How to Explain Why I'm a Vegetarian to My Son....?

Question

I'm a vegetarian for moral reasons (against factory farming) and I'm wondering how best to approach being a vegetarian if my son asks me why I don't eat meat.

I know I'm being proactive since he's only 3 months but it just crossed my mind....

Answer 1

Tell him the truth. He'll probably go vege, too.  I was raised vegetarian and still love the food.  Have you tried some of the vegetarian meat substitute products produced by the Seventh-day Adventists?  Good stuff! I hope you plan to raise him vege ...

Answer 2

Just tell him that you don't like meat, but don't force him to be a vegetarian if he doesn't want to. I used to nanny for a lady that was and she forced her daughter to be vegetarian as well and her daughter was always sneaking food (Her son was a teen-ager and ate meat so the girl always tried to take his food)

Answer 3

If you don't eat meat, he probably won't either, because you won't be cooking any meat.  It probably won't be a question, but if it is, just tell him why.

Answer 4

tell him you dont like meat, until hes way older and then you can explain the real reasons, unless that is the real reason

Answer 5

You just tell him what you told us if he's older but don't stop him from getting the things he needs as a growing child.

Answer 6

Chill on this concern: the kid's only 3 years old.  Call it a hunch---but u got at least 3 more years to figure out a way to explain this goofy quirk of yours that makes you a "vegatarian".

Just promise me you didn't name the kid Dream Catcher or some funky "unique" name like Gunner.....geezus!!!

I'm a meat eater on grounds I stand opposition to political correctness.  I'm also Pro-Smoker's Rights!!

Tuff if that "offends" you!!!

Answer 7

I'm vegetarian for moral reasons, too.  My husband and stepdaughter eat meat, though - and, so do the little kids, now.  

I just told them the truth, that I know that I don't need to eat meat in order to live & be healthy, so I choose not to do it, as I don't like to be the cause of any unnecessary pain or suffering in the world.  They are welcome to make that choice, too, if they want, when they reach that ethical point in their lives.

Answer 8

Just mommy doesn't eat meat because she thinks that what people do to animals is mean. If he ask what they do. Just tell him that they hurt them really bad and it's not nice to hurt Any living breating thing. (except bugs lol jk)

Answer 9

I'm a preschool teacher who eats lunch with the children in my class.  I choose not to eat meat.  And I often get that question asked.  A simple response such as,  "I don't like chicken," is simple enough for children to understand at a young age.  I don't know if you plan on raising your child a vegetarian as well.  If you are, chances are, your child won't even be asking you that question because he won't know the difference.  My own kids eat meat and they don't question why I don't.  They just accept it.  That's what's so great about kids!