How much should I teach my children about veganism?

[Trav]

I have two boys, 7 & 9 years-old, and I want them to understand my choices, To what degree do I expose them to the issue of animal rights? Is it too extreme to show them Meet your Meat or Earthlings? I wish someone had been in my life when I was a child that would have helped me understand. Am I forcing my values on them? All this is more complicated because my ex-wife is an omnivore.

[Christina The Great]

I think it would behoove you to show them your beliefs and why you do the things you do, but don't make them do as you do. It's their choice, and let them know that.
You're raising human beings, and eventually they'll see the things out there. If I were in your shoes I'd show my kids what both sides of the circle say about the whole animal rights issue, if you don't tell them- who will?

[Trav]

Thanks Christina, my boys are now 8 and 10 years-old. I continue to live by example. I don't buy any meat in my home and they are accustom to eating that way when they visit me. "It's Dad's veggie meat" I still don't go into gory detail about the industries but they know I don't support cruelty. My youngest boy is requesting things like soy milk over cow's milk. He's making me proud. :)

[Shinobi Bombay]

Kids are smarter than most people give them credit for.If they are your children,then you will be 'forcing' your values on them whether you like it or not merely by being their father.You really probably don't have to 'explain' anything.Just be yourself.If they ask, explain.Otherwise,they'll intuit it.Just like you did when you were a kid.