Hi everyone,
I'm hoping someone else will be able to identify with this, and maybe give some advice.
A bit of background - in our house there is me, my lovely partner, and my son and daughter. On Jan 1st, I switched to being vegan, and my family at home have gone along with it with no complaints, they are all supportive, and if they want to eat meat or non-vegan food, well, I don't like it but it's up to them and they are happy to not do it at home. I can't ask for more really, can I? I think I'm quite lucky.
My son goes to his dad's quite often. I can't fault his dad as a father - he loves his son and has maintained him and had contact since the divorce five years ago - again, I'm very lucky. So this may all seem a bit picky. My son is very overweight. This is my fault completely, as he was always a hungry breast fed baby who very quickly learned the louder he screamed the more I'd give him. He has an incredibly sweet tooth, and whilst I have always cooked healthy meals, have given in to him with chocolate, crisps etc. He eats so much bread it's not real. I've tried cutting him down and he just always asks for food - he has even asked what's for pudding before he has asked what's for dinner.
Since my going vegan, he has changed dramatically. He is calmer. He eats much less - his school lunch bag now has a vegan sandwich, a cold drink, and two pieces of fruit. He usually brings one back. He loves porridge, so he's been having that with Agave nectar every morning, and when he comes home he doesn't seem to ask about dinner until about 6pm, which is a miracle! He looks a little trimmer too, and is definitely more active and alert.
I've told his dad about the changes - and he said "it won't last". He went there on Wednesday after school and his dad dropped him at school on Thursday morning. Before he went, his dad asked me if we were still doing the "vegetarian thing", so he knew we were. This is the conversation I had with my son last night:
Me: What did daddy give you for lunch?
Son: A ham sandwich.
Me: What?
Son: Oh I knew I shouldn't have told you! Dad told me not to!
Me: Why would he say that to you?
Son: Look, it wasn't real ham, it was shaped like a bear!
At this point I had to go in the kitchen and close the door! I'm really angry that he gave him meat, but not just meat, the crappiest meat ever! My kids are not vegan, so I wouldn't have minded if he'd had a bit if vegetarian cheese or something.
I know I can't make his dad do the same as we do, but I would've thought that if the results are obvious, then he would be supportive and want the best for his child.
Am I being picky? Should I let it go? Or should I have another word with his dad? Or should I leave it up to my nine year old son to stand up to his father?
Sorry for the mammoth post xxx
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