Can my parents face legal issues for making me buy my own food at age 11?

Question

When I was 11, my parents made me use my chore and babysitting money to buy my own food for 3-4 months as punishment for not eating the meals they prepared, like fish or chicken and rice. As a result, I often had to pay friends for their food or wait until I had more money. This led to undereating and nervously skipping meals even now at age 16, fearing that I might have to pay for my own food again without having any income. I've discussed this with therapists and at a mental health hospital recently. Can my parents get into legal trouble for this past situation?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

What your parents did could potentially be considered neglect, depending on the circumstances and the laws in your state. At the age of 11, children typically depend on their parents for basic needs like food, and it’s generally expected that parents provide meals without making the child financially responsible for them. By making you buy your own food, your parents may have failed in their duty to ensure your well-being and health. 
 
However, whether they can face legal trouble for this situation depends on several factors, including the severity of the situation, the long-term effects on you, and whether it was reported to authorities at the time. Since you mentioned that you’ve sought help from therapists and discussed these concerns in a mental health setting, they may be able to guide you on whether legal action is warranted, especially if the situation caused lasting emotional or psychological harm. 
 
If this has impacted your mental health and well-being, it might be helpful to explore options for addressing the emotional effects with the support of a counselor or mental health professional. In some cases, this could involve family therapy or seeking legal advice if you feel that what happened was abusive or harmful in a more serious way.

Q: Can my parents face legal issues for making me buy my own food at age 11?