Virtually all parents raising vegan children have run into this question
"Why are we vegan?" More correct, however, is the question, "Why are we
different?"
Deciding to become vegan may have been a very personal choice. The enormous
health benefits, environmental issues or a spiritual calling may have
influenced your decision. Whatever your reasons are, rest assured they are
legitimate. But relating them to a child can be quite difficult at times,
especially when faced with multiple ages, needs and beliefs.
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Individual Kids, Individual Answers
Explanations should vary with each child. Why not the standard, "eating
veggies is good for you?" Because each child is individual and has unique
needs. Dr. Debbie Glasser knows this challenge personally as a vegetarian,
clinical psychologist and mother.
"Because I have kids ranging in age from toddler to teen, my explanations
about why I'm a vegetarian vary greatly," says Glasser. "With regard to my
toddler, it's very simple. He's only two, so he eats what I serve him and
doesn't ask why [but] now that my daughter's older, she's asking more
complex questions about the what's and why's of vegetarianism and making her
own informed decisions. I have shared with her that one of my reasons for
becoming a vegetarian is because I don't want to eat animals...and [she's]
interested in learning more."
Essentially, each parent must develop their own way of explaining veganism
to their kids, placing the importance on what you say as well as how you say
it. "A very sensitive child might be easily overwhelmed by a detailed
explanation of where hamburgers come from," says Glasser. So instead, offer
positive examples of why you're vegan, rather than horror stories.
A younger child may only require simple answers to their "why are we vegan"
questions, such as:
It's healthier for you
It's respectful to the animals that we love
It tastes good
This may even do for older children. It might be best to stick with simpler
explanations unless your child probes for more information. Then, by all
means, tell them your detailed reasons for being a vegan. As children
progress into their teens, they tend to want to make such life choices for
themselves, and providing your personal experiences as background
information can help tremendously. Because of her open conversations with
her daughter, Glasser says, "now the choice to be vegetarian comes from
her, not me."
The Health Factor
Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell
University suggests explaining the nutritional value of both plant and
animal products. "Plants have the right kind of chemicals to keep people
healthy," says Campbell. Comparing and contrasting the healthiness of animal
and plant-based products helps your child to understand the importance of
knowing what they're putting in their bodies, and how their food choices
affect their health.
Likewise, you can explain how being vegan garners many health benefits,
Campbell suggests, such as feeling better, less disease, increased athletic
performance and more. Showing your child what veganism will do for them can
be beneficial, because they will see themselves getting something out of it,
which can be encouraging if they enjoyed eating animal-products previously.
The Peer Factor
Most of these questions arise when your child begins spending time at their
friend's homes, and begin to observe other's eating habits. Questions like,
"Why don't we drink milk like Johnny's family?" can be answered by being
honest about the health hazards of its consumption.
"Milk is not necessary for good health" states Campbell, "in fact, for many
children, acne, hyperactivity, other allergic reactions, and lactose
intolerance all may be problems, to say nothing of the future risk of breast
cancer and heart disease."
There is no reason to scare your child into veganism, however, which is why
acceptance of their food choices as they grow is vital to a healthy family
environment. Your job as a parent is to present information about being
vegan as requested, and when old enough, allow your children to make their
own food decisions. But be sure to remind the little ones that it is okay
to be different. Peer pressure may make them think they have to eat meat to
fit in. Assure your child that standing up for what you believe in is
honorable, but again, don't force them. Sometimes, all a parent can do is
step back and hope for the best.
The Yummy Factor
Above all else, stress how good vegan food tastes! Fresh veggies and grain
products are not only good for you, but they are also virtually limitless in
the number of creative dishes you can make.
Try explaining veganism in a hands-on way by cooking together. Spread a
variety of foods out on the counter and talk about each one, its benefits or
disadvantages, and why you do or don't eat it. This is especially best for
younger children, who will find the cooking activity fun and informative by
examining so many types of foods. If they have questions, let them ask. As a
parent, you have to set up the time and place for such discussions to
happen, and once you've created the forum, your child can feel free to ask
any of those "why" questions and expect a real answer from you.
Regardless of your personal reasons, be accepting of your child's
own beliefs as they grow up. If, despite their knowledge of the health
hazards of animal products, they become an omnivore, don't constantly remind
them of their health or cruelty toward animals. Be loving and open to your
child, and you'll be guaranteed to receive the same respect and, more often
than not, same outlook on veganism.
Sources
Campbell, Colin T. E-mail Interview. 6 Jan 2005.
Glasser, Debbie. E-mail Interview. 4 Jan. 2005.
Brenda Stokes is a freelance writer and college student based in Southern
California. She has been published by Woman This Month, N2arts, Celtic MP3
Music Magazine and others. She can be reached at brenda@ph-x.com or
www.ph-x.com
