A Nintendo 3DS is a great purchase for anyone who wants to be able to play games on the go. Not only can you play games with 3-D effects on the Nintendo 3DS; but you also can access the Internet or stream videos from your device wherever there is wireless Internet access. Unfortunately, your parents may not be as enthusiastic as you are about your new gaming system. If you are worried that your parents may not want to buy you the 3DS, choose a time to sit down and talk with them. Tell them why you want the 3DS, and compromise if necessary so that everyone ends up happy!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Bringing up the Topic of the Nintendo 3DS

  1. If you are worried that your parents won’t take your request for the 3DS seriously, convince them by sitting them down and showing them that you are serious about your desire for the game. Prearranging a time to talk will show your parents that you want the gaming system and aren’t just asking them on a whim.
    • Say something like, “Mom, Dad, there’s something I want to ask you guys. Are you free anytime today so we can talk about it?”
  2. After you and your parents have sat down, tell them that you want the 3DS. Since your parents may not know what this is, tell them about the gaming system. List what you would use it for and even show them a picture of one online.
    • Say something like, “I wanted to talk to you because I was wondering if I could get a Nintendo 3DS. A 3DS is a small, portable gaming console. I would play games like Pokemon and The Legend of Zelda on it.”
    • If your parents aren’t up to date with current technology, it’s a good idea to give them some idea of what the device is and how you will use it. This makes it seem more familiar and may make them more willing to get it for you.
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  3. Above all, your parents want you to be happy and healthy. If you can convince them that the console will add to your happiness, you’re on the way to convincing them to get it for you. Emphasize how this game is not just a fad or a whim, but something that you’ve wanted for a while and will get a lot of use out of in the years to come. [1]
    • Say something like, “Playing the 3DS is so much fun. My friend Claire let me play hers and ever since then, I’ve been wanting to get one of my own. It’s a great way to pass the time on long car rides or when you’re at the doctor’s office.”
  4. You may also be socially motivated to get the 3DS. Maybe all your friends have it, and you feel left out as the only one who doesn’t. Explain to your parents that not only are you missing out on the fun, but not having the game is also difficult for you socially.
    • Say something like, “It’s been hard hanging out with Bobby and Lawrence and my other friends since they all have the 3DS and I don’t. I think getting one will make things a lot easier for me socially.”
    • Your parents don’t want to be in the way of your social life. Try to explain to them why buying you one would positively affect your social life.
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Method 2
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Anticipating Concerns About the 3DS

  1. After you have introduced the idea of the 3DS and laid out your reasons for wanting it, ask your parents if they have any questions or concerns about it. Since you are asking your parents to buy the game, it’s important to have a two-sided conversation so you can hear your parents’ concerns and respond to them directly.
    • You can say something like, “I was wondering what you both thought about me getting the 3DS.”
  2. One concern your parents may have is the price of the gaming console. If your parents seem concerned, let them know the price, which is $100-200 depending on the model. Also, tell them how much the games cost that you want to play on the 3DS.
    • If your parents didn’t know what the 3DS was, they may have expected that it was much more expensive. Putting the price on the table is an important part of asking for the game, regardless of whether the cost is something they were worried about.
  3. Many parents worry that games are a bad influence on children and make them desensitized to violence. Explain to your parents the most popular games on the 3DS are not violent because the device is marketed toward younger people. This should make them feel better about the content that you will be exposed to by having the console. [2]
  4. Your parents may be worried that you will use all your time to play games and will lose focus on your schoolwork. Let them know that this is not true, and promise that you will keep your focus on your school, extracurricular activities and anything else they may feel is essential to your education and well-being,
  5. If you have brothers or sisters, your parents may worry that they will be jealous of your new 3DS. If this is a concern, let your parents know that you are willing to share the console with your siblings, as long as they don’t delete your game.
  6. Your parents will want to have some control over your gaming habits. They want to know that if they need you to do something like set the table or do your chores, you will listen to them and get off the game. [3]
    • Tell your parents that you understand the fact that they want some say in your gaming, and assure them that you will respect their authority if they ever need you to stop playing for any reason.
    • Talking about your parents’ role in your game-playing habits sets the stage for compromising with your parents, which you will need to do if they aren’t completely convinced that you should get the console.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Compromising With Your Parents

  1. If money is the primary concern, offer to pay for part of the 3DS. You can do this by saving up your allowance, holding an event like a garage sale or bake sale, or saving up money from work if you’re old enough to get a job. Pitching in for the 3DS will take some of the financial burden off your parents and also show that you are serious about getting the game.
    • You can also offer to buy a used console and games to save money. [4]
  2. If your parents agree to buy you the 3DS, they may want good behavior in return. Keep up your grades, help them around the house, and try not to complain too much about doing your chores. This compromise will make everyone happy. [5]
    • If you want to take it a step further, you can even write down all the chores you are willing to do in exchange for the 3DS. You can ask your parents if there is anything that they would like to add.
  3. Your parents may want more control of the content that you will be able to access through your Nintendo 3DS. If this is pivotal in your parents’ decision, tell them about the parental controls that they can set up for you. [6]
    • These controls monitor what games you can play based on ratings and also can control your Internet usage.
    • You can also just agree to play whichever games your parents think are suitable for someone of your age.
  4. If your parents are primarily concerned about the amount of time you will spend playing the 3DS, suggest that you could play on a schedule. This would give your parents some control over how you use your device and how you spend your time in general. [7]
    • For instance, you could agree to only play the 3DS on weekends, or only after you have done all of your homework for the day.
  5. If your parents don’t often make extravagant purchases, suggest that they could give you the 3DS as a birthday or Christmas present. This makes money less of an issue and gives them some time to warm up to the idea of the console.
    • Since special occasions like Christmas, Hannukah, or your birthday are some of the only times that you receive gifts, they may be more willing to give you something that you want, even if they have their reservations about it.
  6. If your parents still refuse to get you the game no matter what compromises you suggest, don’t fight with them or sulk. Try to bear your disappointment with dignity. You never know, your parents may just need some time to warm up to the idea of getting the 3DS. If you act rude or angry, they are likely to not change their minds about getting you the console. [8]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I have the money but I'm not sure what is the best time to ask
    Community Answer
    Approach your parents at a time that they aren't busy. Ask if they have time to talk, or if you all can talk later. If you catch your parents in a rush or in a bad mood they will be more likely to say no.
  • Question
    What if nothing works? Just like it just did to me.
    Community Answer
    If nothing works, don't sulk or lose your temper. Bring the subject back up in a couple months and see if your parents have shifted their thinking. The fact that you are persistent about your interest in the 3DS may show your parents that it's something that you really want.
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      Tips

      • Familiarize your parents as much as you can with the Nintendo 3DS. You can even borrow a friend’s to show them what it looks like and how you play.
      • Present your reasons for wanting the 3DS in a well-thought-out way. The more serious your parents see that you are about the console, the more thought they will put into buying you one.
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