This is the first question on here in a long time that I have viewed as truly original! +5! I think that in terms of how to tell them it very much depends on how deeply religious they are - it will be far easier if they can understand the importance of your beliefs. I am not religious so can only view it as a bit like telling them you are enlisting in the armed forces - not just a career but a wholly inclusive lifestyle which will take you away from them for periods of time. In that situation I would always ask whether it is something that you have always wanted to do or whether it will come as a sudden shock to them.... You'll need to show them that you have thought about it seriously, that you understand what it entails and that you have considered how it will affect your life longterm. The more you can demonstrate that you have thought it through the more ready you will be to deal with any objections that they raise. At the end of the day if it is truly what you want, and you are of legal age to do it, you can only ask for their blessing. Should they refuse, you should still follow your destiny and do what you believe is right for you. Good luck!

Just tell them. They don't have a right to control your religion.

I don't know you or your parents. If you are a serious minded responsible person, you will figure it out. If not, you will be ignored and your whim will fade.

Tell them your intrested, if you are an only child you may have to concoun them like giving them facts about the nuns life, and if you worked in an orphanage.The children you would take care of would be their grandchildren. Consider living in a couple diffrent types of convents for a day, or shadow a benitict nun (They don't wear habits) and serously think, do you want to give up children and love. THat is what pervented me, when I was thinking about it.

Be honest and firm but respectful. Ask them to support you and pray for you as you follow God's call. God bless. With love in Christ.

I have just said a prayer for you to guide you where God needs you. I would think that your parents might suspect that you are leaning towards the religious life and you might talk with them about the different orders and which you are most interested. I wanted to be a Carmelite nun through 8th grade. +4

That would depend on their views on religion, and also on your own age. Of course it's not a decision to be taken lightly. They'll probably be at least a bit surprised, and maybe also a bit disappointed - all parents I know have dreams of watching their children grow up, get married and have a family. I don't think many parents dream of their children being nuns or monks. They'll get over it though if they see it's really what you want. -- your friendly neighbourhood atheist :)

Mom...dad...I've completely lost my marbles and decided I'm never going to get none so I've decided to become a nun. I had my chastity belt...err tire ring welded on me so if I ever change my mind you'll have to take me to a machine shop so i can get laid. Don't ever ask me to smile again because it's against my religion and just call me sister sour puss from now on.. OK?