own decisions she had

> decided to go bact to not eating meat. It gave her stomach aches

> anyway. Now she wants to try again. I am over the upset feeling

> and feel that if she wants to try again that is her decision. The

> same rules apply as

> before but I told her she needs to take it very slow to avoid

> stomach aches again. It is just weird that I finally thought she

> was old enough to watch a video on animal cruelty in the slaughter

> houses last week and now she makes this decision this week. I do

> feel confident that she will change her mind, but if she dosen't I

> can't worry about it. She is educated and knows full well, why I

> make the decisions that i do.

>

> Good luck, I know how you feel

>

> Tanya

>

> --- On Mon, 4/6/09, admartin5@embarqmai l.com

> <admartin5@embarqma i l.com> wrote:

>

> admartin5@embarqmai l.com <admartin5@embarqma i l.com>

> Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

> @gro ups.com

> Monday, April 6, 2009, 5:24 AM

>

> Last night, my 8-year old who has seemingly been content with being

> vegan all his life told me he is tired of eating differently than

> other people. I explained to him that the reason we eat the way we

> do is because I want what is best for him. I also told him that when

> he is " of age, " he can choose to eat otherwise, but as long as I am

> responsible for what he eats, I will only provide healthy foods for

> him.

>

> Of course, all these words meant nothing to him!

>

> Unfortunately, none of the people we associate with eat like us,

> which I guess adds to the pressure. Ironically, however, an

> increasingly number of people that we come in contact with want to

> learn more about our diet and want to incorporate it in their lives

> but find it hard to do so. Even knowing this, doesn't make my son

> feel better.

>

> Has anyone else experienced this with their child? Also, are there

> any children stories that you can recommend that might help a child

> with being different?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jennie,

 

McDonald's fries are not vegetarian... you can review the ingredients

here at their site:

http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/nutrition_ingredients.html

 

They contain a " natural beef flavor. " Barf. :-)

 

JB

[Guest guest]

I actually have taken my children to McDonalds.  They have the Happy

Meal 'hamburger' with no meat add lettuce and tomato, apples, and apple juice. 

I will also get them a side salad.  While the food might not be ideal, this way

they can enjoy the company of friend's on playdates, and not feel too left out. 

My daughter actually takes her lunch to school, although she prefers to eat at

home--complains about the smell.  Many people from teachers to lunchroom staff

to other children comment on how good her lunches look. 

 Laura Ballinger Morales

 

 

 

 

________________________________

Angela <angel.nail

" "

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 6:39:29 PM

Re: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

 

Wow so this is what I have to look forward to in the future! I often

get asked by people, in particular my mum what I will do if my son

asks for meat. I often think that I would say yes but make sure he was

educated about his decision. I guess his dad will have to cook it. His

dad was vegi for 13 years but after working in kitchens he started

eating meat that was getting chucked out, but now if someone serves it

he will eat it but won't buy meat himself. Anyway my boy is only 2 so

I prob have a while to wait. I do worry about school and mcdonalds

parties. I have to let him go so he doesn't feel left out but I hate

the place so much. How do you deal with those things?

Sorry for raving on this conversation has got me a bit paranoid about

the future!

Ange.

 

On 07/04/2009, at 12:38 AM, tanya wynette <wynettelove@ > wrote:

 

> How ironic that you posted this today. My 11 year old daughter who

> was raised this way sat me down last night and told me that she

> would like to start eating some meat. This has happened before when

> she was 8 and I tried to be strong and tell her that it was her

> decision she just would not be allowed to eat processed meats and I

> would not prepare it for her. My husband eats meat so if she wanted

> it then he would have to make it. However when she did actually

> start eating meat I would have to leave the room so that she did not

> see me cry. I kind of felt like she was going against the religion

> that I had raised her in. By the time I realized that she is her

> own person who ultimatley has to make her own decisions she had

> decided to go bact to not eating meat. It gave her stomach aches

> anyway. Now she wants to try again. I am over the upset feeling

> and feel that if she wants to try again that is her decision. The

> same rules apply as

> before but I told her she needs to take it very slow to avoid

> stomach aches again. It is just weird that I finally thought she

> was old enough to watch a video on animal cruelty in the slaughter

> houses last week and now she makes this decision this week. I do

> feel confident that she will change her mind, but if she dosen't I

> can't worry about it. She is educated and knows full well, why I

> make the decisions that i do.

>

> Good luck, I know how you feel

>

> Tanya

>

> --- On Mon, 4/6/09, admartin5@embarqmai l.com

> <admartin5@embarqmai l.com> wrote:

>

> admartin5@embarqmai l.com <admartin5@embarqmai l.com>

> Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

> @gro ups.com

> Monday, April 6, 2009, 5:24 AM

>

> Last night, my 8-year old who has seemingly been content with being

> vegan all his life told me he is tired of eating differently than

> other people. I explained to him that the reason we eat the way we

> do is because I want what is best for him. I also told him that when

> he is " of age, " he can choose to eat otherwise, but as long as I am

> responsible for what he eats, I will only provide healthy foods for

> him.

>

> Of course, all these words meant nothing to him!

>

> Unfortunately, none of the people we associate with eat like us,

> which I guess adds to the pressure. Ironically, however, an

> increasingly number of people that we come in contact with want to

> learn more about our diet and want to incorporate it in their lives

> but find it hard to do so. Even knowing this, doesn't make my son

> feel better.

>

> Has anyone else experienced this with their child? Also, are there

> any children stories that you can recommend that might help a child

> with being different?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ok guys I am going to cry now! booo hooooooo! My son and I have been vegetarian

since January, with the exception of McD's fries whooops. What other food has

hidden meat products in it. I have been so surprised to find so many things

with hidden meat products in them. Maybe if some of you experienced long time

vegetarians and vegans could share for us newbies. I know I would greatly

appreciate it.

 

WOW who would have thought beef in french fries! GRRRRRRR! Why do they do that?

 

Thanks so much,

 

Michelle

 

 

 

 

jb

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 08:39:16 -0700

RE: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

 

 

 

 

Jennie,

 

McDonald's fries are not vegetarian... you can review the ingredients

here at their site:

http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/nutrition_ingredients.html

 

They contain a " natural beef flavor. " Barf. :-)

 

JB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

I had to correct my father once when he pointed to a McDonald's as we

were driving past and asked my daughter what that was and tried to get

her to repeat him. (I think he was trying to see what I would do.) I

told him that she doesn't know what McDonald's is and she never will. I,

too, am morally opposed to that place (including others). She won't ever

attend a party there either. It's hard sometimes, with my family, being

the only vegetarian. My mother-in-law once told me it was ok for my

child to go to a McDonald's party once in a while, and I lost it after

she kept repeatedly tellin gme it was ok and me saying it was not. I

eventually told her that any grandparent that takes her anywhere against

my wishes will no longer see her alone.

Now, she has decided to be a McDougal vegan, so hopefully there will be

no more disagreements about fast food restaurants.

 

- Dawn M.

 

Jacqueline Bodnar wrote:

>

> Regarding McDonald's parties... my kids are 4.5 and going on 3. They

> have never stepped foot in McDonald's. They point them out as we drive

> because we say " yucky poop " and talk about how they only serve animals

> on buns. I refuse to take my kids there. If they are invited to a party

> there we will have to politely decline. I am morally opposed to the

> place, and that's not compromisable. I'm teaching my kids to stay away

> from such a place, so to say they could go for a party and have fun

> would be hypocritical. Just as when I was a kid and there were places

> that were off limits, so too is McDonald's for my kids. And I would be

> politely honest with any parent that asked me why my kids weren't

> attending.

>

> Cheers,

> Jacqueline

>

>

[Guest guest]

-Hi!

 

On that note, are there any vegan families in the San Diego/La Mesa

area? []

 

-Thanks, Kimberly

 

 

, " Jacqueline Bodnar " <jb wrote:

>

> Just a thought, but rather than focusing on the fact of being

different,

> why not try to show him that there are other people (including

children)

> who are like him? Either join a local vegetarian community and start

> meeting up, or get motivated to start one on your own. It would not

take

> much effort for you to start a local group on meetup.com and start

> finding other vegetarians in your area. That way he can see that there

> are other vegetarians.

>

> This has also been one of my main concerns in raising vegetarian

> children. I have two of them and I worry that they will come home some

> day saying the same thing. So I when I moved to this area and found

> there was a no vegetarian group in the area I started one. I actively

> look for chances to get them around other vegetarians so they see they

> are not the only ones. Also, a few weeks ago I did a search on

facebook

> (I use that site a lot) for vegetarians with children near me. It

turned

> up a vegetarian family about 15 minutes away! I was thrilled because

> they have a daughter the same exact age as mine! So every week now we

> try to get together. My daughter knows they are vegetarian and she

likes

> that. It reinforces that we are not the only ones. We also attend

other

> vegetarian meetup dinners, even those we have driven an hour to get

to.

> We also make sure to attend the Veg Fest each year in Orlando (an hour

> away). So they know there are others out there.

>

> If you want to stick with agreeing that you are " different " and

putting

> that emphasis out there, then start pointing out how some other people

> are " different " as well and yet still hold true to their values. For

> example, some people follow religions or customs where they dress a

> certain way (e.g., wearing a turbin). It may be different, but

everyone

> is different and you have to hold strong to your values. Like the old

> saying goes... stand for something or you will fall for anything! :-)

>

> Jacqueline

>

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

haha, good thing we never eat them! thanks-

j.

 

 

 

 

________________________________

Jacqueline Bodnar <jb

 

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 10:39:16 AM

RE: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

 

Jennie,

 

McDonald's fries are not vegetarian.. . you can review the ingredients

here at their site:

http://nutrition. mcdonalds. com/nutritionexc hange/nutrition_ ingredients. html

 

They contain a " natural beef flavor. " Barf. :-)

 

JB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Wow so this is what I have to look forward to in the future! I often

get asked by people, in particular my mum what I will do if my son

asks for meat. I often think that I would say yes but make sure he was

educated about his decision. I guess his dad will have to cook it. His

dad was vegi for 13 years but after working in kitchens he started

eating meat that was getting chucked out, but now if someone serves it

he will eat it but won't buy meat himself. Anyway my boy is only 2 so

I prob have a while to wait. I do worry about school and mcdonalds

parties. I have to let him go so he doesn't feel left out but I hate

the place so much. How do you deal with those things?

Sorry for raving on this conversation has got me a bit paranoid about

the future!

Ange.

 

On 07/04/2009, at 12:38 AM, tanya wynette <wynettelove wrote:

 

> How ironic that you posted this today. My 11 year old daughter who

> was raised this way sat me down last night and told me that she

> would like to start eating some meat. This has happened before when

> she was 8 and I tried to be strong and tell her that it was her

> decision she just would not be allowed to eat processed meats and I

> would not prepare it for her. My husband eats meat so if she wanted

> it then he would have to make it. However when she did actually

> start eating meat I would have to leave the room so that she did not

> see me cry. I kind of felt like she was going against the religion

> that I had raised her in. By the time I realized that she is her

> own person who ultimatley has to make her own decisions she had

> decided to go bact to not eating meat. It gave her stomach aches

> anyway. Now she wants to try again. I am over the upset feeling

> and feel that if she wants to try again that is her decision. The

> same rules apply as

> before but I told her she needs to take it very slow to avoid

> stomach aches again. It is just weird that I finally thought she

> was old enough to watch a video on animal cruelty in the slaughter

> houses last week and now she makes this decision this week. I do

> feel confident that she will change her mind, but if she dosen't I

> can't worry about it. She is educated and knows full well, why I

> make the decisions that i do.

>

> Good luck, I know how you feel

>

> Tanya

>

> --- On Mon, 4/6/09, admartin5

> <admartin5 wrote:

>

> admartin5 <admartin5

> Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

>

> Monday, April 6, 2009, 5:24 AM

>

> Last night, my 8-year old who has seemingly been content with being

> vegan all his life told me he is tired of eating differently than

> other people. I explained to him that the reason we eat the way we

> do is because I want what is best for him. I also told him that when

> he is " of age, " he can choose to eat otherwise, but as long as I am

> responsible for what he eats, I will only provide healthy foods for

> him.

>

> Of course, all these words meant nothing to him!

>

> Unfortunately, none of the people we associate with eat like us,

> which I guess adds to the pressure. Ironically, however, an

> increasingly number of people that we come in contact with want to

> learn more about our diet and want to incorporate it in their lives

> but find it hard to do so. Even knowing this, doesn't make my son

> feel better.

>

> Has anyone else experienced this with their child? Also, are there

> any children stories that you can recommend that might help a child

> with being different?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Michelle,

 

I've been an ethical vegetarian for 13.5 years now. I'm happy to share

some of what I know. Of course I won't remember to mention it all here,

but as it comes up I always chime in!

 

No worries. You didn't know about the fries, so it's not your fault.

Here's a few other things I've learned:

 

- Nothing at Panda Express is vegetarian. I've talked to the company and

all items have chicken and/or clam sauce.

- Most jelly beans are not vegetarian. I mention this because of Easter

next weekend. PETA had listed Starburst ones as being vegetarian. I

checked at the store and they are not and then I contacted PETA to tell

them so they would update the site. Jelly beans that contain

" confectioner's glaze " are not vegetarian. The shiny coating is made of

bugs. This glaze is also used in sprinkles that are found on most cakes

and donuts.

- Many pink colored foods and beverages contain " cochineal " or

" cochinate. " This is a color that comes from the bodies of an insect.

- Anything with gelatin is not vegetarian. Gelatin is derived from

animal bones/hooves/etc. It's often found in candy, cookies, pastries,

and loads of other foods!

- Believe it or not, there are some brands of microwave popcorn that

contain fish! Check the package... they state it right on there. The

ones that don't though may contain palm oil, which helps to destroy the

rainforest (you are better off popping your own).

- Many restaurants serving beans put lard in the beans. You always have

to check ahead of time first.

- Some restaurants that offer eggplant parm. subs cook meatballs in the

sauce they use on the sandwich. I've inquired about this at several

places, including Capriotti's Subs and have found it to be so.

- Most caesar salad dressing is not vegetarian, it contains anchovies.

 

That's what comes from the top of my head. There are many more. It seems

overwhelming at first, but believe me, once you get used to it you will

automatically know what to avoid.

 

Congrats on going vegetarian! Let me know if I can be of any help.

 

Jacqueline

[Guest guest]

I hate to be the one that ruins things for all of my veg friends but that seems

to be what i do best as of late. Most (if not all) hostess products, most boxed/

bagged doughnuts, and a lot of brownie mixes use beef fat. If you consume beer,

wine or liquer you need to be aware of what they process it with. Some beers

use fish coligen to clarify the finished product. A few i can think of are

Newcastle, Red stripe (although in the UK it is vegan), and many other darker

clarified beers. White wine can have chicken fat in it, and reds are often

filtered using gelitan. To get more specifics on certain alcohol check out

barnivore.com. Most companies will be fairly honest about what animal products

they use if you email them. there are also a few other sites that can help. I

will try to dig them up. I would also be very careful about eating at some

asian resteraunts. I had someone tell me that crab rangoon was a vegetarian

option because it had crab powder in it instead of crab meat. Needless to say i

have never eaten there again. It is amazing what you can find if you do a

little digging. Sorry one last thing I think a lot of tires (possibly all

rubber) use animal fat as well in production. I have a friend who works at B.F.

Goodrich and he was amazed to learn that when he first started there.

 

Amity

 

, KEVIN n MICHELLE GROSE <myshadyboyz

wrote:

>

>

> Ok guys I am going to cry now! booo hooooooo! My son and I have been

vegetarian since January, with the exception of McD's fries whooops. What other

food has hidden meat products in it. I have been so surprised to find so many

things with hidden meat products in them. Maybe if some of you experienced long

time vegetarians and vegans could share for us newbies. I know I would greatly

appreciate it.

>

> WOW who would have thought beef in french fries! GRRRRRRR! Why do they do

that?

>

> Thanks so much,

>

> Michelle

>

>

>

>

> jb

> Tue, 7 Apr 2009 08:39:16 -0700

> RE: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

>

>

>

>

>

> Jennie,

>

> McDonald's fries are not vegetarian... you can review the ingredients

> here at their site:

> http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/nutrition_ingredients.html

>

> They contain a " natural beef flavor. " Barf. :-)

>

> JB

>

>

>

>

 

[Guest guest]

BUGS! We were eating bug jelly beans? OMG! EWWW! Wow thank you I am learning so

much. Really, I am. I appreciate all of your help.

 

Michelle

 

 

 

 

jb

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 17:29:01 -0700

RE: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle,

 

I've been an ethical vegetarian for 13.5 years now. I'm happy to share

some of what I know. Of course I won't remember to mention it all here,

but as it comes up I always chime in!

 

No worries. You didn't know about the fries, so it's not your fault.

Here's a few other things I've learned:

 

- Nothing at Panda Express is vegetarian. I've talked to the company and

all items have chicken and/or clam sauce.

- Most jelly beans are not vegetarian. I mention this because of Easter

next weekend. PETA had listed Starburst ones as being vegetarian. I

checked at the store and they are not and then I contacted PETA to tell

them so they would update the site. Jelly beans that contain

" confectioner's glaze " are not vegetarian. The shiny coating is made of

bugs. This glaze is also used in sprinkles that are found on most cakes

and donuts.

- Many pink colored foods and beverages contain " cochineal " or

" cochinate. " This is a color that comes from the bodies of an insect.

- Anything with gelatin is not vegetarian. Gelatin is derived from

animal bones/hooves/etc. It's often found in candy, cookies, pastries,

and loads of other foods!

- Believe it or not, there are some brands of microwave popcorn that

contain fish! Check the package... they state it right on there. The

ones that don't though may contain palm oil, which helps to destroy the

rainforest (you are better off popping your own).

- Many restaurants serving beans put lard in the beans. You always have

to check ahead of time first.

- Some restaurants that offer eggplant parm. subs cook meatballs in the

sauce they use on the sandwich. I've inquired about this at several

places, including Capriotti's Subs and have found it to be so.

- Most caesar salad dressing is not vegetarian, it contains anchovies.

 

That's what comes from the top of my head. There are many more. It seems

overwhelming at first, but believe me, once you get used to it you will

automatically know what to avoid.

 

Congrats on going vegetarian! Let me know if I can be of any help.

 

Jacqueline

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

The important thing to remember is that there are some things we have

choices on and there are some things we pretty much don't. The tires is

an example. They are not vegetarian, nor is the glue in the kitchen

cupboards. But we don't have a choice unless we want to walk everywhere

not have cabinets. All those types of products (flooring, etc.) use

animal products.

 

Focus on those things you CAN make a choice with. If you worry about

those other things you will burn out quickly.

 

Great point about the Asian restaurants. They are notorious for putting

chicken stock in foods, even those listed as vegetarian. Always read

labels and don't be afraid to research words and ask people for

clarification. After all, you are putting it in your body, you should

know what it is and be comfortable with it.

 

JB

[Guest guest]

Hi Michelle-

I was going to say that it would be too difficult to even begin such a list, but

I'm thinking there MUST be such a list somewhere online. Vitamins are a real

problem- Whole Foods and Trader Joe's are great about stating 'veg friendly'  or

supplement from 'veg sources' on the label. You just have to become a voracious

reader of labels and educate yourself about ingredients and their origins. But

you do have an advantage: usually vegetarians eat fairly 'close to the ground',

as they say, so hopefully less of what we eat is subject to an incredibly long

list of ingredients, like so many other foods.

One tip that has always worked well for me in restaurants (especially while

you're learning where and what is okay to eat): I tell the employees I am

allergic to animal products. It may not be the 'real' reason I don't eat meat,

but I find it's taken a lot more seriously than " I'm a vegetarian " . Mostly it's

probably a lack of knowledge as to what constitutes 'animal' (most people won't

even think of the broth issue), but occasionally I do think there are those

employees who think it doesn't matter if they just 'take the meat off'.  But

allergies- now those are taken seriously. No one wants you to go into some sort

of food-induced anaphylactic shock in their fine establishment. I suppose my

technique may be a bit devious, but it gets the job done, which is ultimately

what I care about. The good news is you're becoming a vegetarian at a great

time. I've been a veg*n of varying types for 21 years this Easter and let me

tell you, you were really seen as a

freak back then. Now, most people have heard of it, and even often want to know

more about it and respect it a bit. At least here in 'wacky' California, anyway.

 

As for the 'why the beef in the fries' question, who knows. Some people-and

restaurants- can't fathom the flavoring of savory foods without meat or meat

byproducts. And what the heck, McDonald's is paying to raise all that rainforest

cattle anyway, I guess they might as well use as much of the animal as they can.

My kids haven't ever set foot in a fast food place, either, and I'm trying to

keep that the case as long as possible. I'll bet if you dig a bit, one of the

other fast food place's fries are veg.

Best of luck to you in your culinary adventure!

jenni

 

 

 

 

________________________________

Jacqueline Bodnar <jb

 

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 7:29:01 PM

RE: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

 

Michelle,

 

I've been an ethical vegetarian for 13.5 years now. I'm happy to share

some of what I know. Of course I won't remember to mention it all here,

but as it comes up I always chime in!

 

No worries. You didn't know about the fries, so it's not your fault.

Here's a few other things I've learned:

 

- Nothing at Panda Express is vegetarian. I've talked to the company and

all items have chicken and/or clam sauce.

- Most jelly beans are not vegetarian. I mention this because of Easter

next weekend. PETA had listed Starburst ones as being vegetarian. I

checked at the store and they are not and then I contacted PETA to tell

them so they would update the site. Jelly beans that contain

" confectioner' s glaze " are not vegetarian. The shiny coating is made of

bugs. This glaze is also used in sprinkles that are found on most cakes

and donuts.

- Many pink colored foods and beverages contain " cochineal " or

" cochinate. " This is a color that comes from the bodies of an insect.

- Anything with gelatin is not vegetarian. Gelatin is derived from

animal bones/hooves/ etc. It's often found in candy, cookies, pastries,

and loads of other foods!

- Believe it or not, there are some brands of microwave popcorn that

contain fish! Check the package... they state it right on there. The

ones that don't though may contain palm oil, which helps to destroy the

rainforest (you are better off popping your own).

- Many restaurants serving beans put lard in the beans. You always have

to check ahead of time first.

- Some restaurants that offer eggplant parm. subs cook meatballs in the

sauce they use on the sandwich. I've inquired about this at several

places, including Capriotti's Subs and have found it to be so.

- Most caesar salad dressing is not vegetarian, it contains anchovies.

 

That's what comes from the top of my head. There are many more. It seems

overwhelming at first, but believe me, once you get used to it you will

automatically know what to avoid.

 

Congrats on going vegetarian! Let me know if I can be of any help.

 

Jacqueline

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

OMG!!! i'm a long veggie and did not know about the bugs. the only time i ever

heard that is about m7m's yrs ago and we never found proof of it. and americans

only think that people in small foreign countries eat bugs. i guess i'd better

found a vegetarian candy guide for special occassions.

unita

 

 

 

 

________________________________

Jacqueline Bodnar <jb

 

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 8:29:01 PM

RE: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

 

Michelle,

 

I've been an ethical vegetarian for 13.5 years now. I'm happy to share

some of what I know. Of course I won't remember to mention it all here,

but as it comes up I always chime in!

 

No worries. You didn't know about the fries, so it's not your fault.

Here's a few other things I've learned:

 

- Nothing at Panda Express is vegetarian. I've talked to the company and

all items have chicken and/or clam sauce.

- Most jelly beans are not vegetarian. I mention this because of Easter

next weekend. PETA had listed Starburst ones as being vegetarian. I

checked at the store and they are not and then I contacted PETA to tell

them so they would update the site. Jelly beans that contain

" confectioner' s glaze " are not vegetarian. The shiny coating is made of

bugs. This glaze is also used in sprinkles that are found on most cakes

and donuts.

- Many pink colored foods and beverages contain " cochineal " or

" cochinate. " This is a color that comes from the bodies of an insect.

- Anything with gelatin is not vegetarian. Gelatin is derived from

animal bones/hooves/ etc. It's often found in candy, cookies, pastries,

and loads of other foods!

- Believe it or not, there are some brands of microwave popcorn that

contain fish! Check the package... they state it right on there. The

ones that don't though may contain palm oil, which helps to destroy the

rainforest (you are better off popping your own).

- Many restaurants serving beans put lard in the beans. You always have

to check ahead of time first.

- Some restaurants that offer eggplant parm. subs cook meatballs in the

sauce they use on the sandwich. I've inquired about this at several

places, including Capriotti's Subs and have found it to be so.

- Most caesar salad dressing is not vegetarian, it contains anchovies.

 

That's what comes from the top of my head. There are many more. It seems

overwhelming at first, but believe me, once you get used to it you will

automatically know what to avoid.

 

Congrats on going vegetarian! Let me know if I can be of any help.

 

Jacqueline

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Ironically, my child is " tired of being different " although:

 

1) I homeschool my children and have absolute control over what they eat; and

2) I am connected to a church that stresses a healthy lifestyle but

unfortunately, a lot of the members don't practice it!

 

It sounds like several of you who responded to my e-mail allow your young

children to make " sometimes not perfect " choices about what they eat and I think

that's great.

 

However, I don't feel that at this moment in my child's life I can do that

because his diet saved his life.

 

I shared with the group a few years ago how we ended up in emergency rooms

because of the reactive airway disease that he developed after a watermelon seed

he accidentally sniffed into his lungs caused him to have breathing problems

that are worse than an asthmatic's and could not be controlled with any form of

steroids.

 

To make a loooooooooooooooooooooong story short, because of his vegan diet and

adding more raw foods and juices to his diet, his condition is completely

manageable without any medication!!!!

 

I know that one day I'm going to have to let go and let him eat whatever he

chooses, but I pray that when I do that, he will be fully convinced, without

learning the hard way, that his diet is lifesaving.

 

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I will try the meetup site. That sounds

like a great idea!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Besides the food, she big McD has destroyed massive portions of rainforest to

make room for their cows (this is my biggest issued with them).

 

--- On Tue, 4/7/09, Dawn Meisch <a_new_dawn wrote:

 

Dawn Meisch <a_new_dawn

Re: Vegan Child Tired of Being Different

 

Tuesday, April 7, 2009, 12:49 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had to correct my father once when he pointed to a McDonald's as we

were driving past and asked my daughter what that was and tried to get

her to repeat him. (I think he was trying to see what I would do.) I

told him that she doesn't know what McDonald's is and she never will. I,

too, am morally opposed to that place (including others). She won't ever

attend a party there either. It's hard sometimes, with my family, being

the only vegetarian. My mother-in-law once told me it was ok for my

child to go to a McDonald's party once in a while, and I lost it after

she kept repeatedly tellin gme it was ok and me saying it was not. I

eventually told her that any grandparent that takes her anywhere against

my wishes will no longer see her alone.

Now, she has decided to be a McDougal vegan, so hopefully there will be

no more disagreements about fast food restaurants.

 

- Dawn M.

 

Jacqueline Bodnar wrote:

>

> Regarding McDonald's parties... my kids are 4.5 and going on 3. They

> have never stepped foot in McDonald's. They point them out as we drive

> because we say " yucky poop " and talk about how they only serve animals

> on buns. I refuse to take my kids there. If they are invited to a party

> there we will have to politely decline. I am morally opposed to the

> place, and that's not compromisable. I'm teaching my kids to stay away

> from such a place, so to say they could go for a party and have fun

> would be hypocritical. Just as when I was a kid and there were places

> that were off limits, so too is McDonald's for my kids. And I would be

> politely honest with any parent that asked me why my kids weren't

> attending.

>

> Cheers,

> Jacqueline

>

>