Teens: Help!

[youngvegetarian]

Heyy! I really want to become a lacto ovo vegetarian! I don't kno how to tell my parents! Help pleze! :hamster:

[skunkpumpkin]

Hey Youngvegetarian, Welcome! I applaud your choice to go vegetarian!
As for your parents, tell them that you've decided to no longer eat meat. If they really get you, and accept it, great. If they ask you why, just tell them that you've learned a lot about vegetarianism and you can't see yourself continuing to eat meat. If they are especially concerned about health, the different foods you'll eat, any of that stuff, this board is a great place to ask around in. Even us teens can probably provide you with lots of the basics on health and such! You can also look at other websites for information to make your point, but hopefully, they'll just accept it as it is. peta2.org is a great site for information on health, animal rights; everything veg*n. Good luck and CONGRATULATIONS on your decision to go veggie! :)

[misq17]

I know it can be tough. I'd say the best approach is to just come right out and say "I've decided that I want to be a vegetarian." If you think that your parents will be doubtful of the new lifestyle you've chosen, volunteer to do research online and at the library about the benefits of not eating meat. Chances are they will regard it as a "phase" but show them that you really are serious and they'll be bound to accept it sometimes or other. Some parents are really difficult about vegetarianism but just try to show them your side of the arguement and refuse to eat meat. Good luck telling them, I know it can be really hard. Tell us how it works out. :)

[maple_syrup]

ditto to everyone else, and heres a little bit more:

make sure you know what you're going to do and eat and what lifestyle changes you'll have to make so that they know that you've researched this and that you really want to do it and you're serious about it. go grocery shopping with your mom and ask if you can have your own little cabinet or pantry shelf for things like veggie beans, tofu boxes (that dont have to be refridgerated), vegetarian broth, etc. also depending where you live, there are different prepackaged veggie meals like the fantastic foods boxes (vegetarian chili mix, falafel mix, hummus mix, couscous, etc.) good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

[Final Aeon]

When I became vegetarian I simply refused to eat the meat my parents were cooking and bought veggie things. You can try to speak to them to, tell them your motivations, if they want, you should see a doctor to make them sure you'll eat well (and to help you to eat on a good way too, you don't have to always take eggs and milk instead of meat)^^
Good luck :)

[thebelovedtree]

when i went vegetarian i told my parents, but when i went vegan i just slowly stopped eating dairy and eggs, and was vegan for like a week before my mom noticed (she only noticed because she wanted me to make her waffles) she was all upset, but when i pointed out that she hadnt noticed until she wanted me to make her something shes perfectly able to make herself she chilled out. My parents are pretty grumpy about everything, but its all been cool. PM me for recipes, i'm hoping to be a vegan pastry chef, so if i havent made it before, i'll try to figure it out for you, it'll be like you're furthering my career