Raising Vegan Kids

It can be difficult to shift the mindset of kids from loving chicken nuggets, milk, and string cheese, but it's something that we all need to do to ensure the generation that we are raising are kind, compassionate individuals who care about our planet, their bodies, and the creatures we share our home with.

When I decided to go vegan in February 2017, I wanted my family to follow. I have three kids, and their decisions about food now effect their own future, so it's super important to me that I guide them in the right direction and hope that they make good choices now and in adulthood.

My kids were very reluctant at first, (they were 5, 4, & 1) which made it more difficult to get them on board. Along with society, I had taught them that the food they had been eating was good for them, and I was wrong. So, telling them the opposite of what they thought to be true was hard for them to understand. It was easy with me, because I watched the gory, horrific videos and it was an instant decision for me, but I couldn't show small children those videos. I had to find other ways to un-teach them the things I had been teaching them their entire little lives. That's when I found some amazing resources that I'm going to share with you to help you get over some of the hurdles.

Two words, one person: Ruby Roth. An amazing author, illustrator, and advocate for raising vegan kids. She's created books that helps children understand in a no-nonsense, but gentle way, why veganism is important and worth doing. She's also created a fun cookbook that we just got for Christmas and can't wait to start making some of the fun and easy recipes!

If you want to purchase any of these books, click on the image and it will take you to Amazon.

THAT'S WHY WE DON'T EAT ANIMALS

This book was lent to us by a friend, and we loved it so much. It was a great first book as to why I decided to choose veganism that we read as a family. You can click on the image to the left to purchase this book.

VEGAN IS LOVE

I gave this book to my kids for Christmas. It's just as amazing as the first book, and just helps to reinforce the "why" for veganism. You can click on the image to the left to purchase this book.

V IS FOR VEGAN

I, personally don't have this one, but plan to purchase it to expand our Ruby Roth book collection. I've had friends recommend it, and it's from Ruby Roth, so you know it has to be good!

THE HELP YOURSELF COOKBOOK FOR KIDS

Another one I just got for Christmas. The kids and I went through all the recipes and we are super excited to make all the fun recipes! Each recipe has little tidbits (like, did you know cucumbers are a fruit?!) and super fun illustrations. I'm a huge advocate of getting kids to help in the kitchen, because it builds healthy habits and it's great bonding time. Kids are more likely to eat food if they helped create it, so this book is a perfect start to getting kids on the right path!

There are many more Ruby Roth books that I haven't listed, so feel free to browse her books and choose the ones that appeal to you and your family. Either way, a selection of great books that teach kids compassion, kindness, and health, all while spending time reading or with family is a great place to start!

Also, if your kids like to watch videos, check out Bite Size Vegan on youtube. She has some great videos for kids, too!

Their future lies in our hands, parents! Let's make sure we put them on the right path!

Keep cooking, friends!

-Kristin