Meat-Eating Parents Learn to Cope with Their Vegetarian Children?

Question

USA, January 26, 2006: Cathie and Harold Winters like a good steak. "We're a meat eating family," Cathie said. But their 12-year-old son Dean is not interested. When mom and dad eat steak, he has a protein substitute. Dean has been a vegetarian since he was in first grade. "I love animals a whole lot, and I really don't care for meat that much," said the then 6-year-old Dean. The Winters, like many parents of vegetarian kids, worried at first that their son wouldn't get enough nutrients without that piece of meat on his plate. "At first, I kind of fought it and tried to get him to eat meat. But he was pretty solid about his convictions," said Dean's father Harold. According to the American Dietetic Association, vegetarian kids can be just as healthy as other children. "There is no need for concern. People can be very healthy eating a vegetarian lifestyle," said registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner, Having a vegetarian kid can be an adjustment, but Cathie says with all the protein substitutes out there, it's not that hard. As for Dean, "I really don't feel like I'm missing out on anything," admitted Dean. The ADA says the number of kids who are choosing vegetarianism is growing and many children may experiment with a partial vegetarian diet.

Answer 1

These parents are to be commended in respecting their son's vegetarian lifestyle and encouraging healthy eating.

Answer 2

I have a daughter, nearly 17 who decided about 10 years ago that she was going to be vegetarian. Basically, she loved (still does) animals and can't bear to eat a "dead animal"
She doesn't miss out on anything.
If I make spag bol/chilli/ I just make a separate smaller meal in another pan using veggie-mince.
I buy various meat-substitute items which she has in place of our meat, she eats the same carb/veg as us.
No problem.
She's fit and healthy.

Answer 3

I love the fact that those parents have accepted and respect their son's choice. They could learn a thing or two from him, even having one or two "vegetarian days" a week could have a wonderful positive impact on their health....and the world around them!

Answer 4

Great article until the end. There is no such thing as a partial vegetarian diet! Articles like this are what coin the term "semi-vegetarian and the such.

Answer 5

my wife and eldewst daughter are vegetarian. myself and youngest daughter are meatys... my wife used to love a rare steak... and i still do! but for over 20 years shes not eaten meat, and our diet has adjusted accordingly.

my wife eats like a horse...(shes always grazing) and shes a size12... my weight has dropped from 16 stone (when we met) to a healthier 12 stone)

veggie food isnt all bean curd and tofu sproutings...all you need is some imagination.... and as a result, i eat less meat, and i feel a whole lot better for it.

Answer 6

I think it's wonderful that the parents have respected and coped with their son's vegetarian preferences.

Answer 7

Also vegetarian or vegan kids actually grow up to have higher IQs than meat-eating kids.

Answer 8

just let him be a vegetarian...
you can lead a horse to a lake but you cant make it drink.
its his choice. and he would be more energetic and healthy eating all those vegies... just let him be.

Answer 9

Good parents. Genius kid.

Answer 10

then shudn't fast food chains like mcdonald's and burger king adopt into putting cod burgers, plaice burgers instead of just plain fish burgers and a massive range of patty burgers? its just to be fair that vegetarians get just the same choices in their menus!
but yea...parents should understand that kids who choose to be vegetarians is the kid's choice...