Raising Vegetarian Kids

This week my tips are all about raising vegetarian kids. Figure out why, plan ahead, make it fun, and stop worrying about protein! Take it from me, it can be done! I’ve done it. My own children never ate meat! You have come to the right place!

Tara’s Tuesday Tips:

10 Tips on Raising Vegetarian Kids

• Tell them why:

  • The first step is to establish a clear answer as to why your family is vegetarian.  Then include the kids, educate them, and support them in understanding the family decision. Half the battle with getting kids to agree or compromise is giving them honest information to work with.

• Tell their pediatrician:

  • A misconception is that a vegetarian kid is going to be malnourished, underweight, and anemic.  Including the pediatrician in your family’s decision to be vegetarian will ensure that these misconceptions are properly addressed and individual nutritional needs met.

• Don’t become “carbatarians”:

  • Many new vegetarians fail their new vegetarian lifestyle because they have cut out meat and substituted it with pasta, bread, and French fries. Then, they gain weight, become bored + frustrated, and give up.  There are so many wonderful grains, beans, and vegetables to explore for vegetarians … don’t eat just pasta!

• Don’t worry about protein:

  • Americans are obsessed with protein.  Eat a variety of foods and you will get enough protein.  Foods such as nuts, nut butters, beans, quinoa, and vegetables have protein.  If you are not vegan enjoy eggs, cheese, yogurt, and milk.

• Become a planner:

  • So … you can’t just show up at a party or a picnic without some food.  Bring a dish you are sure your family can and will eat.  You need to plan for meals on the road, lunch boxes, dinners, and vacations.  This is part of the deal unless you are willing to compromise your vegetarianism … plan ahead

• Be strong when faced with disapproval from family:

  • Remember why you are raising vegetarian kids and be able to communicate that effectively. Reassure them that you are making the healthiest choice for your own child.

• Be friends with other vegetarian families:

  • Help kids and teens navigate the world by finding your tribe. Letting your kids know that there are other families with kids like them helps them identify with like-minded people. Agreeing on fundamental values is one of the most important things in a friendship.

• Research:

  • Seek out vegetarian friends for recipes and go-to markets and restaurants.  There are an abundance of vegetarian cookbooks, videos, and recipes available. Vegetarian food doesn’t have to be peculiar food that no one has even heard of, and it NEVER has to taste bad. You have come to the right place for that!

• Make it fun:

  • Discover and experiment with ethnic foods, and try new flavors.  Another idea is to let the kids plan the menu or make breakfast for dinner.  Try to eat the rainbow at each meal, cut the veggies and fruit into shapes, or put food of skewers.  You need to remind them that not eating animals IS fun!

• Be flexible:

  • I have a hard time with this one.  Sometimes all they will have to eat while they are out is ice cream and you will have to be ok with that because they knew enough to skip the hot dog.  At times, they will question if they want to be vegetarian, remember to be supportive and informative.  Other times, you might hit a road block with recipes and ideas, that is where MyVegetarianFamily.com comes in … so glad you are here!

A Few Other Articles That Will Help You Raise Vegetarian Kids:

What To Do When Your Child Wants To Be A Vegetarian

Healthy Easy Plant-Based Lunches

Vegetarian Or Not, Lets Talk About Breakfast

The Vegetarian’s Guide to Packing Food For a Roadtrip

How to Get Enough Calcium if You Don’t Drink Milk

The Vegetarian’s Guide To Protein

Go-To Lazy Vegetarian Meals

⭐️Any other vegetarian parents (or kids) have your own helpful hints for raising vegetarian kids? Leave a comment below.

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