If your tween suddenly decides that he wants to be a vegetarian, there are few things you need to know. You can support his decision, but also need to stay informed.
Tweens a lot of times tend to do things based on what their peers are doing. That is no surprise to parents. How many times have you heard something like, "Well, Billy gets to stay up until 10:00 at night," when you stand firm on a 9:00 p.m. bedtime? So, when your pre-teen comes home one day and suddenly wants to be a vegetarian, it shouldn't come as a surprise either. In fact, being a vegetarian is a very popular expression of independence in this age group these days.
Whether you plan to support his decision is a family matter. But, if you do want to let him try it out, here are some things that you should know about being a vegetarian, especially where it concerns your tweens growing body and nutritional health.
Short-lived. Keep in mind that your child's decision to become a vegetarian may just be a simple fad that will pass. Unless your child is raised in a vegetarian home, chances are he is just trying out his independence, and will lose interest.
Tolerate. When your child starts out this vegetarian journey, be mindful that he will probably be nervous about comments he will receive from the family. It is best to encourage other family members to support his decision and not tease him about trying something new.
No offense. You may cook a favorite family meal one day, and your child may pass on it. Don't let this bother you. He is not doing this to annoy you. He is actually showing a great characteristic of being steadfast in his decision to be a vegetarian. To see that he can pass on something he used to love because he feels secure in his decision is a great attribute.
Health. Being a vegetarian can actually be quite a healthy lifestyle. Eating more fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure that your child is getting the necessary vitamins that he needs to stay healthy. If you are concerned about whether or not your child is lacking essential minerals, make sure you are giving him a multivitamin every morning, and possibly one rich in calcium and iron. Also, be aware of the junk food binges. Make sure that if your child is skipping the burgers, that he is not just living off of the French fries. Of course, you can always consult your pediatrician for advice in this area. Here are some super easy vegetarian recipes that kids can make themselves. They are packed with vitamins and minerals.
Sanity. Preparing two kinds of meals every night can be hard. Here are ways to overcome this dilemma:
- Have your child plan his menu on a weekly basis. Check behind him to make sure it is nutritious enough.
- Tell your child that he needs to help you in the kitchen when preparing dinner.
- Make good use of the vegetables that you are buying for your child. For instance, if he is having a salad for dinner, make enough for the whole family to accompany the spaghetti dinner you are preparing.
Enjoy. Take pride in the fact that your child is willing to try something new. As stated above, this may not last very long, but it does mean that he may be willing to try other new things in the future as well. It shows signs of being assertive and able to stand by a decision. He's not ready to leave the nest yet, but it is another step forward in his flight to total independence.
