My 4 year old has asked why people are vegetarian and said he wants to be one. What do i do?

Question

Something they studied in his preschool class about eating veggies started this. He likes meat and everything, and I tried to explain to him that some people don't eat meat because of religious beliefs, health reasons, and because of their thoughts about eating animals. Then he said he didn't want to eat animals anymore. I asked him if he realized that included fish sticks and he hesitated. Should I let it go and try to find out what he really wants and if so do you think it is safety for him to go without the protein from meat?

No smart @ss comments. My son is very smart and I think any parent should encourge their children to be independant. I would never let him do anything dangerous. How can he ever grow up to be a good decision maker if I never allow him to make decisions? I think if he would rather have an extra helping of mac & cheese than chicken that should be okay. I think he will want that cheese burger or fish sticks one day. I just wonder if I should at least let him try it and explain to him why people choose this diet.

Answer 1

Absolutely! My son is four, as well, and asked to become veggie this spring. I, too, hesitated at first, realizing the extra label reading and nutrition knowledge I would need to add to my life... But I am so glad I did it. He is healthier and more active than ever before. Plus, he is passionate about it. He tells all his preschool friends that he is a vegetarian and why. He's got a few kids begging their parents now! LOL...

First, though, you should look into your options. There are good meat alternatives that you can buy at nearly every store, but you will want to incorporate other sources (nuts, beans, tofu) when possible. Also, find recipes that are easily adaptable if the rest of the family is not going meatless, and/or dedicate one night a week to meatless dinners in support of your child. A vegetarian diet is one of the healthiest things you could do for your child- low cholesterol, low saturated fats... What a great way to start out a heart!!!

Here are some of our "staple" foods, to help get you started. Andrew likes making smoothies for breakfast. We take 1c of Very vanilla silk (extra vitamin fortified and LOTS of protein), 1 T milled flax (one of the 2 non-meat omega 3 sources), 2 T wheat germ (folic acid, for healthy brain and spine development), and whatever frozen or fresh fruits your child wants (frozen makes a great texture without adding ice). A great veggie lunch kids like is spinach salad with strawberries, walnuts (another omega 3), and raspberry vinagarette. Or make quesadillas with black beans, tomato, and cheddar (dairy or soy) on whole wheat tortillas. Andrew also likes making layered dips with veggies and refried beans and we make lowfat chips but cutting wheat tortillas with a pizza cutter and baking until crisp. And speaking of pizza- easy to make, and all family members can customize, so meat eaters are happy, too. :)

Good luck!!! If you need any more meals, tips, etc, feel free to email or message me anytime, or check out the vegetarian pyramid at www.mypyramid.gov ♥

Answer 2

I have great parents... the only thing I wish they didn't do was teach me to eat meat. Kids don't inctintivly crave meat... they're taught to eat it by their parents. I think you'd be doing your child a great favour by respecting her wishes to eat meat. It already shows what a compassionate individual she is and the fact she is questioning meat consumption shows a high level of intelligence too. There are so many health benefits to being a vegetarian. I would even go so far as to say you should avoid giving her dairy milk. The way milk is farmed nowadays (cows produce milk WHILE they're pregnant to make them more profitable) means it's full of hormones and these hormones are directly linked to not only breast cancer but also, early female puberty. People are wondering why girls start to develop so quickly nowadays and it's no suprise when they're drinking hormone laden milk. It can bring on the menstrual cycle early by a good few years! Anyway I could be here all day. Just do a search on vegetarian kids and you'll soon discover just how good a vegetarian diet can be for your child. If you want to take it a step further, read The China Study by T Colin Campbell... that will really open your eyes. Good luck and thank you for being such an understanding parent... a lot would just think their way is right, without even doing any research on the matter. And to Timmy's answer: 90% of meat comes from factory farms... there is no way a person with any kind of conscience could see them as anything but barbaric. Meat eaters are often in denial about where their meat comes from. 90% does not come from idylic farms and green pastures... it comes from warehouses where animals only ever see the light of day when they're sent off to slaughter and endure such horrific conditions that they should be renamed 'animal concentration camps'. Some meat can be farmed well or even better hunted in the wild but most IS barbaric. Sure, teach your kids that hunting may be seen as natural but buying a package of factory farmed meat or munching down on a hamburger is NOT natural.

Answer 3

Since you seem to be open-minded about it, let him try it. Obviously you'll need to be responsible for making sure he gets all the protein and other nutrients he needs elsewhere since he's not prepared to do that himself. It's not that hard; he can eat eggs, dairy, beans and other legumes, and peanut butter is a rich source of protein for kids that aren't allergic. He'll have to understand that eating his vegetables is part of the bargain. You never know what the outcome will be... two days from now he might really want fish sticks or a hot dog!

Answer 4

Dear you sound like a very intelligent woman, why ask a silly question like this? Hell yes, let him try it I am sure you know that depending on the level you commit to governs whether one eats eggs, cow milk, fish. I wish I could stay with it, we know the dangers of red meat and artificial colors. You should be very proud of him being able to discuss and understand a complex subject like this!(I understand their milk is even heathlier than real milk. God Bless you both and the Southern People.

Answer 5

Yes, I think it's a wonderful, idea. It shows that he's thinking, in regards to his health. Check out the library, or a local bookstore for "Veggie" ideas. I'm sure, you'll be able to find some good/healthy and fun suggestions. Good for him!


*My 25 year old son has been a vegetarian, for about 2 years, now.

Answer 6

First of all, he is only 4 yrs. and tomorrow he might want 2 jump off
the sofa to the coffee table. If he wants veges give him veges. He
will be fine. A great source of protein aside from meat is peanut
butter, nuts, beans...i'm sure he will get over it as long as u don't
make it a big deal.

Answer 7

It's perfectly safe. Learn some new recipes and find out what he likes. They always say that we can learn so much from our children, this might be one of those times. Take it upon yourself to research Vegetarianism.

Check out these sites for more information

www.pcrm.org
www.vegsource.com
www.earthsave.com
www.johnrobbins.com

Good luck!

Answer 8

let him try it
feed him lots of beans and peanut butter and stuff with high protein and a vitamin to replace the meat!
i think he is to young to be requesting this and might not want hurt animals anymore explain to him that its been going on since man and animals are here to give us food and to be healthy and grow we need meat which provides lots of nutrients and protein!
and take him to like burger king or mcdonalds see if he changes his mind!

Answer 9

You're the mother, he is a four year old. You make the decisions about what food to serve in your house. If your son wants to eat more vegetables, that's great, but you don't need to turn the whole family vegetarian because of one comment he made. It is not safe to go without protein. Yes, there are non-meat ways to get protein, but it's not as simple as a peanut butter sandwich. Your son is too young to make that kind of decision for himself.

Answer 10

I would say let him be a vegetarian. Serve him dinners of only vegetables while you and the rest of your family enjoy juicy steaks and burgers. It won't last long because what four year old only wants to eat broccoli and lettuce?