Interviewed recently via e-mail, Heather, a Philadelphia-based animal rights' activist, says "My thought was that I would teach my son that lesson . . . and he would accept it." She says she was honest with her child about the fact eating animals is unnecessary, even unhealthy, and the way animals are raised and killed in the U.S. is cruel. "All of that has been easy," she writes. "So far, so good."
Teach Children Early to Respect Animals
As to whether Levi might be influenced down the road by peers or others to taste non-vegan food, Heather believes it will happen and in fact, has already happened to some extent. For the present, given the lessons he learned early to be respectful of animals, she believes he would have the same aversion to eating meat as to kicking a dog.
Recognizing that mainstream ideas can significantly mold a child's mindset, Heather says vegetarian kids can be thrown off by mixed messages. She says it's difficult for them to understand when individuals close to them, such as grandparents and friends, eat meat. "In the end," writes Heather, "it is my hope he will have enough of a core respect for animals to continue on his vegan path."
Going Vegan Does Not Mean Feeling Deprived
Levi has never felt deprived by eating vegan food, notes his mom. "We eat delicious foods. I don't think there is anything his non-vegan peers are eating that he wishes he could be eating." Heather cites soy and coconut ice creams that easily stand up to the popular Ben & Jerry's as well as the availability of tasty vegan cakes and cookies. "I make a mean vegan mac 'n cheese," she adds. "I don't think there is anything tempting to him about eating the flesh of an animal."
Before going vegan a number of years back, Heather admits she had a weakness for cheese and did miss it for a while. Nowadays, some exciting vegan cheese products including artisan nut cheeses are being produced. "Vegan cheeses are just starting to come around." Meanwhile, she stays away from the cheese aisle because the smells are "so offensive."
Also, she adds, she has witnessed family members and friends fall prey to various illnesses linked to an animal protein diet. "I can't see putting that into my mouth." Not to mention, she notes, the "shocking amount of cruelty involved in the industries, making eating meat, dairy and eggs wholly unappealing."
Living in a progressive Philadelphia neighborhood has allowed Heather and hubby Leor to meet many who share their vegan philosophy. Still, they and their son have friends who do not follow this ideology. "We work on them," she says, by sharing information and allowing them to sample favorite vegan foods such as "Purely Decadent Cookie Dough" ice cream. "We are respective of their journey and hope it leads toward compassion."
Do's and Dont's of Raising Vegan Child(ren)
For those interested in raising their child(ren) to be vegan, Heather suggests learning first about nutrition. It's key, she notes, to be armed with information in response to questions from family, friends, even pediatricians, "many who seem to advise freely, but know little about nutrition."
It's also important to stay positive about your decision to follow this philosophy. Don't feel sorry for yourself or your child(ren) about being deprived of foods on the forbidden list. There's much to celebrate in this path you've chosen, she says. Get together with other vegan families. "Kids want to belong to a group. There are veg kids' meetups, animal walks and other events you can get involved with."
Finally, says Heather, don't call vegan food "fake,unless you are nibbling on your kids' plastic vegetable toys." There is dairy milk vs. soy, almond and rice milk; ditto for beef hot dogs and veggie dogs. "There is nothing less appealing (other than actual animal protein) than a food referred to as fake."
As to child-friendly vegan foods, scrambled tofu with spinach is among Levi's favorites. It's similar to scrambled eggs, says Heather. Other popular dishes in her household include vegan ravioli (available at markets like Whole Foods), black beans with rice, burritos, lasagna with tofu ricotta, spaghetti squash, veggie burgers and stir-fry meals. Also, online are a number of Web sites with kid-friendly vegan recipes.
Nadia Lerner - I worked as a staff writer in the Features Department of The Advocate, a daily (Tribune-owned) newspaper in Stamford, CT from 1990 until ...
