Q: My partner is a committed vegetarian while I am a meat eater. Normally this is of no consequence, but we are arguing over whether or not our son should be veggie. I want him to have a 'normal' diet but my partner says it's bad for him. What do I do?

A: Obviously this is a big decision to make and many factors need to be taken into consideration. Additionally, while his decision is of great importance, it is probably not worth arguing over!

In terms of health, it is probably fair to say that your husband is incorrect in saying that meat is bad for your son – good quality cuts of meat are a good supply of nutrition.

Equally, a vegetarian diet can be just as nutritious as long as it is well balanced and includes plenty of variety. Pulses and plenty of leafy green vegetables are known to provide the same nutrition that meat offers.

Rather than disagreeing, you need to find a compromise. Perhaps you could agree to offer your son a range of both meat and vegetarian dishes? Or, if your husband is vehemently opposed to consuming meat, perhaps you could agree to feed your son vegetarian foods only when you husband is on lunch or dinner duties?

Alternatively, perhaps - for the sake of harmony - you could both consider a diet comprising fish rather than meat. Many people now choose to remove red meats only from their diet, thanks to the excellent health benefits that fish provides.

You also need to look ahead into the future and decide how you may react if and when your son chooses to be either a vegetarian or a full meat eater – are you both prepared to support your son in his own choice when the time comes?

In the absence of agreeing one way or another, a sensible compromise really is the only realistic way forward. It is important to discuss this though in great depth and both keep in mind that you son's wellbeing comes first and that disagreeing parents are not going to contribute towards this!

So, for all of your sakes, sit down over a cup of tea and make a plan of action that you are both comfortable with and committed to.

Did you bring your child up to be a vegetarian?