Grew up small town, didn't know vegetarians existed. Lots of time around farms and animals. Around age 13, decided I didn't like the idea of eating them. Zero support or understanding, and pre-internet, so no source of info for me. Struggled with it till I left for University. Friend's mom will be an influence even if not trying to be. Shrug. Teach her that veg means vegetables and lots of them! Give her ALL the info she needs (both sides, neutrally if you can) to make her own choice.

9 months ago • Like • 2 people

14 years old, the concept of eating dead animals was yuck. However, I eat fish or seafood that DOesnt look like a dead animal. Heads, eyes, bones, bleck. Yuck.

9 months ago • Like • 2 people

I became a veg in college though I dabbled with it before then. My parents weren't too supportive at first, but once I moved out, I was more in control of my food. They're totally fine with it now, though I make more dinners when I'm visiting them. I was a bad veggie at first -- lots of pasta and not much else (and I gained the weight to prove it). My wife became a vegetarian when she was in vet school and they visited a slaughter house.

9 months ago • Like • 3 people

I went meat-free 14 years ago. I was an adult and made the choice on my own. There were some discussions with friends and reading but it was my choice in the end. She better learn to like and eat her veggies! :D I think introducing one meatless day a week is a good way to start rather than going cold turkey. http://www.meatlessmonday.com/ There is a link on this page for kids cooking, easy meals for them to make with adult supervision, some meatless - some not. Did you ask her what sparked this idea?

9 months ago • Like • 2 people

Ran out of room -- all of that being said -- I think that local, small farm raised meat is the best option. You know where it is coming from, you know how the animals were treated, and you can talk to the farmers. If I hadn't been a veggie for almost 10 years now, I would probably go that route. It is why I'm not vegan -- getting good, raw, local dairy is better for the environment than super processed soy products. I agree with Chanie, give her all sides and let her decide.

9 months ago • Like • 2 people

Thanks Girls, I was discussing it with my wife and we'll have a chat with her about it, she still loves eating fish, that's one thing that hasn't changed , yet!

9 months ago • Like • 3 people

And, yes -- Sarah is right -- talk to her about why she wants to do this. Animal rights vs. health vs. environmental implications. I initially became a veg for animal rights, but the more I learn, the more I'm leaning towards not supporting the environmental disaster that is the meat industry. OK -- I'm done pontificating for the day. :) Feel free to send me a message if you have other questions -- I've done a lot of research on these things over the years.

9 months ago • Like • 2 people

Hey Jessie, been missing you! You been writing?

9 months ago • Like

We have asked her what has brought the change about and if her friend and her mother has anything to do with the change but she just says she has just gone off meat and no one has has influenced her, but knowing her friends mother she is an out spoken very forward woman (German) and voices her opinion on everything quite clearly so everyone knows

9 months ago • Like • 1 person

I'm new to the vegetarian/vegan world, just having passed one month of it a few days ago. I switched mainly to put better food into my body. I'll be the first to admit that while I'm eating vegan, I'm not eating the best vegan foods yet, but I had to start somewhere. I wasn't influenced by others as I've thought about it on and off for years, but I've certainly been helped (a lot) by Tracy and Heidi once I decided to try it.

9 months ago • Like • 1 person

Ah, well she IS ten... lots of growing to do yet. If she's really committed, if she truly just cannot stomach meat anymore, I say go with it or risk early resentful meaningless rebellion. I've never preached - my husband's a meat loving omnivore and we get on great. But a full on 100% test run (whole family) would show her what it's like. If it's not actually heartfelt, you'll find out fast. And if it is, then bonus points for being amazing supportive parents. Mediterranean diet's pretty great anyway!

9 months ago • Like • 1 person

My daughter is doing the same, James. She's 11. She started picturing the chicken or fish or whatever as a living thing and couldn't get past it. She's not gone completely meatless but mostly. No pork whatsoever, though, she even gave up pepperoni which she previously loved. I don't cook a lot of meat, never have, but yes, you've got to do the veggies for sure. I've never had a problem with that with my kids though. For me it's mostly about using meat that not been messed with (hormones, antibiotics) ..

9 months ago • Like • 1 person

(Ran out of room) And nothing that is killed cruelly or kept cruelly (small pens, etc). I like to use bison, for example, if I need red meat as I know by gov't law you can' use hormones or antibiotics on bison and I know it's humanely treated. I don't know if I"ve helped any, but thought I'd share about my daughter. Maybe it's an age thing? I do have a neice in college who went total vegetarian and it's because of things she's seen how animals are treated in the food industry.

9 months ago • Like • 1 person

@Elysia it must be an age thing, the funny thing is we're not big on red meat in our family mostly chicken, turkey and sea food, I do have the occasional steak but thats only once in a while, Sophie has also gone of pork and used to love a pepperoni pizza, she wont touch that now either

9 months ago • Like

Have you asked her what her motivations are? At 10 she is old enough for a mature discussion on decisions and choices. If from that talk it is evident that her friends mum is having a more than expected influence then a talk with your daughter acknowledging and normalising differing opinions and a chat to her friends mum about appropriate influence may be necessary. Good luck and PM me if you would like UK links to help you understand it from adolescent nutritional perspective.

9 months ago • Like • 1 person

Yep -- writing away, but I'm about to run/yoga this afternoon, so be on the lookout. @James, it was really hard for my mom to see me refusing foods I used to love. Don't get me wrong, I still love the way they taste, I just don't love what it takes to get them on my plate. I think Chanie, again, has a good idea of having the whole family try it for a week to see if she really wants to do it. Creative cooking = fun! :D

9 months ago • Like • 1 person

Wow, you have already received some great responses. I'll just add that if this is what she really wants to do, then perhaps she would need a discussion about how to take some added responsibility for her meals (in an age-appropriate manner). Vegetarian does not mean "just eating veggies"....you need tofu and lots of beans + rice! All the best with that....tough being a parent!

9 months ago • Like • 1 person

I have been vegetarian strict and not so much for years. Never liked the taste of meat much so didn't eat a lot of it as a kid and would eat other things. That being said I was/still am a sugar addict, trying to kick it for good. So you can be vegetarian and eat not so healthy foods. Really any processed foods are bad even the tofukary and fake meats that are out there. I think it is okay for transitioning but really better without those. Since she is 10 and if this is a friends mother influencing her it

9 months ago • Like • 1 person

may not last, as the friendship may not last etc. Girls are like that sorry to say. And the dietary change may be more of a passing thing. That said it may come back later for her but then would be more her decision. I think good discussion with her like others said is good. Try to support her so she gets the right foods if you can, and work with her. If you fight it she will try it possibly in an unhealthy way.

9 months ago • Like • 1 person