The KInd Life Community Forum

Hi everyone! I just wanted to vent alittle, I recently went Vegan and my kids never really ate alot of meat so now they have agreed and want to take part in my change, which is awsome! Anyways, we went for dinner lastnight at my MIL's house and she cooks alot of food so I knew we wouldn't go hungry. She dished out my 5 year olds plate and put pork on it, unaware of our recent switch. (I hadn't told her yet since she does not take well to things like this and she has an opinion about EVERYTHING-and in her eyes shes always right) I thought I would just let my daughter decide for herself what she wanted and she specified, no meat please-I do not eat it anymore. I thought that was great and her plate was already loaded with veggies etc. Well my MIL yelled at her to eat her meat and put her into tears! I then stepped in and gently told her that she has chosen not to eat meat and so have I. Well, needless to say she didn't like that at all and got mad at us! Anyways sorry for going on, but I just needed to vent to like minded people! HOw do you handle people who get so upset with our decision without getting into a huge debate?? Thanks for listening!!

Caren

Nature, believe me when I tell you that you're not alone. My wife and I have two kids and I'm the only one going vegan. My wife sides with her mother on the matter. Protein this and protein that. Meanwhile she eats like a bird. Just kind of picking food here and there. Not healthy either. It's great that yours are able to make that choice and speak up. You've got a great little activist there :) Amy's right. Sometimes, when you can, you have to gently step in and say that these are your kids that were entrusted to you by the Almighty (or however you believe) and not to her. If I were to start in on my wife we'd be divorced quicker than you can read this post. But I bide my time. When the kids are old enough (they're both under 5 now), they'll end up asking, "Daddy, why don't you eat meat?" It's at that point that I'll explain it to them. I'll have more experience under my belt as well. Then the question isn't "Daddy, why don't you eat me?" but rather "Mommy, why do you eat meat?" You seem to be a kind individual Naturegirl and I wish you the best of luck.

I know how you are feeling. Everyone at work is saying wait until I get sick and they are worried about me eating vegan. Hello people open up a book and read! I read skinny bitch and now am reading this book and i love them both :)

OMG - Naturegirl! That sounds like my MIL. Have you seen Two in a Half men? Their mother is my MIL. Or the episode of Modern Family where the mother comes back? That's my MIL. She thinks I'm wacky. She is always making comments. The reason I started being a vegetarian was because my cholesterol was high. My doctor suggested I eat more veggies, grains and soy and take a way a lot of the meat. He did not want me to be put on all of the medicines. While when my MIL found out that I was doing this for health, she said - take a pill, there's always a pill to make you feel better. She is a HUGE meat eater and believes that anybody who opts to not eat meat is crazy. So, I know what you are going through. Hang in there!