Vegetarian/Vegan Children & School.

[Alison]

I have a 3 & 1/2 year old daughter whom I have raised vegetarian. She understands what a vegetarian is and she's happy she doesn't eat meat. I know when she attends school I will be faced with possible ridicule and ignorance from other parents and school employees and my daughter might be teased as well. How have others handled this? Have any parents dealt with this before?

[Cassandra]

I became a vegetarian when I was eleven or twelve years old. What I did was just bring my own lunch to school. As long as the meals are healthy, it really is none of the other parents' and school employees' business what your daughter eats. I think that as long as your child is healthy, most people will not question what she eats. I know that when I went to friends' houses, their parents seemed to respect my personal choice. Just tell them it's a personal choice. Schools now encourage healthier eating. From what I've read in the newspaper, schools are encouraging kids to eat more fruits and vegetables. Also, eating vegetarian is starting to become a more popular thing to do now. Some of the other parents and school employees might actually be more open minded than you think. Try not to worry so much. It may not be that much of an issue.

[Alison]

I hope it won't be, thank you for replying to me on this subject. I don't recall being made fun of or anything in school when I was younger for being vegetarian, in fact I think I got picked on more from other relatives, sad but true. Thank you again.

[pradtf]

hello alison!

i agree with cassandra - being veg is much easier these days.

one of the problems that is encountered originates from the terminology that is used. people seem to have no problem saying that they eat meat, but it is not so easy to say they eat animals. children understand this rather well, which is why adults have to do somersaults sometimes to get them to eat corspes. therefore, i think one answer to the question (asked in ridicule or honesty), "how come you don't eat meat" is "because i don't eat animals".

meaters are often actually quite considerate of vegfolks because it makes them think they are being very open-minded and tolerant (bless their little carnivorous hearts), so it is very likely that your child will not be given a difficult time at all. in fact, it is very possible that she will acquire quite a following of wannabes.

just be careful about potlucks though. we found that when we went to those abominations, the meaters would show extreme interest in what we brought and proceed to eat all our food - not that i can blame them, but i do. 'tisn't an equitable situation at all!

in friendship,
prad