My Vegetarian Son Was Served Hot Dogs

My Vegetarian Son Was Served Hot Dogs

Thursday, November 20, 2008

filed under: family

And I'm mad as hell!

Guest blogger Gina: Even though I am always very clear that my son does not eat red meat, he was served a beef hot dog on a play date.

When his friend's mom made him the hot dog, my 6-year-old said, "I'm not allowed to eat meat. I only eat veggie dogs."

What was the mom's response? "Just try it ... you'll like it!"

I am thankful he didn't have a reaction ... after all, he's never eaten meat in his life and his little stomach is not used to digesting it.

I haven't said anything to the parents yet and don't know if I should or not. After all, I can't turn back time. But, to me, this is almost as bad as serving a kid with a peanut allergy a PB & J. I always ask parents before a play date if their kids have any dietary restrictions or allergies and am very mindful of that. Why can't other parents show me the same courtesy? Maybe this wasn't a big deal to my son's friend's parents, but it's a VERY big deal to me.

What would you do in my shoes?

88 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

are you going to baby him his whole life?

- randall

Posted 09/29/09 10:54 AM

I can understand that you are upset that someone fed your son meat. But in no way is it ANYHTING like a peanut allergy. For all you know he may grow up to be a responsible bacon farmer, and love to eat meat. Just make sure that the “decisions” you make for him are not made into law as he starts getting older and capable of making his own choices.

- Jason

Posted 09/29/09 11:07 AM

I would be mad too; it was disrespectful of the mom, particularly so if you had explicitly explained things to her. I like bloggingmom67’s response and agree that a non-confrontational but clear conversation is needed. I would add, “Would it help if I sent a veggie meal and snacks with him when he plays over? I’m serious about what he eats, but I don’t want our meal choices to mean extra work for you.”

- Carolyn Bahm

Posted 09/29/09 11:09 AM

Wow, I’m sorry that happened!! I would be livid and I would definitely say something after I had calmed down. :) It sounds like you were clear that he does not eat meat. Furthermore, your son told her he does not eat meat and she did not care. I’m not saying that she has to make an alternative meal for him during the play date but she could have offered a snack. Better yet, she could call you and tell you the situation and see how you wanted to handle it. What she did was blatant disregard for your wishes for your child. Personnel, my child would never go back and if she was a friend, I would lose her number. She has no respect for others wishes. With friends like that who needs in-laws. sorry, just had to say it.. ;)~

- jenbust

Posted 09/29/09 11:12 AM

I would serve my son a goddamn hot dog once in awhile. We were meant to eat plants and animals, get over yourself and let him partake in one of life’s most decadent foods. We only get one life, and apparently you want to squeeze it out of this kid. Does he live under the stairs too?

- Anthony

Posted 09/29/09 11:20 AM

Shame on you for not better preparing your son. Its your own fault you son stomach is as weak as it is. I regular feed my son small amounts of cyanide to better prepare them in case they are poisoned later in life. Its your own fault for raising your child to be weaker than nature intended. Your methods for raising your kids are everything that is wrong with society.

- Conor

Posted 09/29/09 11:25 AM

He’s a vegetarian? I didn’t realise 6 was old enough to be gay.

- John

Posted 09/29/09 02:07 PM

IF he was allergic to it, he would have said he was and guaranteed that would have been respected. He’s not allergic. Like the other poster said, it’s not booze or smokes. Geesh. Why not train him to say his family doesn’t eat meat instead of him saying he’s not allowed to eat meat? That’s like saying he’s not allowed to chew bubble gum yet Johnny’s nice mommy slipped him a piece. Unless you live in a plastic bubble, be prepared for him to come home with other stories far worse than eating a hot dog. What the heck are you going to do if he comes home with a boyfriend? Next play date, send him with his own lunch.

- ohbrother

Posted 11/06/09 09:24 PM

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