Do you think vegetarian/vegan people should impose those beliefs on their children or let them make up their own minds?
-Question from FormSpring, ask me anything!
My first reposnse to that is that I don’t think my opinions should affect how anyone else raises their own child and I would never, ever tell someone how to raise their children (unless they were being abusive, in which case I’d report them because child abuse is disgusting) and I don’t think anyone should.
The parents’ decision on the diet of their children is between them and their doctor.
That aside, I will talk about what I would do! If I have children (which I don’t plan on doing – I’d much rather be an aunt!) I would definitely raise them to be vegan. I’ve met people in their 30s who were raised vegan, and I’ve met young vegan children – all of whom are completely healthy and happy.
This is a picture of me as a child. I was pretending to be a bat, which was my favorite animal (I was so goth when I was young, seriously. I have poems I wrote about bats). I wish I had been raised vegan!
Would I tell them they had to be vegan or I’d disown them? No, that’s silly. If they chose to eat non-vegan food outside the home, that’s up to them. My parents imposed their meat-eating lifestyle (I know that sounds ridiculous, but I don’t know how else to word it!) on me but they didn’t care when I went vegetarian, and then vegan. I appreciate that a lot. I would want to be a parent who guides my children, not controls them.
What’s the etiquette for eating at a friend’s/friend’s parents/family member’s/future in-laws’ house if you’re a vegetarian or vegan? Do you take one for the team or do you politely refuse? Should you tell them beforehand? What if they’re offended?
-Question from FormSpring, ask me anything!
This is a question that actually comes up a lot for me! I would definitely tell them ahead of time. Usually when I eat at a friend’s house, we have cookouts – veggie burgers! Then I’ll usually bring a side dish. The key is to make friends with people who love potlucks! Just kidding, but really, even if it’s not a potluck, I’ve found that people will never turn down an extra side dish or two. After all, if you’re eating their food, why not bring a little something to contribute?
An old-fashioned etiquette class for young vegan women.
No one has ever been offended by the fact that I’m vegan. In fact, I’ve only ever gotten tons of curious questions. I mean, don’t show up without telling them and then say, “ewwww, I’m not going to eat this meal that’s your great-great-grandma’s secret recipe!”. That would be high on the list of things not to do.
So in sum:
1. Don’t be stupid.
2. Warn them ahead of time.
3. Offer to bring dishes with enough servings for everyone.
4. Be considerate.
I should write a vegan etiquette book.