Raising Vegetarian Kids

For parents raised as vegetarians, it is common to wonder, should we raise our kids as vegetarians? Will they be able to eat when they are with friends or at restaurants? Is providing non-vegetarian meals a more practical option - school lunches would be less painful and grabbing a bite for them to eat before attending a dinner party is easier.


Practicality aside, are you comfortable with eating meat? If you and your spouse aren't, convincing your children to be vegetarians is really easy. Children are naturally compassionate to animals. Once they realize that a hot dog was once part of a pig, or that chicken nugget was once squawking around a farm, they really aren't going to want to eat it. We have been very frank with our children with the both the philosophical aspect of not eating meat as well as the health issues. We have posed the question of whether it is something they want to do, and they are quite confident with the decision as well as feel that it is their choice. I think the key is to make them realize that in the end it is their choice, because we won't always be their to monitor their food intake.

As for the practicality issue, it becomes a state of mind, most restaurants have vegetarian options, or are willing to put one together. It all depends on what you are willing to accept - I have had a meal of a head of broccoli and a baked potato at a steakhouse once. Makes for a good chuckle and it isn't the end of the world. Lunches have been very different experiences with my two kids. My younger son loves peanut butter sandwiches. He could have it everyday and not complain. Though he does enjoy having the vegetarian lunch options in school. My older son loves variety but doesn't care for the options in school. He likes having left over Indian or Chinese food for lunch. Or he will make noodles and add frozen vegetables to it. Not the greatest health option considering the sodium, but it gives him variety. Both my kids enjoy quesadillas and those I make cheddar cheese, and if I get my way I can sneak a few vegetables in it like onions, peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.

Any tips or issues you have experienced?

Spending quality time with children

I recently met a young mother on the metro. We got talking. She was lamenting on her long commute and her inability to spend time with her child. As a mohter of slightly older children, I've been there, done that! I get home quite late and my 4th grader does not start on homework before I get home. So I always stressed about not being able to spend time with him after I get home.
Here are some techniques that work for us.
1.Simplify esp. if I am tired - kids do not care if they eat rice and rasam or spagetti. They don't want to see an over-tired mother either.
2.On days I decide to cook, I use the time to get my younger one organized near me. Great time to help him with homework, while chopping or stirring. After the work is done, good to get the child to help with small stuff. Great opportunity for some kitchen rapport. I talk to my 7th grader about his day during this time also. Just ask a few questions and listen without commenting (hard part really).
3.After dinner is put away, make some time to play a game with the kids -at least on Fridays and Saturdays.
4.Another opportunity to talk is when driving kids to lessons or sports esp when only one is going. It's amazing how much my children enjoy this time!

What are some other techniques that work for you?