im 12 and a vegatarian, my parents don't like me being pro veggie at my age but i don't know what 2 do.

Question

should i stop being a vegatarian? i hate to eat animals, they didn't do n e thing 2 me so should i obey my parent's wishes, or go with my beleifs? HELP!!!

Answer 1

that's a difficult one. i went through exactly the same problem when i was your age, although mine was made worse by me not liking the taste of meat at all, as well as me feeling as guilty as hell for eating an animal..... my parents were not very supportive or understanding, infact they forced me to eat meat until i was 15 years old, at which point i proved to them that i could cook all my meals for myself, and it meant that my mum couldn't complain about having to do separate stuff just for me. try to talk to them calmly, without getting upset, and explain to them just how serious u are about all of this, and that u are willing to at least help with the extra work that your vegetarian meals are going to create. u also need to reassure them that u will be eating a balanced diet - not just chips and junk like that. good luck - i hope for your sake that your parents are more understanding and patient than mine ever were !

Answer 2

I've been a vegetarian since the summer before 6th grade, so somewhere around that age, and I have never had any health problems, my iron count is fine, I get more than enough protein, I'm not pale or tired, I'm not super skinny, and honestly I have never regretted my decision to not eat meat.
With the amount of veggie friendly products out there, there is no reason why you wouldn't get enough vitamins in your diet as long as you continue to have a balanced diet. Go shopping with your mom and in most grocery stores, they have vegetarian sections where you can find just about anything you'd want (veggie burgers, hot dogs, chickn nuggets...EVERYTHING meat-free). Just try to buy one new thing a week until you find what you really like. Most of the time it's not too much more expensive than "normal" food.

Hang in there. Eventually your parents will understand that you know what you're doing is right and that it really doesn't affect your health in a bad way at all.
-Erin

Answer 3

Did your parents raise you to stand up for what you believe in? If they did, this would be a good time to GENTLY remind them of that.

Talk to them calmly about your reasons for going vegetarian. But don't get too graphic about what happens to meat animals, that will make them defensive. Research what having a healthy vegetarian diet for a teenager means, and present them with that information. Show them you've done your reasearch and you're taking this seriously! Offer to help cook, so that your needs don't create more work in the kitchen for them. If you don't know how to cook, surely they could teach you?

Studies have shown that vegetarians on average live longer than meat eaters and have much lower rates of obesity, heart disease and many cancers than the general population. Some of these studies are available to read online--find them, and show them to your parents. Naturally they will want you to live a longer, healthier life.

Above all, stay calm and rational. Don't let it turn into an argument. Show them that this is a mature, considered decision on your part, and not a phase brought on by a fit of emotion.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Ignore people like WEBBALLS and STINGER, look how many thumbs down they get, you can see we all think they are wrong.

You are old enough to make up your own mind and stick to your beliefs.

Maybe ask them why they object ?

There are no real reasons.

As a veggie you can get all the nutritient, protiens, vitamins, fats etc that you need for a perfectly healthy diet.

Veggies will typically live between 5 and 10 years longer, are healthier, less prone to cancers, obesity.......

surely any parent would want this for thier child ?

Maybe offer to help to cook so you can do your own veggie part of the meal ?

try to talk to your parents about it, ask them why they object, keep it as trying to understand and let you be veggie rather than it turn to an arguement.

Its best not to get in thier face about animal cruelty, they have made up thier mind so leave them too it, don't preach or say its disgusting etc, it'll jsut get thier backs up. Just follow your own beliefs.

the vegetarian society do a free parents guide for young people, i suggest you ask them for a copy at this website;
http://www.vegsoc.org/youth/youngveggies.html

reading up about in in the above booklet will show your parents that you are being really sensible adn its not just a fad.

remember, for each meal you stay veggie there are millions of animals that thank you.

Congratulations, you are making a real difference.

Answer 5

That is a bit of a tricky situation. My daughter was the same age as you when she decided she didn't want to eat meat. I found it a bit of a bother at first, but she would not be moved one iota. But my philosophy was to allow children to have their own wishes and desires granted to the best of my ability, whenever possible. Not all parents are like that. And to a great extent you are obligated to obey your parents. Try to ascertain why it is that your parents are concerned about you being vegetarian. It may be that they just don't understand it, and they are worried about you getting your proper nutrition. So get genned up and explain how you intend to maintain a balanced diet. Good luck!

Answer 6

I started at 13. It's been two years and my parents were concerned. But listen. Common things from parents are "your not getting enough protein" "you need meat"
While meat provides benficial material for your body, being a vegiatarian can do just as much. You should read online about diffrent types of vegitarain recipes and non-meat products(Morning Star, Boca, etc. in stores. Sit down with your parents and discuss it with them. Theire support will really help you.

Answer 7

If you want to be a vegetarian, show your parents how responsible you can be. Read up and learn what things are good for you, show them how you eat fruit and veg. A meat free diet is a very healthy choice as animals fats contribute to the build up of bad fats in your body. Being a vegetarian means you do need to make sure you get enough protein from other foods like nuts for example.

My two children chose to become vegetarian at quite a young age, similar to you and now they are both grown up and very healthy eaters, whereas my daughter used to be quite fussy.

Good luck!

Answer 8

They are probably worried that you are not going to have a balanced diet and cooking for a veggie can be awkward when the rest of the house wants meat. Maybe you could research it thoroughly ie tell them that instead of meat your protein could be beans, lentils and nuts etc and find some recipes. You could also help your mum cook. Maybe you could suggest that on Sat you are going to make the whole family veggie lasagna or something and wait for the reaction. Most parents like to have their meal cooked for them (I do) but its the mess after that's a bit of a disaster!

Answer 9

hmmmm you should try to get your point across to yor parents. I am 16 and parents may not realise but they don't see their kids point sometimes. (sorry to all parents out their lol no offence). My parents sometimes don't understand me and its so frustraiting when i am trying to make them understand and to see it from my point of view but they just don't and then they end up getting annoyed with me. It is your choice wether you want to be a vegeterian or not. If you don't like eating animals hun then don't. Everybody is different. Your parents might be able to controll you but they certainly shouldn't choose what eating type you are. sure they get the food in but you should choose what you would like to eat and they should support you if you wish to be a vegetarian or not. Whatever way. So yes definitely go by your beliefs. :) x

Answer 10

I can see why your parents are upset, and they're probably confused as to the reasons you've chosen to be vegetarian. Explain to them that you intend to eat healthily (I'm sure that's one of their main concerns) Make sure you get all your proteins - from beans and lentils and such. You're a growing girl and your body needs all the building blocks of protein it can get! So do your research and fire it straight back at them - show them you know what your body needs to be healthy and how you're going to replace the nutrients from meat.

Do not stop being vegetarian because it is an inconveniance to anyone. Your parents should understand why you don't want to eat animals - explain to them you don't think it's fair.

Good on you girl :-) Even cutting down on your meat consumption helps :-)