Ask the Editor

My daughter Lara, aged three, goes to my parents house once a fortnight without myself or my husband. I send a packed lunch. My mum disapproves but is trying to support our choice. But my sister, who lives with my mom, has been very hostile towards us and I suspect she may be feeding our little girl dairy products. I don't know what to do without starting a blazing row that's going to upset everyone. - Emma

Dear Emma,

If you were sending your daughter to your parents house and someone in the house was feeding her alcohol or slipping her a drug, what would you do? You'd put a stop to that immediately right? The concept is the same and your choices for dealing with it are the same.

You must make it clear in no uncertain terms that your daughter is not to be fed dairy products. If all the people who will be attending her in your absence do not agree to these terms, then you cannot leave your child in their care.

You can't stop your sister from feeding your child dairy products in your absence, but you can prevent her from having the opportunity by not sending your daughter there unattended. It would be great if your entire family respected and supported your decision to raise a vegan child, but until they do, you have a responsibility to your child to keep her out of harm's way.

Work on getting acceptance for your lifestyle from your family members, and only when you are certain your lifestyle choices will be respected should you send your daughter back there without you. If you want your daughter to spend time with her grandparents, go with her for a visit or invite your parents to your home.

Sponsors:

Got Recipes? We Want Them!
Submit yours today to win a prize!