I work for a vegetarian family as a temporary live-out nanny (until their aupair arrives). I'm not a vegetarian, though I don't eat pig products at all, and rarely eat beef.
My question is, what do I tell the children about play food that is like a roasted chicken or a turkey leg? Do I say that it's yuck food and not let them play with it, or do I tell them that some people eat meat, and let them play with it?
Also, is it okay for me to eat meat (such as a chicken salad sandwich) while I'm with them, if they know other people eat meat, and they know I eat meat? Or should I tell them it's egg salad or something?
2007-02-23 04:47:16 · 8 answers · asked by Jewel 3 in Food & Drink ➔ Vegetarian & Vegan
I have asked their mother. She told me that they know other people eat meat, they know I eat meat, and it's up to me whether I tell them if I'm eating meat or not (as long as I'm willing to not let them try my food).
I'm just not sure I want to do that whole long explanation every time with the 4 year-old. The two year-old, I don't have to explain yet. However, I'm not sure if I should let him play with 'meat' play food...
2007-02-23 05:01:08 · update #1
My son is 4 and totally understanding of the idea that other people eat meat. He doesn't but his grandparents and father do everyday. He never asks for any so if their mother says the child is used to this then I wouldn't worry to much they probably won't think twice about it.
As for the play food, if they have "meat" type food I would pretended it was vegetable. My son doesn't have any meat type food but they make many meat substitutes like veggie dogs, veggie burgers, and chick nuggets/patties.
As a parent I would prefer that someone would refer to the food this way with my son, however I'd jsut ask the mom about that to see what they do at home regularly.
2007-02-23 05:16:19 · answer #1 · answered by slawsayssss 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speaking as a person who was a vegetarian child: it's fine to tell them you're eating meat, and that other people eat it.
I'm surprised they still have the meat play food. I didn't want anything to do with it, and I suspect it got chucked out shortly after a set was purchased. I had lots of 'play food,' from big plastic stuff to miniatures for a dollhouse when a bit older, and don't remember having any meat anything. I just wasn't interested; who feeds their doll something they don't eat themselves?
You don't have to say it's 'yuck food,' and probably shouldn't -- being respectful of other peoples' choices should be taught early to vegetarian children -- but just leaving it aside isn't a bad idea. I'm surprised that it has any appeal as a toy for the 4-year-old. It does not lend itself to the usual play-with-play-food scenarios to have stuff you didn't eat.
2007-02-23 16:11:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see no need for an explaination at all. At that age, kids have not yet made the distinction that meat means dead barnyard animals. They see the play food as a toy. The key here, and this is IMPORTANT. is to not make an issue out of food at all. Eat you sandwich in front of them, and simply make no comment on it, nor comment on what they are having. My 12 year old daughter has been veggie her entire life, and everyone thinks it is all such a big mystery. We dont eat meat. Plain and simple. That does not mean we nibble on carrots and bunny food, either. Her friends think our diet is more interesting than theirs, and love to eat over at my house. When my daughter goes to a friends house (like tonight) I have to send food for her, because the parents think it is all so complicated. She is having chineese take out tonight-with veggies and no meat. Its too simple! I think you should just relax about the whole food issued. Its you that seams to be hung up on this, not the mother or the kids. (I hope that didnt sound harsh, I didnt mean it to) Relax, and focus on something more fun, like chasing that hiding the roasted play chicken and have the kids use the drumstick as a wand to locate it. Lighten up.
2007-02-23 13:18:34 · answer #3 · answered by beebs 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just don't buy any play meat. If they already own play meat then obviously the parents don't mind them playing with it. Also, they might just think your sandwich has fake meat in it, like soy meat or something. As long the parents say it's okay you should be fine.
2007-02-23 20:45:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as the play food goes... do whatever their parents want. If they don't allow them to play with those items, then you shouldn't either... if they do, then you should.
As for letting them see you eat meat... Do you really even think they'll ask? (I do live with a 4yr old... so I know the possibility exists...) It sounds like their mom has been honest with them (good for her!), so I doubt they'll find it that amazing to see you eat meat. That said... if you're only watching them part-time... it wouldnt' be too difficult to just eat whatever you're feeding them (unless you're bringing your own lunch, in which case you could probably say "I'm eating this cuz it's my lunch, just like you ate your lunch").
2007-02-23 19:25:41 · answer #5 · answered by kittikatti69 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's really not your place to say anything. Just say it's pretend food..leave any explanation up to mom and dad.
2007-02-23 14:41:34 · answer #6 · answered by KathyS 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you ask the people that are paying your salary. I think they can give you all the advice you need about how to conduct yourself with the children. Ultimately you have to please them if yyou want to get paid.
2007-02-23 12:55:48 · answer #7 · answered by Parercut Faint 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
blatant honesty is best with children
thay will not grow up on a veg. planet
Truth will make the choice there own
(they live in a veg. family!)
2007-02-23 12:54:50 · answer #8 · answered by alivesolar 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋