FTC Disclosure: If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you - this is my side job to being a mom and it helps to support our family, so I greatly appreciate it!

Raising Vegan Children Joyfully

If you're raising vegan children, my guess is you've decided to do so based on a mix of personal ethical beliefs, after reading about the hazards of a standard meat and dairy-based diet, simply because your child has allergies to meat and dairy products, or some mix of all of the above.

Children are naturally loving of animals and many people have to coax their children into eating meat, fish, and milk products. With their naturally inquisitive minds, you will probably find that they are really open to learning about why you eat the way you do and will enjoy telling their friends about it as well. Of course, if you've come to the decision to go vegan after you've already had kids, you might have to do more work with the explanations.

While so many people are unfamiliar with the vegan diet, it's actually not difficult to raise vegan kids.

I would definitely recommend checking out some of the amazing books about vegan parenting:

Raising Vegan Children in a Non-Vegan World

Raising Vegetarian Children: A Guide to Good Health and Family Harmony

That's Why We Don't Eat Animals: A Book About Vegans, Vegetarians, and All Living Things

Pregnancy, Children, and the Vegan Diet

When raising vegan children, one of the biggest obstacles you'll have to overcome will be with the scrutiny people will impart on you for your decision. Though you likely think it's radical to eat the flesh and byproducts of another species, they are used to eating that way, and to them it's radical to avoid animal products. It's a good idea to keep their perspective in mind all the time.

And, never forget that people are very sensitive about food decisions and about their personal methods of parenting. When you combine those two into raising vegan children and vegan parenting, you could create an explosive atmosphere. In most situations, I think it's best to keep discussions with non-vegan parents neutral and as far away from the food topic as possible. If you make very little fuss, they are much more likely to be accepting and go out of their way to make you (and more importantly, your children) feel comfortable in social situations.


Tips for handling questions about how you're raising vegan children:
  • Have a sense of humor.
  • Remember what it was like before you learned what you know about plant-based diets.
  • Be compassionate, especially to those who think differently than you and might judge you.
  • Educate yourself. You have to be armed with information so that anyone who questions you gets a compassionate, educated answer from you right away. If you don't have a really good example of how your children get plenty of calcium, people will question your ability to take care of your children. That sounds harsh, but it's true. If you can say that you understand why it seems so impossible for a child to get plenty of calcium without cow's milk, but actually your children eat tons of beans and leafy greens that are packed with calcium, you not only defend yourself, but you can help to educate them.It's especially important to be educated when you are visiting your children's pediatrician. If you have a good relationship with your child's doctor and s/he is open to a vegetarian lifestyle, this might not be as important. Undoubtedly your child's numbers are going to speak for themselves since vegan children tend to be so healthy. But it never hurts to be able to provide explanations of the foods you eat and what sources of the main (normally questioned) nutrients they eat, such as calcium and protein.
  • Make life as easy as possible for your children. Some children will be able to handle any possible scrutiny the other kids might throw their way, but others would be less likely to know what to say. In those circumstances, you might consider getting a copy of the lunch menu so you know what the other kids are going to be eating that day. You can then send food that looks the same with your child to school.If your children go to daycare, you can talk to the leaders and ask what types of foods they'll be serving and arrange for vegan food for your child. Sometimes you can supply individual soymilk cartons if they are going to be handing out milk to the other kids.Jennifer McMann has some amazing cookbooks for packing vegan lunches that are so gorgeous and fun. I would definitely check out Vegan Lunch Box for incredible recipes, meal plans, and general tips on feeding your school-age children.When it comes to holidays and special occasions, there are many tactics for ensuring your children feel the excitement of the party without feeling left out or different than the others. Some parents like to offer to bring the desserts, or at least one cupcake/slice of cake for their child. And, there are a plethora of vegan burgers and hotdogs on the market now, so barbecues and picnics should never be a problem.
  • Arm your children with the knowledge that you love them and are feeding them vegan food because you want the best for them. When they truly understand that concept, they will be on board.Most of all, enjoy raising vegan children who will hopefully grow up to choose the same compassionate, kind, and loving path in life.

  1. Home
  2.  ›
  3. Vegan Children

Questions about Raising Vegan Children?

I once read there are a million ways to do raising children right and just a few, obvious, ways to do it wrong. Even though we all know that, it's hard not to worry about how we raise our children. Add in wanting to raise compassionate children who don't eat animals and it can multiple those concerns. You can ask questions here about anything related to raising vegan children and we'll get answers from experienced parents for you.

[ ? ]

Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional)[ ? ]

 

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

(first or full name)

(e.g., City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

  •  submission guidelines.


(You can preview and edit on the next page)

Other Visitor Questions and Answers

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Vegan Baby Bowel Movements 
All of my friends with babies are non-vegan so I don't really have anyone to ask. Does an exclusively vegan breastfed baby's bowel movements differ in …

Vegan children and non-vegan grandparents  Not rated yet
How do I navigate having my parents or my husbands parents baby sit and they are not vegan? I feel like they might take the "what mommy and daddy don't …

Vegan Snacks for Preschoolers Not rated yet
I have 2 children: 2 and 4 years old. I would love tips on handling preschool snacks. The parents take turns providing snacks and sometimes it is dairy …

Click here to write your own.

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Vegan Blog   |   About Me   |   Contact Me   |   Privacy Policy   |   Vegan E-zine

by Cathleen Woods   |   © Copyright 2010-2021   |   Vegan-Momma.com

Disclaimer: Everything in this website is based upon information collected by Cathleen Woods, from a variety of sources. It is my opinion and is not intended as medical advice. This website does not sell your personal information.
It is recommended that you consult with a qualified health care professional before making a diet change.

As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.