Vegetarian Nanny

[Anonymous]

We have a magnificent nanny who has been with us since my twins were born. They are now 16 months old and (obviously) eating. When they were six months old and we started talking about solid food the nanny mentioned that she was vegetarian and has been vegetarian since she was 16 (she is 51 now). She told us that she absolutely had no problem serving meat to the kids nor did she have a problem blending cooked meat into purees but she would prefer not having to touch raw meat and didn't know how to prepare it anyway. She is a wonderful cook otherwise.

So, we have been cooking all the meat products for the kids at night. My DH has been in a snit about everything lately and last night when I was making mini meatballs for the kids he got furious and said we had to insist that the nanny get over her crap and cook meat for the kids.

And no, this was not something we discussed at hiring - it never occurred to me.

She has been a wonderful, loving nanny for 16 months and a great employee. WWYD? He wants to talk to the nanny tonight about this issue.

[Anonymous]

Just make the friggin' meatballs.

[Anonymous]

At 51 it's probably time to find a nanny who can keep up and cook. It's not hard. Replace her.

[Anonymous]

I'm definitely biased, as we are vegetarian, but why not just let her cook what she can? Meat's not necessary for a balanced diet, and unless she is working many more hours than the average nanny, the kids will get many meaty meals with you!

[Anonymous]

Your husband is an asshole. Your kids don't need to eat meat with every meal and you can just give it to them during dinner when you cook yours. Or buy precooked meat that the nanny just needs to reheat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At 51 it's probably time to find a nanny who can keep up and cook. It's not hard. Replace her.

Evil advice, for the child. Unbelievable.
There's something wrong with your husband. Hope he comes to his senses.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, your husband is being ridiculous.
She doesn't cook raw meat. Does she do everything else she's supposed to? If so, tell him to calm down.
If you insist that the nanny do something that she has already told you makes her uncomfortble, YOU WILL RUIN the relationship you have with her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At 51 it's probably time to find a nanny who can keep up and cook. It's not hard. Replace her.

You clearly have reading comprehensions issues, PP. There is nothing to "keep up" with. The nanny is an excellent cook who chooses not to touch raw meat.

Your DH is wrong. The woman is 51 so being a vegetarian is not a fad for her. Make the meats yourself or let her give your toddlers all vegetarian foods during the day. If she makes them dinner as well then all weekday meals can be vegetarian. Probably more healthy for them anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, your husband is being ridiculous.
She doesn't cook raw meat. Does she do everything else she's supposed to? If so, tell him to calm down.
If you insist that the nanny do something that she has already told you makes her uncomfortble, YOU WILL RUIN the relationship you have with her.

And it is not as if excellent nannies who care for toddler twins are easy to find. Is DH going to stay home with the twins if your nanny quits?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At 51 it's probably time to find a nanny who can keep up and cook. It's not hard. Replace her.

You are truly an idiot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At 51 it's probably time to find a nanny who can keep up and cook. It's not hard. Replace her.

You clearly have reading comprehensions issues, PP. There is nothing to "keep up" with. The nanny is an excellent cook who chooses not to touch raw meat.

Your DH is wrong. The woman is 51 so being a vegetarian is not a fad for her. Make the meats yourself or let her give your toddlers all vegetarian foods during the day. If she makes them dinner as well then all weekday meals can be vegetarian. Probably more healthy for them anyway.

True, who needs those pesky proteins when you can just load up on bread and pasta.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At 51 it's probably time to find a nanny who can keep up and cook. It's not hard. Replace her.

You clearly have reading comprehensions issues, PP. There is nothing to "keep up" with. The nanny is an excellent cook who chooses not to touch raw meat.

Your DH is wrong. The woman is 51 so being a vegetarian is not a fad for her. Make the meats yourself or let her give your toddlers all vegetarian foods during the day. If she makes them dinner as well then all weekday meals can be vegetarian. Probably more healthy for them anyway.

True, who needs those pesky proteins when you can just load up on bread and pasta.

OP here. Nanny give the kids very little pasta and no bread at all. She does tofu and beans with rice as protein and the kids eat yogurt, cheese and drink milk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At 51 it's probably time to find a nanny who can keep up and cook. It's not hard. Replace her.

You clearly have reading comprehensions issues, PP. There is nothing to "keep up" with. The nanny is an excellent cook who chooses not to touch raw meat.

Your DH is wrong. The woman is 51 so being a vegetarian is not a fad for her. Make the meats yourself or let her give your toddlers all vegetarian foods during the day. If she makes them dinner as well then all weekday meals can be vegetarian. Probably more healthy for them anyway.

True, who needs those pesky proteins when you can just load up on bread and pasta.

You need a nutrition course, Sweetie, if you think only meat has protein.

[Anonymous]

Op, it's sounds like your nanny is a very knowledgable and healthy vegetarian, who is also an excellent cook. Most educated individuals know that meat is not necessary with every meal or even every day. Your children are also very young and don't eat as much as an adult. You can either pre cook meat for the week, it shouldn't take more then an hour. Buy pre cooked meat or just let your children eat meat with you. This is not difficult and your husband is overreacting.

Your nanny has been a vegetarian for over 30 years, this is a deep rooted lifestyle for her. She will not change for you just because you're too lazy to cook your children's meals. She made you aware or her discomfort at hiring and you choose to overlook it. Now your choice is to continue on or risk your nanny leaving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, it's sounds like your nanny is a very knowledgable and healthy vegetarian, who is also an excellent cook. Most educated individuals know that meat is not necessary with every meal or even every day. Your children are also very young and don't eat as much as an adult. You can either pre cook meat for the week, it shouldn't take more then an hour. Buy pre cooked meat or just let your children eat meat with you. This is not difficult and your husband is overreacting.

Your nanny has been a vegetarian for over 30 years, this is a deep rooted lifestyle for her. She will not change for you just because you're too lazy to cook your children's meals. She made you aware or her discomfort at hiring and you choose to overlook it. Now your choice is to continue on or risk your nanny leaving.

OP here. Not at hiring. We never asked and she never told us. She was hired when the kids were newborns and the thought of them ever eating anything but formula seemed light-years away!!


Thanks, everyone. I feel better knowing my position is founded.