These 3 tips are for those Parents /Caregivers who have a parenting style that makes them prepare a vegan lunch box for kindergarten and early tweens. Remember these kids have never tasted chicken or ham or whatever animal products you can think of. So it’s not necessary to buy things with that flavor.
Tip #1
Your (new)parenting style and your child will probably be singled out as different. Not all the comments will be pleasant either from the institution or from other children. This is most noticeable if the kid is from the BIPOC grouping. It’s a pity but changes in parenting styles seem to annoy some people.
Tip #2
Give your kid a reason for being a plant-based vegan. Just a clear simple sentence that he or she can remember and identify with. Some things which might apply to you include: allergies to nuts, shell fish, wheat/gluten intolerance. I have found that in spite of what they might say kitchens don’t always pay enough attention to food intolerance, so be clear.
You can also talk about your choice to find a clean healthy eating alternative which strengthens your immune system, keeps energy level high. One other reason would be if your decision is based on your faith and consequent livity.
It’s all about health, the secret to life.
If we relate the vegan lunchbox to school and learning:
As Dr. Rand Olson puts it “Among the most sacred gifts you can give your child is the gift of health. This gift is best given by example.””
Being healthy helps with patience, hearing what is being said and being able to actively take part in school activities.
Tip #3
This is the practical tip for your new parenting style.
We would all agree that food production is confusing today, whether it is the source of the food, the use of chemicals and toxins, etc etc. at all stages of the production.
So, can you/do you or is there someone who cooks?
This is the critical question as a vegan lunch box is made up of a mixture of the food groups. Attractive in color and design, it makes the kid want to eat. You can have a colourful packed sandwich they can bite into…..stews that you know your kids love…..poké bowls, fresh fruit bowls, all these can have surprises in content by doing the vegetables and protein differently
Don’t forget that vegetables can be spiralized, sliced, shredded made into new shapes with cookie cutters. After all, food can be exciting too!!
The thing is they need to have some of everything you put in their boxes, plus snacks, because they tend to eat through the day.
I have a feeling you are buying all this from the supermarket nearby. So it means reading the labels, finding pages that talk about what is new on the market and seeing how it might be used in the country of origin.
Your Parenting Style——- You will have to cook!!!!!
This calls for back-up premade items for those days that go slowly or those really busy days. Examples would include Vegan burgers, vegan hotdogs, bologna slices, veggie chunks/mince. I cannot recommend special brands as it all depends on where you are located.
Keep in mind, all vegans do not eat fish. And being kids, some don’t really like sandwiches because they have to have the type of bread they like.
There are also alternative ways of preparing potatoes, beans, peas, butter spreads, select vegetables, non-gmo tofu and corn, as well as noodles from different flours like sweet potato or mung beans etc. The recipes are endless.
There are so many ways to make tasty sauces they can spread over their salad at school. Or a myriad of alternative pastas . Or cookies and scones, waffles, ice creams and cakes, chesses and milk. All vegan!!
Join the new parenting style and get ready with your vegan lunchbox!!
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