Son Just Ate Haribo

My 3.5 year old son just ate a small bag of non-vegan Haribo.

His friend brought some into preschool to share with the class. He picked a bag up on the way out and was so happy about it.

I let him open and eat it after telling him why I didn’t really want him to.

This is the first time he has eaten animal parts.

I am vegan and my wife is not. We agreed to raise him plant based until he can make an informed decision. I do not think that point has arrived but my wife does.

I will never provide him with animal products, but if he is offered them at parties I tell him what they are then let him choose. He had non-vegan pizza at the last one.

My wife feeds him sweets and cakes with egg and dairy in them.

The biggest upset is that he says he likes eating animals and their products and that he likes killing animals. I have tried to only ever teach him to be kind.

This is a ramble. I just need some support here really :’(

EDIT: Sorry not to reply to you all personally. You have all been equally helpful and confirmed what I really know already: I’m doing my best and my son has more chance of becoming vegan because of my guidance.

I try not to shame but it’s hard to find ways to explain why I’m not giving him things. I just want him to know why. I’m not sure what the difference is between shaming and teaching that I don’t want him to eat animal products because of how they are produced.

Anyway, thanks all. Currently he is demanding a dairy product and I’ve told him he has to wait until his mum gets home.

Solidarity with those of you who are going through the same stuff.