OP’s two kids, a 16-year-old son, and a 14-year-old daughter, chose to go vegan last year. OP supports their daughter’s decision and gives her cash to buy vegan food, which she cooks herself. However, the son mocks his sister over her decision to go vegan, and OP has repeatedly punished him for bullying without any success. Recently, the son pretended to toss all of the daughter’s vegan food away, causing OP’s daughter to cry.
Let’s Go Vegan for 30 Days as Punishment
OP’s wife suggested that the family goes vegan for the next 30 days as a way to teach the son a lesson. OP agreed and informed the son that they would only be eating vegan food for the next month, and if he wanted anything else, he would have to pay for it himself.
It’s Abusive
However, this decision has caused OP’s parents and other family members to accuse OP of being abusive. OP doesn’t care about their opinion and says that his son brought this upon himself.
They’ve Been Vegan for 5 Days – The Son Is Unhappy!
The family has been vegan for the past five days, and the son is unhappy. However, he still has food to eat and can use his pocket money to buy meat if he wants.
Online User Hopes Someone Doesn’t Call Child Protective Services
Online users have come together to be in support of the OP’s decision generally. However, there might be some other unintended consequences they should be careful of.
“I was ready to tell you Y-T-A because using food to punish kids is generally a bad idea.”
I’m Laughing at You!
“But NTA for deciding the entire family could be vegan for a month. I shouldn’t be laughing, but I am.”
“I sincerely hope your parents or some school employee doesn’t call child protective services.”
It’s a Very Measured Approach
Although most commenters in the thread believe OP is taking a very measured approach, they believe there might be some repercussions that have not been considered.
But There May Be Trouble Ahead
If her family is beginning to step in to suggest that OP is not treating her son well, there may be trouble.
Particularly people who do not understand veganism might feel like OP is being cruel to their son. This might cause a less rational family member to call social services to review whether OP is a safe parent to their children.
It’s in No Way Cruelty
Even though their decision is in no way cruel, it would still be a devastating upheaval to have to deal with the authorities over their vegan month.
Online Users Are Sceptical That The Son Can Think He’s Badly Treated
There are some more passionate commenters in the thread. In this instance, they are incredulous that the son could have any reason to think they are not well-treated by OP.
There’s Nothing Remotely Abusive About This
“This kid has nutritious food, plenty of food, and it’s freaking home-cooked food, too. There is nothing remotely abusive about this. Would it be a pain for the parents, absolutely. But it’s not a threat to their parental rights.”
There’s Nothing Remotely Dangerous About a Vegan Diet
It is a clear comment highlighting that OP is providing home-cooked food and plenty of it for both of her children. There is nothing remotely dangerous about a vegan diet, particularly when it will only be for 1 month.
There’s a Risk of an Irrational Outsider Reporting It
Of course, as many in the comments are well aware, these actions are in no way harmful and, therefore, not an issue in terms of parental rights. Although there is a risk of an irrational outsider reporting this, it is highly unlikely to cause any real concern for the OP.
It’s More of a Learning Opportunity Than Punishment
Many believe that this is the fairest possible approach by the OP.
“This is honestly more of a learning opportunity than a punishment. And it’s definitely not abusive. He’s only being limited to vegan-only foods that you buy for home. He can buy/cook his own food for home and eat what he wants anywhere else. Maybe now he’ll learn to stop being terrible to his sister”
It’s a Wise and Measured Parental Reaction
As the commenter notes, it is a finite period of a different diet for one month of their lives. The son is free to eat whatever he likes outside of the diet, he simply needs to purchase and cook it himself. This works for everyone involved and ultimately is considered a wise and measured parental reaction.
HIS HOA DEMANDS THE REMOVAL OF SECURITY CAMERAS: THEIR OVERSIGHT TRIGGERS A LEGAL BACKLASH, ENTRAPPING THEM IN A RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE LOOPHOLE!
A couple bought surveillance cameras to monitor their property, which inadvertently waged a costly war with their HOA.
She Demands Her Brother Share His Daughter’s Inheritance With Her Stepdaughter – Who Wasn’t Bequeathed Anything!
When it comes to family dynamics, few things can stir up emotions, quite like inheritance disputes. A contentious situation has emerged in an unfolding saga that tests the bonds of blood and challenges the concept of fairness. At the center of this narrative stands a sister who adamantly demands her brother to share his daughter’s inheritance with her stepdaughter, who, to her dismay, was not bequeathed anything.
HE ISSUES AN ULTIMATUM: IN-LAWS MUST VACATE OR HIS DAUGHTER’S DOOR REMAINS LOCKED IN A HEART-WRENCHING POWER STRUGGLE
OP’s brother-in-law, Sammy, moved in with his twin daughters, Olivia and Sloane, after losing his home due to a divorce. OP’s daughter, Zoey, is 16 years old and gets along fine with her cousins, but they do not respect her privacy.