how to convice my mum about my diet choices?

Question

I'm 13 and resently i have become aware of all the animal crulety in the world and feel strongly about it and have wanted to become vegetarian (but still eat dairy because we already get the veggie stuff) but she says i dont eat propoly (wich i dont really) but latly i have been eating much better and she says when i leave the house i can do what ever i want to my body and she told my dad and they were both laughing

Answer 1

Don't let your parents put you off becoming a vegetarian if you really, really want to do it. Just make sure you do your research first. Have a really good read through the Vegetarian Society website (link below), and if possible get your parents to look at it too. It's a mine of information and it may get across your message in a slightly more informative and mature way, that your parents will understand.
Whatever happens, stick to your guns. Make sure that your parents realise that this isn't a fad that you're going to change your mind about in a week's time. Tell your parents exactly how you feel about animal cruelty, how you found about it, how disgusted it makes you feel and how you do not wish to personally contribute to the meat/fish industry. Perhaps ask them to let you do it for a month and see how easy it is to make vegetarian meals for you, even if they don't want to join you. Again, carefully read the info on vegetarian nutrition on the website, as you don't want them to be accusing you of not getting enough protein, vit B etc etc due to your diet. It will take a little extra planning of your meals, but if your parents respect your opinion at all, they will help you do this.
I wish you all the best.

Answer 2

I am a total vegan, sweetheart, and I have to say that while I commend what you are trying to do, I would suggest that unless you had been bought up like this since you were child, I wouldn't start right now. I know its probably not what you want to hear, but let me explain:

I have seen children I was at school with become vegetarian, and one of them had the experience of buying something she thought was ok, until I pointed out it had animal fat in it, at which point she went ballistic, threw it away (and hit a teacher) and ran off screaming that she had violated her body. She didn't eat for 6 days after that, and wound up passing out through lack of food.

That's not the kind of thing I want to see people of your age go through, so I would recommend that if this is the decision you really want to make and I know for a fact that what I say is probably not going to come close to stopping you, go and speak to your GP / MD and let him advise you on the best foods to eat so you don't miss chemicals and stuff out of your body, for example, you will need replacements for some of the Amino acids, such as L-Taurine, Guanine, etc... Replacements for Iron as well, and some of the other things your body need can only be provided by meat or in artificial form.

I wish you every success with whatever you do decide to do, but seek advice first, seriously. I have been vegan since birth, so I have grown up sharing my parents ethical beliefs and values, and wouldn't change now. You might have to fight uphill with your olds. Best of luck and take care.

Answer 3

Well technically your still a child in their home even though you may not consider yourself one. I know you think your not and you are making a valid point regarding animal cruelty. If you are serious about becoming a vegetarian you should read up on it and make sure you are eating all the 'right' foods. From all the right food groups things that you do like. Stick to your guns they will respect you and the laughing will stop. I wish you luck.

Answer 4

stick it out hun.
i know how you feel.
my parents did they same thing when i told them i was vegetarian.
just make sure to get all your proteins and what not.
rice and beans are the best way to get your 9 essential amino acids :]
tofu is preety good too :]

and take a multi vitamin once in a whlie.
once you show your parents your serious and you can do it while staying healthy, they wont bother you anymore.
good luck chick :]

Answer 5

aww....do lots of research because it IS hard to get the proper nutrients on a vegetarian diet...but it is also very possible. Once you show her that you know your stuff and that you plan to eat "properly" and in accordance with your moral beliefs, she should come around.

Answer 6

youre too young to decide this now. just listen to mom and dad and when you reach the age of majority, decide if thats really what u wanna do

Answer 7

remember.. listen to your mum carefully she will never want any thing wrong to you.besides
your mother know you since ;before you were even boorn.
so you can not hide to your mum..........

Answer 8

i'm 14 and still trying.
good luck.

Answer 9

don't cry!