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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Vegan babysitter?

74 replies

IsithormonesoramIamadcow · 01/04/2017 10:58

AIBU to ask vegan babysitter to serve my kids meat/dairy? Will of course leave suitable snacks for her. I don't expect her to prepare anything (think cheese/ham sandwiches) if you are a vegan what would you think?

OP posts:
NoArmaniNoPunani · 01/04/2017 11:01

I'm veggie. I'd say if it's in a sandwich already and she doesn't have to touch it then it's probably ok to ask her

Watto1 · 01/04/2017 11:01

If she's literally just taking a plate of sandwiches out of the fridge and putting them on the table, I would say that would be fine. Can't you just ask her though? If she's uncomfortable with it you can rethink your plans.

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 01/04/2017 11:01

At your house or theirs? Paid or unpaid? Vegan for moral or health reasons? Age of children? Babysitting for how long?

Stilllookingforthestars · 01/04/2017 11:01

Yes, it's fine.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 01/04/2017 11:02

I'm a vegan and wouldn't have a problem with that - some would though so you should probably ask her.

PurpleDaisies · 01/04/2017 11:02

I'd be surprised if she isn't happy to just get things out of the fridge and put them on a plate.

LaContessaDiPlump · 01/04/2017 11:03

I'm vegan. I'd be umimpressed if you asked to prepare anything, but I guess what you're describing would be fine. Emphasise that he/she won't have to touch any of it!

Original poster
IsithormonesoramIamadcow · 01/04/2017 11:03

Testing - paid at our house, moral vegan I think, kids 1 and 3

OP posts:
MarklahMarklah · 01/04/2017 11:04

Yes, if it's already prepared I can't see it's a problem.

LaContessaDiPlump · 01/04/2017 11:06

If you're feeling especially kind, make sure that there is a good stock of kitchen roll/wet wipes around and clear view. That way they will easily be able to pick up anything dropped/clear spills without touching any of it.

LaContessaDiPlump · 01/04/2017 11:07

and IN clear view...

Aeroflotgirl · 01/04/2017 11:07

My daughter's carer is a vegan and she's been into MacDonald's and helped her with there burger. Carer says she prepares meat dishes for the family, but morally does not eat it herself. Ask your babysitter as they are all different.

Trifleorbust · 01/04/2017 11:12

Fine. She should specify if she is only prepared to work for vegan employers.

iloveeverykindofcat · 01/04/2017 11:20

I'm (almost) vegan and I wouldn't think twice about serving the sandwiches from the fridge. Handling the meat would make me uncomfortable but I'd still do it as part of a paid job.

C8H10N4O2 · 01/04/2017 11:24

Just ask her.

I'd be surprised if it was a problem but rather than worry about it just ask.

PinkHeart59156816 · 01/04/2017 11:29

Obviously ask her but I'd be surprised if anyone would have a problem giving a child food ready prepared.

Assuming she is a paid babysitter and does this a little job, she has probably looked after a few children that eat meat products

VeganCow · 01/04/2017 11:30

I'm vegan and it wouldn't bother me. I am also what you called 'moral vegan'. But everyone is different. If she is only an occasional babysitter and you really like her and want to keep her, what about being experimental and trying some vegan fillings for your children. Vegan society has a whole list of sandwich suggestions.

Original poster
IsithormonesoramIamadcow · 01/04/2017 11:32

Vegan cow - in did think of doing vegan food, but my DCs can be very fussy and I want to leave them with something I know they will eat! They also both have milk at bedtime and I can't really change that.

OP posts:
DJBaggySmalls · 01/04/2017 11:36

Ask her, if she says no find another babysitter. You dont have to make your kids vegan to suit them.

oblada · 01/04/2017 11:37

Of course it should be fine! I used to baby sit, I'm a veggie but gave the kids under my care whatever I was told to give them, it's not for me to decide! My DH is a veggie and used to work in a restaurant (in his student days) prepping meat if necessary. Unless there is an allergy involved I don't think there should be a problem. My husband has even cooked meat for my parents in the past. We can all have the morals we choose, no need to impose them on others.

JonesyAndTheSalad · 01/04/2017 11:39

My vegan DH (when he was) would happily make meat based dishes for the kids.

Nanodust · 01/04/2017 11:44

She is delivering a baby sitting Service that you pay for. Unless she specified not wanting to touch meat in her agreement with you, then I'd not give it a s find thought. She can't impose her dietary beliefs onto you kids.

Nanodust · 01/04/2017 11:44

a second thought darn predictive text!

QuinoaKeen · 01/04/2017 11:57

Another vegan here who would be fine with that.
It might be nice to get her on some vegan snacks she can share with your children - hummus and crackers, nice fruit or even Oreos are vegan.

QuinoaKeen · 01/04/2017 11:59

'On some'?

Sounds like vegan snacks are drugs Grin.