Thursday, 29 May 2008
Should you raise your kids as vegetarians?
Interesting hot topic has come about on the Word of Mouth blog about vegetarianism and 'imposing' your view on your children? Personally I'm of the opinion that children can only benefit from as wide a variety in their diet as possible, if only to expose them to everything, not create various food fads when older or restrict their choices. And I just quake when i watch programmes like Hugh's and see children (and adults) unable to bear the tiniest morsel of anything different (meat and vegetables last night) passing their lips. And i think that bringing your child up as a vegan does start to border on - not abuse exactly - but severe dietary and sensory deprivation.
On the other hand, i'm not a mother and i am a committed carnivore (although I do only buy meat i know the origins of and I do think we ought to be eating less quantity, more quality), so i can't say i'm not biased.
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I absolutely agree. I visited a Vegetarian friend last night who along with her partner has been a vegetarian for a number of years. She is seven months pregnant.They surprised me when they both opted for meat dishes on the menu! When asked 'why?' They felt it wrong to impose their views on their forthcoming child. They felt it gave the wrong signals about food. Children are difficult to feed and should be giving the options to make their own choices later in life.
ReplyDeleteFurther to all of this comes the disturbing stories in the weekend's papers of children raised as vegans and hospitalised with rickets, deficiencies of every kind and such serious problems the parents will be charged with neglect.
ReplyDeleteI find it completely incredible that in this day and age people are still so uneducated about food, basic human growing requirements and the ways to keep your child fit and healthy.