[saminwonderland]

....but when I brought the subject up to my parents they completely disagreed and then continued on into a long lecture about how they wouldn't make special meals, and how god created animals for us to eat, etc...

I respect their opinions, but this is something I really think is right. And I wouldn't even think of asking them to make special meals just for me. I'm 13 and can cook just dandy on my own. But they fail to comprehend this fact. How can I make them understand my point of view?

(if this is the wrong board to post this on, I apologize. However I couldn't find a more sufficient place to post this.

 

[jeezycreezy]

First of all, I think it's wonderful that you want to become a vegetarian.

As for how to make your parents understand, maybe if you start by explaining your point of view here people can sort of help you along.

It's just, there are many reasons for going veg*n and if we know yours maybe we can tailor a more effect response.

Just a thought.

 

[saminwonderland]

I don't believe in the slaughtering of animals, and obviously the consumption of them. I think it's overall, just wrong to eat living creatures that have a heart, a mind, and a life.

That's my reason for wanting to become a vegetarian.

 

[codemonkey]

You should be able to get lots of tips from the teen forum on dealing with uncooperative parents. Just do your best every meal. It might be difficult since you're living at home with your parents but that's okay. Once you're an adult and out of the house, you can eat whatever you want. You won't be a teenager forever (even though it feels like it.)

One big thing that I can't stress enough is this: Don't starve yourself! A lot of teens go vegetarian and then don't eat enough. Don't let that happen to you. If your weight suddenly drops dramatically, you're parents will put a stop to your vegetarianism so fast it'll make your head spin. Educate yourself about nutrition and make sure you're eating a healthy diet.

 

[Jessica Alana]

I agree. Try looking around on the Teen Forum. There are LOTS of kids struggling with the same issue. Welcome!

 

[GhostUser]

Listen to codemonkey! Her post contains a lot of wisdom.

I think it's a beautiful thing when someone your age opens their eyes and hearts to animals. Congrats for wanting to make the change, and welcome to VB!!

 

[saminwonderland]

Thanks for your help and welcomes!

I'm going to try re-bringing up the subject with my parents, now with fully prepared back-up and the true facts about what a vegetarian is and how it can actually be healthier for you than being a carnivore. Hopefully, they'll at least try to understand where I'm coming from with this. Either way I'm still going to cut out meat from my diet, with or without their support. Like I said I can cook just fine by myself and I'm sure they won't object to me making my own meals.

Again, thanks for all of the support and kindness. All of you seem like caring and kind people. While at this board, (however short a time I have been here), I feel like this is completely and totally the right decision for me to make. I no longer have the least bit of doubt about becoming a vegetarian. I'm so glad I found this message board.

 

[codemonkey]

Another thing that might make your parents more agreeable to the whole thing is to take the slow road. Maybe only have meat at dinner, then cut out one kinda meat at a time (and replacing it with things like beans, tofu, etc.) Make sure you try to keep your diet really healthy. If you're eating your vegetables, it'll be harder for them to complain about you not eating your meat. You could also volunteer to cook dinner for the family once a week or help out in the kitchen every night (I LOVE it when my kids do that - my kids are pretty close to your age, BTW.) Your parents probably think you've gone completely nuts and that it's just a phase. Don't stress about that. Your parents love you and want you to be healthy. Do your best to keep the peace. It's tough educating your parents about nutrition. I'm an adult and I'm still trying to convince my parents that I'm not going to die from not eating meat (I've only been vegetarian for a few months though, from what I hear, it gets easier.)

 

[Apple_Blossem]

If you go to google, type in "teenager wants to go vegetarian parents" - there are many young teenagers struggling with this same problem. The parents do not know about the topic, and do not want to deal with the new lifestyle change.

If you parents hold out on this positive lifestyle change (which also benefits your health), ask for them to allow you to have a 1-hour nutrionalist counseling about your new decision. Go get the phone book or internet yellowpages and find a nutrionalist near you.

This experience is not scary at all. In fact, I found it fun. You just sit in an office and the nutrionalist will talk to you and your parents about the pros and cons of your diet change. Then you shake hands and say goodbye. If you parents agree to this, call the nutrionalist ahead of time (when your parents are not around) and find out their thoughts on a vegetarian diet (some of them can be uninformed). Make sure you meet with a nutrionalist who knows the facts about vegetarians.

Your parent's insurance should cover a one hour session with a nutrionalist. Tell them you are pushing this because you REALLY want to make this choice.

Just to let you know that you are not alone, some parents won't let children/teenagers/young adults make decisions on their own because they are SO uninformed. My boyfriend wasnt even allowed to quit WHITE BREAD (the unhealthiest bread) without his parents sending him to a nutrionalist. At the nutrionalist's office, his parents were told that he'd be fine on a diet without white bread . So try this route to help you

 

[jonjan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by saminwonderland

....but when I brought the subject up to my parents they completely disagreed and then continued on into a long lecture about how they wouldn't make special meals, and how god created animals for us to eat, etc...

I respect their opinions, but this is something I really think is right. And I wouldn't even think of asking them to make special meals just for me. I'm 13 and can cook just dandy on my own. But they fail to comprehend this fact. How can I make them understand my point of view?

Hi,

good for you, and keep in mind that you will get more and more able to choose your own food eventually.

It can be a really difficult thing for parents. My dad was anti-vegetarian, and my mom was supportive. But some parents seem to take it personally, without realizing that your diet is about you, not about them.

If they are defensive about the idea, then it might help to share some peaceful calm information with them. ..not to change their minds, but to share how you feel.

Christian Vegetarian Association have some very peaceful booklets they'll mail to you for free

http://www.all-creatures.org/cva/books.htm

that can help your parents see that your feelings are admirable in the eyes of god, and are not rebellious or dishororable.

Your parents may also have nutrition concerns ? If so, show them some of the info from www.helpusall.com/foodsummary. After they read about Scott Jurek, or see Alexander Dargatz, they'll likely stop believing there are health issues.

And if convenience and cooking is a concern, then maybe later show them how many foods are vegetarian. There are TONS. Unless the dinner is hamburgers or steak, almost any dish can be made vegetarian, by just leaving out the meat. Be sure to thank them genuinely for any single tiny bit that they show any acceptance of your feelings, or adjust any meal for you. Hopefully, it'll help them start to see things differently...

focus on bit by bit. you've got my support, it's tricky being dependent on parents for food...

 

[codemonkey]

A good response if your parents go out of their way to make something vegetarian for you or buy you vegetarian food would be:

"Thank you sooooooo much!!! I love you mom and dad!"

 

[GhostUser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessica Alana

I agree. Try looking around on the Teen Forum. There are LOTS of kids struggling with the same issue. Welcome!

Hey There

Welcome

Thats what i was gonna suggest try the teen forum...lots of people to help and suggestions from people dealing with the same issues.