Should children be allowed to choose their diet?!
My 8 year old daughter has decided to become an ovo-lacto (and seafood) vegetarian!. She would not eat any meat, except seafood!. She would still have milk, cheese and eggs!. I support her all the way, because I feel she is mature enough to decide what she wants!. She has never been a big meat eater, and wants the discepline factor!. Her father thinks this is a bad idea!. What could I say to my husband to convince him that this is ok to do!? lolWww@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
Good for her! Good for you! I am really happy to hear that you are supporting her in her decision!.
Many children are making these decisions for themselves now and have been for many years!. I have never seen any infant smile and say yum the first time flesh foods are introduced to them!. They usually screw up their faces and spit it out!. Remember!? They know better than to eat it initially we teach children to eat those things but they do know better!. The first time I decided to be vegetarian I was her age!.
You can read my story at http://www!.your-vegetarian-kitchen!.com/h!.!.!.
As for your husband, well, family discussion and research is a very good place to begin!. I suggest taking a look at Laurel's Kitchen which has a lot of great information at both ends of the book -- the beginning talks about why eat a natural foods vegetarian diet and the last part of the book is a nutrition compendium which also has an entire section on the vegetarian diet for infants and growing children!.
Strictly speaking fish are not vegetables and neither are eggs!. You should be aware of the health benefits of the vegetarian diet without these foods also!.
I also urge you to take a look at my review of Andrew Kimbrell's book, Your Right to Know, which may have your entire family rethinking their food choices!.!.
Good luck to your daughter, and your family!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Many children are making these decisions for themselves now and have been for many years!. I have never seen any infant smile and say yum the first time flesh foods are introduced to them!. They usually screw up their faces and spit it out!. Remember!? They know better than to eat it initially we teach children to eat those things but they do know better!. The first time I decided to be vegetarian I was her age!.
You can read my story at http://www!.your-vegetarian-kitchen!.com/h!.!.!.
As for your husband, well, family discussion and research is a very good place to begin!. I suggest taking a look at Laurel's Kitchen which has a lot of great information at both ends of the book -- the beginning talks about why eat a natural foods vegetarian diet and the last part of the book is a nutrition compendium which also has an entire section on the vegetarian diet for infants and growing children!.
Strictly speaking fish are not vegetables and neither are eggs!. You should be aware of the health benefits of the vegetarian diet without these foods also!.
I also urge you to take a look at my review of Andrew Kimbrell's book, Your Right to Know, which may have your entire family rethinking their food choices!.!.
Good luck to your daughter, and your family!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
i think its best to support them with whatever they decide they want to / dont want to eat!. (unless they only want to eat junk)
I first became veggie when i was about 10-11 (long time ago lol), as an aminal lover the thought of eating animals made me sick!. I cant imagine what i'd have done if my parents forced meat on me, It could just be a phase, in a few weeks she might decide she wants a chicken nugget or whatever, my sister could never stick to being a veggie like me,
just let her work out what she wants to eat or if your husband flat out refuses to let her become veggie then maybe you could work out a comprimise!? for example only eating meat a few days a week (with the family roast or whatever) instead of all the time!.
good luck xWww@FoodAQ@Com
I first became veggie when i was about 10-11 (long time ago lol), as an aminal lover the thought of eating animals made me sick!. I cant imagine what i'd have done if my parents forced meat on me, It could just be a phase, in a few weeks she might decide she wants a chicken nugget or whatever, my sister could never stick to being a veggie like me,
just let her work out what she wants to eat or if your husband flat out refuses to let her become veggie then maybe you could work out a comprimise!? for example only eating meat a few days a week (with the family roast or whatever) instead of all the time!.
good luck xWww@FoodAQ@Com
She sounds like a mature young lady!. Kudos to you for supporting her (you'd be appalled at the number of parents who would not allow their child do to this - and make them feel bad about it on top of it all)!.
Any-who!. I think all you can really do is show your support for her and then also do some research about that type of diet!. Ask your husband what aspects of the diet concern him the most and then find some information that is positive regarding each point!.
I think she'll be just fine from the nutritional side of things!. And good for her for making such a healthy dietary decision at a young age!. Most of her peers would rather eat cookies, pizza and other junk food 24/7!. lol
Good luck to you!Www@FoodAQ@Com
Any-who!. I think all you can really do is show your support for her and then also do some research about that type of diet!. Ask your husband what aspects of the diet concern him the most and then find some information that is positive regarding each point!.
I think she'll be just fine from the nutritional side of things!. And good for her for making such a healthy dietary decision at a young age!. Most of her peers would rather eat cookies, pizza and other junk food 24/7!. lol
Good luck to you!Www@FoodAQ@Com
Absolutely it is ok!. As parents you are there to guide your children with their decisions so as long as you help your child find out how to eat healthy on her new diet I think it is perfectly ok!. Tell your husband this is part of your daughter maturing!. You can make this a valuable learning experience for her whether she continues to vegetarian or if this is just an experiment!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Sounds like you're already letting her make the decision!. You can ask your husband what's wrong with the diet!? Fish is a known healthy source of protein, B12, and all the other stuff that you'd find in meat, but with more of the healthy fats!. You're still going to make her eat her fruits, veggies, nuts, and I can't think of a single good reason for her not to go pesca!. It's the easiest --tarian diet to go on!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
As long as she has all the info and has made an educated decision, let her!. It isn't like she wants to be a dessertarian!. Give her the opportunity to "argue her case"!. Tell her you want researched arguments as to why she wants to eat this way!. This will also give YOU an opportunity to "sneak" some educating in on her!. That is, she will learn some debate, and study habits etc!. in the process!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
i think it is okay as long as someone is monitoring that she is eating healthy!. it is easy to slip into a pizza and french fries diet becuase that's vegetarian right!? but not good! research the issue with her father or give him research that shows it is very healthy!. have him be involved in meal preparation so he sees that she is not just eating pizza!. make sure she knows she has to eat veggies more and beans and stuff like that!. check out the soy "fake" meats!. they make the tranistion very easy becuase you just sub them in for meat in meals you are used too!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I'm with your hubby on this one! No 8 year old is capable of choosing a diet!. In fact, if you let her, you're on the way to raising a little entitlement princess!.
also, if she eats seafood -- she doesn't get to call herself a vegetarian!.
At this age, she needs to learn how to be a good guest and not use food to control those around her!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
also, if she eats seafood -- she doesn't get to call herself a vegetarian!.
At this age, she needs to learn how to be a good guest and not use food to control those around her!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
That's a tough issue!. If your husband is totally against it, there may be no changing his mind!. At least she is still going to have dairy products in her diet!. And seafood is a good thing!. Lots of people who eat meat don't like beef, pork, or chicken!.
My sis-in-law won't eat beef or pork, just chicken!.
Let her give it a try to see if she is really going to stick with it!. I think you should give her support as well!!Www@FoodAQ@Com
My sis-in-law won't eat beef or pork, just chicken!.
Let her give it a try to see if she is really going to stick with it!. I think you should give her support as well!!Www@FoodAQ@Com
When they are old enough to understand where their food is coming from, and to comprehend any of your reasons for wanting them to eat a certain way, as well as any repercussions of not eating that way, then they should be able to choose their diet, provided it's not all sugary, refined, processed crap!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Yes but an eight year old is hardly old enough to make her own choices!. If I were you I'd explain to her about nutrition and healthy foods and give her a little lead way with choosing the foods she wants to eat but I wouldn't give her complete control over what to eat!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I think everyone should be able to choose their own diet!.
If your husband is concerned about nutrition, this "Vegetarian Starter Kit" from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine should answer any questions he may have!.
http://www!.pcrm!.org/health/veginfo/vsk/i!.!.!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
If your husband is concerned about nutrition, this "Vegetarian Starter Kit" from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine should answer any questions he may have!.
http://www!.pcrm!.org/health/veginfo/vsk/i!.!.!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I believe that parents have the right to make decisions for their children regarding their diet until they become adults!. As they have custody of the children, they have the power to do what they think is best for them, vegan, vegetarian, and meat-eaters alike!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Yes, children should be allowed to choose their diet, but your daughter is too young to decide!. It's better to explain her about nutritious food!. If she prefers vegetarian food their are lot of varieties, go ahead with that!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I think as long as she is eating balanced, it is fine!. So many children are self chosen vegetarians, I think it is great!. As far as you husband goes, it shouldn't be that big of a deal!. It sounds like she would eat everything else you prepare but the meat!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
its a great idea
and you shouldnt have to convince your hsband he should judt acept it but if you have to!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.
tell him that millions of animals are being killled a day (which they are) and she is trying to help stop that (which she is)Www@FoodAQ@Com
and you shouldnt have to convince your hsband he should judt acept it but if you have to!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.
tell him that millions of animals are being killled a day (which they are) and she is trying to help stop that (which she is)Www@FoodAQ@Com
Good for her!!
be careful of the dairy products because of the antibiotics, hormones,etc that have a cumulative effect!.
Soy products are much better and healthier!.
be careful of the sea foods also, the unclean ones are not healthy eating!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
be careful of the dairy products because of the antibiotics, hormones,etc that have a cumulative effect!.
Soy products are much better and healthier!.
be careful of the sea foods also, the unclean ones are not healthy eating!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
well she can decide if you would like but you as the parents need to make sure she is getting all the nutrition that she would be getting form meat products you will have to supervise her and make some choices for herWww@FoodAQ@Com
i definetly think that is her decision, you should be proud that you've raised a daughter that has a mind of her own and is willing to stand up for what she believes in!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Well first off!.!.!.There is no such thing as a fish eating vegetarian!. She's still an omnivore!. I see no reason why it's a bad idea as long as she is eating healthy!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Not!.
Teach them well now!.
They will be choosing the nursing home later!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Teach them well now!.
They will be choosing the nursing home later!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
No!. She shouldn't get to decide for herself!.
Parents have the knowledge about nutrition (or should have), and the responsibility to feed their children a balanced nutritious diet, as free from harmful elements as possible!.
If you think you can manage to put together a balanced vegetarian diet, you could go for it !.!. but remember, give her that power now, and she'll expect to have her way the next time!
What if she wants to eat nothing but pasta, all of a sudden!? Or whole-wheat muffins!. Should she be allowed!? Of course not!. When she's 18, she can decide for herself!.
That's not saying her suggestion for a diet could be healthy for her - or for the whole family!
But have a talk with her about her motives !.!.!. Feeling bad for the animals should not be enough!. That would mean having to eliminate all animal-products!.
get out the bbq, and burn all your leather-bags, -belts, and shoes - and never buy any again!.
By the way, if she wants to avoid eating animals, why would she still want to eat cheese!? The solidifying agent in cheese is an enzyme made from calf's stomacs!!
And why is it ok to kill fish/shellfish!? Lobster, crabs and shrimps are boiled alive - is that ok!?
Is it only cruel to kill cute animals!?
Who says a cow producing milk, or a chicken laying eggs has had a good life, just because you don't kill it!?!?
Unless you don't buy milk and eggs from organic, animal-welfare conscious farms, you are supporting animalconditions slightly worse than the lives of 19th century factory-workers, in the beginning of the industrialized age!Www@FoodAQ@Com
Parents have the knowledge about nutrition (or should have), and the responsibility to feed their children a balanced nutritious diet, as free from harmful elements as possible!.
If you think you can manage to put together a balanced vegetarian diet, you could go for it !.!. but remember, give her that power now, and she'll expect to have her way the next time!
What if she wants to eat nothing but pasta, all of a sudden!? Or whole-wheat muffins!. Should she be allowed!? Of course not!. When she's 18, she can decide for herself!.
That's not saying her suggestion for a diet could be healthy for her - or for the whole family!
But have a talk with her about her motives !.!.!. Feeling bad for the animals should not be enough!. That would mean having to eliminate all animal-products!.
get out the bbq, and burn all your leather-bags, -belts, and shoes - and never buy any again!.
By the way, if she wants to avoid eating animals, why would she still want to eat cheese!? The solidifying agent in cheese is an enzyme made from calf's stomacs!!
And why is it ok to kill fish/shellfish!? Lobster, crabs and shrimps are boiled alive - is that ok!?
Is it only cruel to kill cute animals!?
Who says a cow producing milk, or a chicken laying eggs has had a good life, just because you don't kill it!?!?
Unless you don't buy milk and eggs from organic, animal-welfare conscious farms, you are supporting animalconditions slightly worse than the lives of 19th century factory-workers, in the beginning of the industrialized age!Www@FoodAQ@Com
I agree with you supporting your daughter!. And if she's stubborn like me then there's no changing her mind!.
I have been a strict vegetarian for 8 years (I do not eat seafood) and keep dairy to a minimum!. I have a great immune system and am very healthy with fantastic energy levels!. So don't worry about health!. As long as you keep her diet varied, and she takes a multi-vitamin she will be fine!. If you are still worried bring her in to get a physical every year and ask them to check her vitamin levels!.
If this is something she cares about then be there for her!. You need to also let her know of the cons, such as none of her other friends will be vegetarian and is she ok with that, etc!.!? It's not an easy road to travel when you are the odd man out in any sense!.
To get your husband more into it I would suggest incorporating more vegetarian meals into dinner time!. If the words tofu, tempeh, soy etc!. scare him then you can do whole wheat pasta with pesto sauce and fresh Parmesan OR large dinner salads with cranberries, walnuts, blue cheese, apples and some really great fresh Italian bread on the side, stuff like that!. Homemade vegetable soup with grilled cheese and tomato!. There's lots!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I have been a strict vegetarian for 8 years (I do not eat seafood) and keep dairy to a minimum!. I have a great immune system and am very healthy with fantastic energy levels!. So don't worry about health!. As long as you keep her diet varied, and she takes a multi-vitamin she will be fine!. If you are still worried bring her in to get a physical every year and ask them to check her vitamin levels!.
If this is something she cares about then be there for her!. You need to also let her know of the cons, such as none of her other friends will be vegetarian and is she ok with that, etc!.!? It's not an easy road to travel when you are the odd man out in any sense!.
To get your husband more into it I would suggest incorporating more vegetarian meals into dinner time!. If the words tofu, tempeh, soy etc!. scare him then you can do whole wheat pasta with pesto sauce and fresh Parmesan OR large dinner salads with cranberries, walnuts, blue cheese, apples and some really great fresh Italian bread on the side, stuff like that!. Homemade vegetable soup with grilled cheese and tomato!. There's lots!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
interesting question!
i think kids should be allowed to choose their own diet so long as their health can be maintained!. if you child will still eat a well rounded diet i see no harm in it!. in fact, you should be incredibly proud that your daughter is so compassionate and caring at such a young age! that shows character!.!.!.!.because at 8 she is certainly not doing it because it's 'trendy'!. i'm glad to hear she has such great support from you, but it's unfortunate that your husband thinks differently!. Maybe deept down he's worried that he'll have to go veg, too!? Just a thought!.
As has been suggested, a great resource is www!.goveg!.com!. it is very helpful and offers nutritional advice as well as a vegetarian starter kit that has facts about how a vegetarian diet can be healthier for everyone!. you should also take a look at www!.theveggietable!.com which has a wealth of recipes that will ensure your daughter gets enough variety in her food!. the following link is also a great source for some basic info, although not from a veg website: http://kidshealth!.org/parent/nutrition_f!.!.!. you'll also get some great info from the users of this site!.!.!.!.!.!.there are some seasoned veterans on here who are very aware of nutritional needs for their dietary choice!.
good luck!!
EDIT: I forgot to mention!.!.!.!.!.if she is eating seafood it's technically not vegetarian!.!.!.!.it's pescetarian!. This can be very confusing to people not in the veg community!. Fish isn't any more necessary in one's diet than other meats though, so you may want to consider cutting that out as well!. For me it was hard to justify eating seafood because it's like saying their lives are not as valuable as the lives of other creatures!.!.!.!.!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
i think kids should be allowed to choose their own diet so long as their health can be maintained!. if you child will still eat a well rounded diet i see no harm in it!. in fact, you should be incredibly proud that your daughter is so compassionate and caring at such a young age! that shows character!.!.!.!.because at 8 she is certainly not doing it because it's 'trendy'!. i'm glad to hear she has such great support from you, but it's unfortunate that your husband thinks differently!. Maybe deept down he's worried that he'll have to go veg, too!? Just a thought!.
As has been suggested, a great resource is www!.goveg!.com!. it is very helpful and offers nutritional advice as well as a vegetarian starter kit that has facts about how a vegetarian diet can be healthier for everyone!. you should also take a look at www!.theveggietable!.com which has a wealth of recipes that will ensure your daughter gets enough variety in her food!. the following link is also a great source for some basic info, although not from a veg website: http://kidshealth!.org/parent/nutrition_f!.!.!. you'll also get some great info from the users of this site!.!.!.!.!.!.there are some seasoned veterans on here who are very aware of nutritional needs for their dietary choice!.
good luck!!
EDIT: I forgot to mention!.!.!.!.!.if she is eating seafood it's technically not vegetarian!.!.!.!.it's pescetarian!. This can be very confusing to people not in the veg community!. Fish isn't any more necessary in one's diet than other meats though, so you may want to consider cutting that out as well!. For me it was hard to justify eating seafood because it's like saying their lives are not as valuable as the lives of other creatures!.!.!.!.!.Www@FoodAQ@Com