Ask the Editor

I am a vegetarian and have been raising my three kids that way. They don't even realize that they eat veggie burgers and hot dogs. Food is never a discussion in our house. My kids just naturally eat very healthy (lots of raw fruits and vegetables) and never were interested in sweets. I am vegetarian for health reasons and I don't like to eat meat so I just don't buy it. I am not a vegan because I do wear leather and have leather furniture. I buy mock meat products for my kids who don't know the difference. When we go to restaurants my 6 year old always orders steak, shrimp, hamburger, or lobster and enjoys eating them very much. He says those are his favorite foods. I think he loves them because he doesn't get them at home. Should I let my son make his own choices about being vegetarian and not impose my own dislikes on him. - Erika

Dear Erika,

Do you want your children to be vegetarian? If so, there is nothing wrong with raising them that way. You went vegetarian for health reasons so it sounds like you believe that's the way to go. Why isn't that the correct decision for your children?

You mention that your kids don't even realize they are eating veggie dogs and burgers. So maybe when you go to restaurants your son doesn't realize that there is any difference between meats and mock meats.

You may want to start discussing your food choices with your kids. Your son might make the decision all by himself that he doesn't want to eat real meat in restaurants.

A parent who believes strongly in something is not imposing their likes or dislikes on their kids, they are raising their children to follow their example because it's well thought out. There is nothing wrong with raising your kids to believe what you believe. Don't they deserve to benefit from your wisdom?

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