So your daughter comes home from school one day and says something like, "I am not eating that.
It has meat in it and I'm a vegetarian now.
" Internally you are concerned but you calmly initiate a discussion about this change in her behavior.
After finding out some of the information we discussed in Part One, you can try the following things.
First - You can tell her you need some time to think about this because it is such a surprise and you will get back to her in the next few days.
She may not like it but it buys you some time to think and talk to others about it if you are worried.
Second - If she identifies a peer who is also eating vegetarian you can contact her parent and discuss it with him or her.
Often girls have eating disorder "buddies" and they may encourage each other in negative ways.
Third - If you decide you are not comfortable with her eating plan; here are some responses you can give her: "Let's talk this over with your dad sometime this week.
Then he and I will make a decision.
" "We are concerned you won't get all the nutrition you need from eating vegetarian.
We can talk about it again when you are older and your body is through growing and developing.
" "Let's sit down and write the pros and cons to eating vegetarian and the pros and cons of eating like you do now.
" "I know you really want to do this but now is not the time.
When you are a young adult and not living with us any more you can try eating this way.
Until then you need to eat like the family eats.
" Any of these responses would be appropriate and I'm sure there are many more you can come up with.
These are to give you some ideas and a place to start.
Please note - It is not controlling to make this decision for your child.
Especially if she is showing signs of other eating disordered behaviors.
If she develops a full-blown eating disorder you will have to take much more control later and it will be much more difficult.