You feed your kids a strict diet and your family thinks its stupid?

Are they're any vegetarian, vegan, and/or strict diet parents that have to deal with family and friends who are constantly saying feed the kid "real" food.
Some of the family even go as far as to feed them the "good" food when your not there. I've seen this scenario on TV and in real life. My spanish teacher has a strict no pork policy and her mom let the baby eat a slice of ham and used the argument "one little piece won't hurt".
Are you going through something like this or have you been through something like this?
How did you deal? Especially if the grandparents/friends/etc who you leave the kid with are your only option and think they know better.

ozboz482008-12-02T08:35:29Z

Favorite Answer

We had to deal with people who did not really believe our daughter was lactose intolerant and kept offering her "just a small bowl" of ice cream.

We sat down with these folks and had a frank talk. We told them that, until they respected our wishes, our daughter would not be around them. After three days, they relented.

All the best.

?2016-05-27T13:30:54Z

Have you thought about leading by example and just making comments now and again? For example, do you know how many calories is in that, or I saw a tv programme about what too much fat does to your heart, etc etc (and also say it to the aunt). If you are subtle, it shouldn't make Ann conscious about her weight, but she should see it as good advice. Take her under your wing, if you're really worried. You can't do more than be her friend, unfortunately it's up to her mother to raise her and she sounds a bit neglected the way you tell it. It probably isn't in anybody's interest to have an argument about it and fall out. Just try and let the 5 year old know what is healthy to eat and bad for them yourself, if you can. Btw, it occurs to me that you came from a very strict background yourself, and maybe you are over-reacting a little? Are you sure it's that bad? Just checking! :)

operasnob2008-12-01T22:09:07Z

I'm a vegetarian & am raising my daughter vegetarian as well. I know all too well how people take it upon themselves to voice their unwanted opinions & feed her meat behind my back. My family is supportive of my decision, however my ex's mother is not. She feeds her meat & sweets when I'm not around, therefore she is no longer allowed to be alone with my daughter. People like my ex's mother & your teacher's mother are not only disrespecting the wishes of the parent, but also breaking their trust as well. I personally have a zero tolerance policy for this kind of behavior.

Supermommy!!!2008-12-01T21:57:25Z

I'm not that strict but I don't let mine have sweets too much or things like that. I just don't think they need it. I know some parents let their kids eat anything. For instance my step-daughter's Mom gives her twinkies, cheetos, ect. Junk like that I don't think is necessary especially for a child under two. I don't let my son eat that type of food and I don't let her eat it when she is at our house. Over here she has fruit and organic baby/toddler snack. They have fruit and veggies in them and she eats them just find so I don't see the point in giving her anything else. I also don't give her fruit punch like her Mom we give her gerber juice. Her Mom claims she won't drink it but we have never had a problem it must just be at her house.

Anonymous2008-12-01T21:36:14Z

Im not vegetatian or vegan, and I don't stick my kid on a strict diet, but I believe what ever you feed your child is your choice, if you believe its best for your child, so be it, the child is yours, you're the parent and I believe that if you want your child to eat healthy, stand your ground, no one else can tell you whats best for your child.
My brother converted to muslim and he doesn't let his kids eat pork, so we abide by what he says just to keep the peace in the family.

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