To “make” my kids be vegan?

[Sarcy]

About 3 years ago I decided to become vegan, my two youngest are being brought up vegan. Whilst my 4 older kids made the decision for themselves. One of them decided about a year ago that he didn’t want to be vegan anymore, at friend’s houses or when he’s out with friends he’ll eat meat but at home I don’t let him. I’ve had a lot of people tell me I’m wrong for “forcing” my kids into this or not letting them backout easily. This isn’t the case but I made sure DS had truly thought about it before deciding not to be vegan. I’m just trying to understand what makes people think it’s wrong to raise children on a vegan diet, surly giving your children meat is much worse

FASH84

Yeah I wish the OP would stop going on about how amazing she is.

Why are you vegan OP?

It better not be for animal welfare or environmental reasons because with 6 kids under your belt thats a joke.

@sweeneytoddsrazor

I know, but that isn't OPs situation (unless I have misunderstood), at least not anymore.

It better not be for animal welfare or environmental reasons because with 6 kids under your belt thats a joke

Luckily she doesn't have to explain herself to obnoxious twats.

Could you imagine the reverse of this thread?

I don't have to, I lived it. We didn't eat meat every day anyway, because it was just too expensive, we had meat 3 times a week and an egg on the other days.

One of mine wanted to go vegetarian at about the same age, so I told him he didn't have to eat the meat if he didn't want to, but if he wanted separate meals, he was going to have to learn to cook and plan meals.

but at home I don’t let him

You are forcing your lifestyle on him, no matter what way you try to sugar coat it. If he's made the choice he could be doing it in secret at friends houses anyway, it sounds like he's at an age you physically can't force him to be vegan elsewhere unless you followed him everywhere.

@Tessliketrees
Are you her mum or something?

Been vegan for 20 years here, no issues with deficiencies etc, I am also a scientist and have done my own reading on why a lot of stuff upthread is simply inaccurate/just a bit silly (IMO).

Anyway - my view is that you bring your children up the best way you can and in-line with your beliefs (provided they’re not dangerous which this isn’t if done properly) and let them decide when they’re older. Once they’ve made their decision, and have though it through, my view is that you need to respect that decision. Sets a precedent for lots of things in life...

@Tessliketree the way I have read it is OP suddenly becomes vegan, son has tried it for 3years, decided he really doesn't like it and wants to revert to eating meat. OP refuses to let him at home, that is pretty unfair imo

You are forcing your lifestyle on him,

Yes, that is what parents actually do. It gets less as they get older, but every parent on this planet forces their lifestyle on their children.

You said he made the decision...but you won’t let him eat meat at home...I’m guessing you want people to respect your decision but you think it’s ok not to respect his? Lxx

Yabu. It should be each individuals choice and I think you're completely wrong for "not letting" them eat meat.

I'm aware being vegan is more than just about not eating meat also

Assuming it is the 13 year old he is developing a sense of who he is. He may go back to been vegan one day . But at the minute if you don’t listen to him he may well rebel about more not discuss anything with them .

I also wonder how you convinced all your children they want to be vegan . I would guess by guilting them into it.

I would say as long as your cooking tasty meals then with in the home suck it up or get a job buy and could your own stuff but when out at a restaurant or at a friends house then their choice children will do what they want food wise any who

My daughter should have soya milk regular milk makes have have a sore tummy we buy soya at home but it’s rank tbh I feel for her when’s she’s out of the house she pretty much always choose not to have soya as it often means either going without or having yuk soya subtiuts

Your children arent your possesion. They should be able to decide personally if they want to eat meat. You are wrong in not letting them decide for themselves.

And tbh to go from meat eating to vegan it’s pretty hard going many things that children find pleaseing have milk or cheese in

As I said my daughter suffers with lactose issue but soya milk is yuk even the sweet stuff and don’t taste the same no matter how much people want it to
It’s very limiting to be a vegan in everyday life
Even thou most vegans won’t admit it

@BrightonCalling

I just don't like obnoxious twattery.

@sweeneytoddsrazor

It's the norm now though so I think the fussy eater comparison is fair at this point. I do see what you're saying though.

It should be each individuals choice

Really? So if you have 6 kids and a partner you'd be happy to cook 8 meals?

Though I do want to know where you get your iodine and recommendations for B12. Allergic child who may be leaning towards going veggie. (No eggs or milk or nuts due to allergies)
@blackeyedsusan

I tend to used vitamin supplements just to make sure they get all their nutrients. Dulse flakes are good for iodine. I put b-12 liquid and dulse flakes in smoothies. One of mine is allergic to peanuts, sesame, buckwheat and tree nuts. This does make being vegan a bit of a nightmare for her sometimes but there’s lot of seeds we use instead (hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds and sacha inchi seeds)

I feel sorry for your kids.

I tried this when my DC were very young and it was fine then but as soon as they went to school it stopped. There’s no way they can realistically be vegan at school, not without hating your guts forever anyway... there’s just a constant stream of sweets, chocolate and other foods they would miss out on. I don’t think it’s fair personally. I have learnt to let go and let them choose what they want to do.

I’m amazed (or maybe I’m not) at the utter bs up thread about veganism. The lack of informed opinion is pretty shocking. I am vegan- have been for nearly all my adult life. My children have been brought up vegan. My adult children now have an omnivorous diet-which is their choice. When they were children (and with my young ones now), I am cooking-I choose what to cook. When they’re old enough, go for it, do what you like. But YANBU to have what you see fit in your home. Also a vegan diet is perfectly healthy. I have super fit grown up sons who can attest to that. I am very healthy. I’m healthier than literally any omnivore I know. I am a healthy weight and I get all my vitamins and minerals-as do my kids. There are millions of vegans in the world who have a healthier diet than those on a standard western diet.

You are an omnivore, though @ConciseandNice you don't become a herbivore by choosing not to eat animal products