Dear Claire, 

Sometimes we may find it easier to begin to speak about these things with a friend rather than our parents, but I dont think you should keep it a secret from them, especially if you are seriously considering the vocation. Sometimes we feel just plain awkward about it, or are unsure of their reaction, or dont want to speak about it until we are a little more sure, so talking with a friend can help us understand what is going on in our own mind, and can be helpful to open up later with our parents. Of course, if the person you are speaking with is your spiritual director, teacher or counselor, it would be OK to float some things by them, as a preliminary, but you should always be thinking in terms of speaking to your parents about it as soon as you are ready.

God bless.