Yesterday we traveled to Märsta, a suburb north of Stockholm, to spend time with another vegan family, Janne, Elin and Eon (their 3 year old son).

We started off by visiting the traveling fairground that had taken up residence in a playing field near their home. It was quite a standard affair, with a few rides for Freya and Eon to enjoy, which they seemingly did.

Afterwards we went back to Eon’s Flat to have a bite to eat and a chat. Eon and Freya played together quite happily, leaving us pretty much alone for four hours.

An interesting question came up when Janne asked us if we would ever forbid Freya from associating with people of questionable character or of a veganically incorrect disposition (like hunters). While Jo and I have never really discussed this, we unanimously gave the same reply: never.

Both Jo and I have spent a fair amount of time with people who resolutely eschew the vegan lifestyle, and others who do not share our political views, and believe that any censorship in this matter can only ever lead to rebellion.

Then, today, I thought of another argument: who is to say that Freya will not be the one doing the influencing? Are we not belittling our child by automatically assuming she is of weak character, able to be turned against our beliefs despite, what we believe to be, a loving and open relationship with her?

It’s an interesting scenario to think about, but I do not worry that whatever she becomes, I will ever stop loving her.