I was disappointed today to discover that milk is subsidized by the government and delivered to my children’s school.
It’s quite a surprise somedays, when I get out of this bubble of utopian living, to realize the degree to which the world is still going backwards. I explained politely to my kids that this isn’t something I want them raising their hands to receive in class, and I explain to them the “why,” too. But I can’t help feeling a moderate degree of disgust about the whole situation.
I would have appreciated someone letting me know about this, before they started “supplementing” my children’s diet with liquid nutrition for calves.
I would have appreciated being asked, actually, if this was something I wanted or was interested in.
And the government pays for this, right?
I won’t go into any rant or belabored speech about what I don’t like, but all I can say is it’s women like you doing things like you do them which give me hope to believe that one day things will be different.
I know it’s not always easy, Raw Mom, to be so unusually committed to such an unusual lifestyle, but I just want you to know that no matter how hard it gets… no matter how much you feel the odds are stacked against you in your battles, if you will persist with clarity, stay focused on solutions and live with as much love as you can muster in spite of all reasons to hate, then we’ll get there.
I appreciate what you’re doing, so don’t think your efforts go unnoticed.
Much love and gratitude,
Tera (for us ALL)
Another great post Tera! I agree. Try living in Wisconsin (aka The Dairy State). Sigh.
Oh, I’m so sorry.. I really believe that many people see the value in milk and think of it as beneficial not only to our children’s health, but to their education. I live in the midwest– milk country!!! some family members go through 3-5 gallons per week. My mother caught on to the detriments of dairy when I was a tiny baby. she stopped feeding me milk because she said she knew it wasn’t good for me (innately).
I’m so glad u are able to teach your kids the “why” part as well. I’d like some pointers on that. we’ve been successful in teaching Dougie to be kind to the flowers and trees, recycle plastics etc… we often go to a farm nearby to visit animals. they let children milk cows. I’ve never let Dougie.. but its hard to really determine how far to go with a 4 year old.
Gina
Be gentle with the rest of us who are not all RAW.
We also think we are doing our best .
Just like the teachers and the Gov’t ..
It all takes time and patience to change a world .
Everyone is hoping for the same results .
Doing the best with what they have.
They just have different ideas about how to get there.
Keep smiling when you try to convey your thoughts and wishes.
xoxox MOM
Responding to MOM’s post……
Well said. My husband reminds me of this, too. For instance, he says, “Just because someone might not love you precisely the way you think they should does not mean they are not loving you with all they’ve got and with all they know how to.” (Or something like that.) Sooo, this could apply to what you wrote, MOM, re “doing the best with what they have.”
Now on to Queen Tera……
Tera, perhaps you can go to do an educational session at the school to bring “truth” to them. A lot of folks just don’t know and believe to be working with the “right” tools — simply because they just don’t know any other way.
Here’s where you enter the picture “Fiery Red Head Truth Goddess” and start planting some truth seeds. Enlighten them, my Sista!
Hugs and Love,
Penny
Tera,
I totally feel for you. It is so frustrating to have others assume it is okay to feed your kid whatever. I am sure that they are well intentioned, and I think that most of the world honestly believes milk is a health food. However, in this day and age - with all the allergies, various religious practices, as well as personal lifestyle (dietary) choices - it seems people should know better to ask first. It is only polite!
I would definitely bring it up with the teacher/school and let them know how important it is to let the parents know of such practices.
Lots of Love,
Ardis
O dear don’t get me started! My son’s teacher last year when doing a thingie on the basic SAD food groups asked him what he has in his morning smoothies that he wrote down for ‘breakfast’- he said fruit and greens, and the teacher actually said “c’mon Landon, write down ‘dairy’ for milk too!” Ooooo, I was steamers! To condescend to a young person like that, never mind the ignorance of her assumption that all smoothies would HAVE TO have milk in them…YES! I gave her a copy of GREEN FOR LIFE- I am ‘known’ around the school- I advocate for my kids and have been invited into the classroom to share on ‘community’ days about my profession as a ‘writer/ nutriton expert’ and that has been amazing! the kids love it, the teachers can’t dispute my repetoire of facts mixed in with poems, experiments, and games , and the key is to downplay anything negative and just focus on the positive of your message.