No one told me it would be this difficult – or this wonderful – raising a vegetarian child.

A personal account by Tita Zierer

My partner, Robin and I never discussed whether to raise our child as a vegetarian. We've been vegetarians for virtually all our adult lives, so it was assumed that anyone sharing our household would do the same, excepting the cats. We did discuss the degree of vegetarianism with respect to dairy and eggs; we eschew these products at home, but reluctantly acknowledge traces of their presence when eating out.

But actually assuming responsibility for a young humanoid raises previously unforeseen challenges and questions. In the old days, otherwise known as 'Life Before Baby,' I confess to idyllic notions of angelic babies lapping up strained butternut squash and tofu cheese, gnawing happily on sesame granola, drooling over soy milk and carob shakes.