A family found themselves at odds over the dietary choices of a 12-year-old daughter who decided to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. What was initially met with support, escalated into tension and conflicts.
The Shift to Vegetarianism
About two weeks ago before her brother’s birthday, a 12-year-old girl declared her decision to become a vegetarian. The family initially supported and encouraged the young girl’s choice.
However, tensions began to surface as the girl started making critical remarks about her family’s meat consumption,
“You know that will just sit in your colon right?”
“It doesn’t make you THE murderer, but it def makes you the accomplice.”
Balancing Acts: Support & Discipline
The mother, while attempting to navigate the situation, faced challenges in balancing support for her daughter’s new lifestyle and maintaining familial harmony. The daughter’s comments necessitated intervention from the mother, who sought to address the behavior and maintain peace within the family.
A Birthday Dinner
The situation reached a boiling point during a family outing to celebrate the brother’s birthday at a restaurant. The daughter ordered a mushroom burger, described as “a hamburger with sauteed mushrooms on top with melted cheese. It’s definitely not a portobello patty”, with the reason “I’m taking a break since it’s a special occasion.”
This led to a confrontation between the mother and daughter. The mother cancels the order and tells her daughter:
“Look here missy, you have been nothing but a jerk these last few days with your passive-aggressive comments since going vegan, vegetarian, whatever! You either commit to it now or you get nothing at all.”
Silence at the Dinner Table
The confrontation resulted in distress for the family and overshadowed the celebratory dinner. The daughter just dropped her head on the table and cried the entire dinner. Not talking or responding whenever the mom tried to talk to her. And the husband just goes “way to go.”
Silence from the daughter ensues even after going home. She walks straight to her room and doesn’t say anything else.
Reflections & Accountability
Following the incident, the mother engaged in self-reflection, acknowledging the situation’s complexities and considering potential approaches to address her daughter’s behavior.
The incident highlighted the importance of effective communication, understanding individual choices, and fostering accountability within the family setting.
Behavioral Challenges & Therapeutic Considerations
The mother, acknowledging the complexities, expressed exhaustion with the girl’s behavior, which included emotional outbursts and avoidance of discussions about her actions.
“I support you going vegan and I’m sorry for what happened at your brother’s Birthday. But you saying mean things to us for eating meat, calling your brother a loser for eating a hot dog, and then turning around and ordering a burger in front of him is very hypocritical of you. I need you to understand that we have been very supportive these past few weeks and we don’t deserve that treatment. Ok?”
When her daughter just ignored her and kept watching the television, she added “Baby, I need to know if you’re understanding. I’m willing to help you out with this change, we can go shopping tomorrow morning for better options like salads and meat substitutes, but we are not going to put up with these comments anymore okay?”
At this point, the daughter bursts screaming:
“O MY GAWD I’M TRYING TO WATCH MY SHOW! CAN YOU UNDERSTAND THAT!?”
The mother, standing firm in addressing the issues, changed the Wi-Fi password, implemented grounding, and sought therapy, emphasizing the importance of addressing behavioral challenges and fostering a supportive and respectful family environment.
Challenges In Acceptance & Taste
Transitioning to a vegetarian or plant-based diet poses several challenges for individuals, particularly regarding acceptance and taste. Meat has been a significant part of human diets and holds cultural solid and gastronomic significance.
Many people find meat indispensable both culturally and nutritionally.
The taste of meat and meat-based products is a major driver for consumption, making it challenging for the food industry to match the flavor of meat alternatives. Consumers often find plant-based alternatives more convincing when they imitate processed meat products such as hamburgers, sausages, and nuggets rather than unprocessed meats like steak.
The texture of processed meats is easier to replicate, contributing to higher acceptance
Gradual Transition & Involvement
Transitioning children to a new eating pattern can be challenging, especially when they are accustomed to certain foods. A gradual approach, such as introducing one plant-based food or meal per week, can make the transition more manageable and enjoyable for both parents and children.
Inviting children to participate in meal preparation can give them a sense of autonomy and familiarity with plant-based foods, making them more likely to try new foods. Patience and support are key during this time, as children may resist fresh meals and need reassurance.
Behavioral Change Techniques
Behavioral change techniques aim to improve dietary intake and promote healthier eating habits, particularly among young adults. These interventions are diverse and can include educational programs, counseling, and digital health platforms.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has shown the effectiveness of various interventions and behavioral change techniques in improving dietary habits, making them a valuable resource for individuals transitioning to different dietary lifestyles, such as vegetarianism
Final Thoughts
The incident involving a family’s struggle with a child’s dietary choices offers a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of family relationships and individual autonomy.
It serves as a reminder of the significance of open dialogue, balanced parenting, and mutual respect in fostering a harmonious family environment.
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Sources
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7912826/
- vegankidsnutrition.com/blog/tips-to-transition-school-aged-children-to-vegan-diet
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6520715/
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this Reddit thread.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
