A man recently shared his story on Reddit’s ‘Am I The A**hole’ forum, seeking advice on a predicament he found himself in with his wife and 12-year-old son. Six years ago, the man’s wife decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle after watching the documentary Dominion, and since then, she has deemed non-vegan food as “revolting.”
In an effort to support his wife, the man became vegetarian and followed a vegan diet while at home and around her. However, his wife wanted their son to also be vegan. After consulting with a dietician to ensure it was a healthy option for their son, the man reluctantly agreed.
However, the situation took a turn when the man discovered non-vegan candy and burgers from McDonald’s in his son’s school bag. It became apparent that the vegan diet was making the boy feel lonely and excluded, especially when his friends had more appealing snacks. Concerned about his son’s happiness, the man started buying him non-vegan snacks during their trips to football practice.
When his wife discovered this, she accused him of being an “animal abuse enabler” and claimed he was corrupting their son. This led to a heated argument, and now his wife is not speaking to him.
Opinions on the matter varied among Reddit users. Some believed that the son, at 12 years old, should have the autonomy to decide his own dietary preferences, especially since his mother’s strict approach led him to hide food choices from her. Others felt that proper communication was key, and the husband should have addressed the issue with his wife instead of going behind her back.
The debate surrounding veganism and children continues to be a contentious topic. It raises questions about parental choices versus a child’s autonomy in deciding their own diet. Ultimately, finding a balance that respects everyone’s beliefs and dietary needs is crucial in such situations.
Sources:
– Reddit’s ‘Am I The A**hole’ forum
