Educating your kids about food—and the choices they have about the foods they eat—is an important part of raising healthy kids. If your household enjoys meat-based meals, you could be surprised when your teenager announces they want to go vegan, which could lead to feelings of confusion and frustration.
Like many parents who consume meat, you could be worried about your kids getting adequate nutrition. You may also fear the chaos that their choice could have on your weekly meal planning, and that they will face difficulties finding something to eat in social settings.
But before you decide it’s just a phase and brush it off—or tell them they can’t do it—it’s worth having a conversation with your teen about why they want to make the commitment to going vegan. Here are some pointers to spark an open and ongoing discussion.
Consider the Context When Your Teen Brings It Up
Whether the topic comes up as an offhand comment, at the dinner table or in a sit-down conversation requested by your child, it’s best to be honest and truthful about the reasons your family isn’t vegan, taking your child’s personality, maturity level and sensitivity in mind. Sugarcoating the ethical reasons people go vegan could make them resentful later on, and belittling vegans in favor of a meat-centric lifestyle could fuel their desire to go vegan.
A good response no matter where the topic comes up: Show your support by applauding the health benefits of eating less meat, then suggest small ways to empower their decision—such as buying plant-based milk or cooking two meat-free meals a week, for example.
Suggest Visiting an Animal Sanctuary
If you’re not vegan yourself—or can’t come up with a way to say you support your child’s decision on the spot—a field trip to an animal sanctuary could remind you both that even partial veganism helps animals (and the planet). For example, though strict vegans don’t purchase clothing, cosmetics or any products made from animals, meeting animals raised in a happy, healthy, cruelty-free environment can shift your own values.
Highlight the Nutritional Benefits AND Your Concerns
Vegetarian and vegan diets can provide many health benefits to your child that carry over into adulthood, such as a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. However, only 22 percent of parents think a vegan diet is healthy for children. Some concerns include the fear that they will not get enough protein or important vitamins and minerals, such as B12, D and iron.
Applaud your child’s interest in taking care of their physical well-being, then offer to help navigate tricky dietary situations, such as not eating enough when at college or out with friends, or finding plant-based swaps for their favorite meats.
Be Open-Minded About How it Impacts your Relationship
For parents who grew up in a different time and environment, considering the ethical reasons for going vegan can seem like an inconvenience, and it’s easy to think your child is being selfish by asking you to rethink your family’s meal plan.
However, cooking veggie-based meals can be less expensive than meat and making creative swaps to create a meat free lunch can be flavorful and fun. Committing to reading websites together that support a vegan lifestyle can be a way of bonding with your teen and can keep you on the same page as their lifestyle decision continues to evolve.
