Do you / would you raise your children vegan?

Question

My partner and I are vegan and all are family are keen meat eaters.  I can’t bring myself to imagine feeding my 7 week old animal products one day, as I believe it is so morally wrong with no justification.
I wouldn’t be able to stomach preparing meat for her.
However family are pressuring us to have her on a “normal” diet.  Even if I made the choice to raise her vegan, I believe they would feed her meat behind my back anyway.
Another thing is the convenience.  All schools only serve animal products that I have come across.  
I also have the thoughts and my parents have pointed out to me that she would be bullied for being different.  
So do I just educate her and allow her to make an informed decision, or do I have her on a strict vegan lifestyle?

Answer

First of all this is your baby not theirs. Set boundaries tell them if they ever feed her meat then they won't be able to see her anymore. If they can't respect your beliefs and how you want to raise your family then they dont have to be involved. We have the same issues in my family. They all know how we feel about the suffering of the animals and why we chose to be vegan. My family doesn't like it, but guess what that's just to bad for them. They deal with it or they dont get the privilege of seeing there granddaughter. Half of my family can't believe how smart she is and how healthy. She has only been sick once and she is 3 years old. I remember when we were taking her to her first year dr apt. The doctor told us that most babies are sick at least 8-12 times before they are one years old. That's crazy to me. We never ever have regrets about raising her vegan. Plus the animals will thank you that you are not eating them. Meat and dairy as you said the normal diet your parents like cause inflammation in the body and Meat causes cancer. So gross. There are plenty of great foods for your baby when you have a whole food plant based lifestyle. I have the same trust issues with my family too I know they would try and feed her meat. So this is why they get to see her only with us that way they won't try and sneak her unhealthy foods. As far as a school lunch you will have to pack hers every day that is if you are not going to home school her. Which you can make her lunches fun she will love it. Plus if it's not her diet that she gets bullied over there will always be something kids will nit pick at. So I wouldn't worry about it. Our little girls friends never say anything about our food they love it and they eat meat. If you explain to the kids about how its better to be healthy and save animals they will understand. But also why worry about what everyone else says. Remember to stay strong and to teach your baby about what really matters in life and not to stress about the small stuff. This is your shot at breaking the cycle of meat eating in your family. Just look to the future when you are a great grandmother and you're daughter and grandchildren family's are vegan. It all has to start somewhere. You and your family will be so proud that you lived this way. The more people that chose this lifestyle the more animals are saved. Plus all the health benefits. Hope this helps you out. Just remember to always follow your heart and your beliefs.  Good luck girl.

Answer

As long as you feed your child with the proper amounts and nutrients, there is no problem at all. I personally can not even imagine cooking any non vegan food. Your child’s health and morals will be so much greater than those who are against the plant based lifestyle!

Answer

Just wanted.to say that I have 3 vegan kids. Our school systems are diffrent so all the kids bring there own food, but the rest is the same. What helps a lot is that we talk a lot about it so my eldest two understand so much. (7 & 5). They have lots of friends and it is no problem. At first when my eldest went to school I was trying to not to bring it up because I was scared to scare parents of and she would have no friends. Now, it is one of the first things I say lol. If they can not respect our lifestyle, they are not the right people for us. Our families came around and they even make vegan dinners for us. (They came a long way trust me) My youngest is born vegan (proud!) And he is so big and healthy. He is 2 and wearing 3 to 4 year olds clothes lol. No one questions the healthof our kids. But in the end, no one has to agree or disagree, they just have to respect. Good luck!

Answer

Nah I wouldn't raise them vegan. Because I'm personally not vegan, and don't ever plan to be. But I'm also not picky when it comes to food, so I don't mind incorporating vegan meals on random given day. If my kid later decided to be vegan fine, but it won't be a priority, and at a certain point they can buy the food they like while I make food for the others. My mom told me at 10, "if you don't like what I made, make your own food."

Answer

I would offer them vegan foods as they grow up but if as an adult they decided to not stick to it that's their choice.

Do you / would you raise your children vegan?

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