Guest guest Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 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? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 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? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 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? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 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? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 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? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 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 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 -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 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 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? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2009 Report Share Posted April 8, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2009 Report Share Posted April 8, 2009 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 > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2009 Report Share Posted April 8, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2009 Report Share Posted April 8, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2009 Report Share Posted April 8, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2009 Report Share Posted April 8, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2009 Report Share Posted April 8, 2009 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2009 Report Share Posted April 8, 2009 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 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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