My family is now on a vegetarian-almost-vegan diet. My 4-year-old refuses to eat any vegetables. How can I get her to eat them?

Making the switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet can be difficult for young children, partly because they have little or no say in the change. Four is an especially challenging age for many parents who find that their children are expressing more independent thought. This is a positive thing, but it makes the conversion to vegetarianism a trial for some families. Also, if your daughter was used to eating many other foods that she cannot have now, she may be expressing her negative feelings by refusing to eat what you make now -- regardless of what it is. She is probably clever enough at four to recognize that the words "vegetables" and "vegetarian" go together and that this diet and lifestyle change is an emotional issue for you. She is flexing her little girl muscle in the only way she knows how! Here are a few ideas that might ease this transition for all of you:

• As difficult as it is, try not to make an issue out of what she doesn't eat and focus on what she does. Keep dinner table conversation focused on positive issues, thereby not allowing the issue of vegetables to become the center of an ongoing power struggle. Some families choose to implement a "one bite" rule whereby the child must take at least one bite of each food on his/her plate. The child may decide after that whether to eat any more.
• Continue to offer a variety of healthful foods, including vegetables. Allow your child to help in choosing the foods that are prepared, and even in preparing them.
• Include her in the grocery shopping, and consider planting a garden. Children are often more willing to eat foods that they grew.
• Buy some veg friendly books that will help her to understand why vegetarian foods are good for you and to view them in a positive light. Some good titles include: The Race Against Junk Food, What is a Vegetarian?
• Keep cut up fresh veggies and dips in the fridge for snacking and set a good example by eating them yourself. Many children prefer fresh veggies to cooked ones.
• If all else fails, hide vegetables in baked goods, or puree them into soups and sauces.

Offer your daughter a multi-vitamin if you are worried about her nutrition. Keep in mind that many children refuse to eat vegetables, regardless of whether or not they are vegetarian.

Melanie Wilson
Vegetarian Baby and Child Magazine