to think this is a bit mean?

[RobynLou]

bil is a strict veggie, has been since he was a teenager, sil became sort of veggie when she moved in with him, doesn't eat meat at home but does occasionally when out and about. their dd is being brought up a strict veggie, fair enough so far.

at mil/fil's for xmas, they have all sorts of nice bits and bobs on the coffee table to nibble before the meal, including chorizo/salami type things and some fancy marinaded sardines etc.

everyone's digging in, our dd (2) is enjoying some salami, sil is also eating some, her dd (2.5yo) asks to try some and is told she's not allowed because its meat.

isn't it abit mean to not let her try a little taste, I could understand if her mum wasn't eating it, but to sit there and eat something, commenting on how nice it is while the girls cousin is also enjoying it and tell her she's not allowed... it struck me as rather mean....

My dh and I have an agreement - if one of us strongly objects then it overrules the one who doesn't mind so much - therefore if this was in the case of meat if one was strongly against it would outweigh the one for because a diet can be structured to remain healthy without meat.

I do feel however that it was a little unfair of your SIL to eat meat in front of her, just as if I ate chocolate in front of my ds and then said no but then saying that I do that when I drink Coke or we have a tea/coffee!!

I say to my husband just to be careful as my ds doesn't know the difference at 21 months what we do/do not allow if it is not a new food but the fact that she was eating it as was your child does make it a bit more difficult

I think kat is spot on, and her first post is what I wanted to say

Cheers dudes
this obviously hits a nerve with some people, and they assume I'm a ball breaking vegetarian monster who rides rough shod over my poor put upon DH and ignores his wishes. That's simply not true but people who object to my parenting choices will not get that - but I don't really care, I believe I am doing the right thing for my DS and that's all we try to do isn't it?

Oh its entirely the parents choice isnt it?

My youngest child (18 months old) and I cant eat pork. Dp and the other kids can. If they want to eat bacon sarnies and sausages its their choice, just as it is my choice for me and baby not to! I will still say no to baby if she wanted to try it.

If the childs dad is veggie and wants to raise their child that way, and mum doesnt mind, its their choice and it is right for them. If mum wants to eat meat its her choice. I dare say five minutes later the child in question had completely forgotten that bit of salami!

if it is norm in her house then no.people should observe parental preferences and that means no meat

It never ceases to amaze me how people think that at 2 the child should be allowed to 'choose' to eat meat - 'after all, she did ask to try it', yet if the same child asked to have some of your wine, you'd feel justified in saying 'No'. When it's us vegetarians saying 'No' we are evil, yet when it's meat eaters saying 'No' (to chocolate, biscuits whatever...) it's OK.

Kat - you are right, all you can do is what you think is the best for your child & not worry what other people think. Sorry you got such an undeserved roasting. I'm still curious to see how you 'compromise' with meat-eating & circumcision.... LOL

Purple - I don't know why you are trying to pick a fight on this thread. it's not very nice.

As a meat eating family, I don't think that I would give a 2yr old salami. At that age they are very much babies- a 5 yr old asking to try it would be completely different.