I came across this awesome woman Marie Forleo this morning. Her delivery style, her down to earth manner, her mantra, everything about her resonated with me. She's a business and life coach and the white bestfriend I never had. When you have 30 minutes PLEASE view her interview with Mastin Kipp, founder of TheDailyLove.Com. He gives the story of his amazing life thus far but midway through the interview he talks about a conversation he had with his Mom about his choices.
If your parents just don't understand, copy his response verbatim and have a heart to heart convo. with them. Even if their behavior never changes atleast you've expressed yourself clearly and can move on.