Download Article
This is a thorough guide to getting your parents to give you what you want
Download Article
There's nothing more frustrating than a parent saying “no” to something you really want, whether it's a dog, a new phone, or a later curfew/bedtime. You won’t always be able to persuade your parents to see things your way, but there are a lot of simple things you can do to help you convince your parents to give you what you want! Keep on reading: we’ve compiled a list of tricks and hacks to help you persuade your parents to let you do anything—well, almost anything.
Things You Should Know
- Be informed about what you're asking for so that when you present your case to your parents, you know exactly what to say and can argue confidently and calmly.
- Show your parents you're responsible in other areas of your life to convince them to give you what you want.
- Come up with compromises to help convince your parents to say yes. Work out an agreement that will make both of you happy.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Reader Videos
Tips
- You might end up having to scale back a bit. If you want a dog and they say no, keep your cool and think a little smaller. They might not let you have a German Shepherd, but they may be receptive to a goldfish or a hamster—something tiny and easy to take care of. Who knows? You may even be happier with your fishy friend anyway. And if you take good care of that fish, it just may show them you’re ready for a dog after all. [14] X Trustworthy Source Simply Psychology Popular site for evidence-based psychology information Go to sourceThanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Before talking to your parents, make a list of the reasons they may say no and come up with a counterargument for each one. For example, counter "we don't want to pay for dog food" with "I'll start babysitting and save up my money to buy pet food."
- Remember that when you grow up, you can do whatever you want! Parents can't always say yes to what you want, even if you don't understanding their reasoning at the time. Before you know it, you won't have to ask for their permission anymore.
- Make a PowerPoint or presentation for your parents. Include relevant information on each slide to show you've done your research and are taking this decision seriously.
- Asking over and over again can frustrate parents and make them more likely to say no. It can make you seem childish and unable to maturely handle their decision.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about family life, check out our in-depth interview with Stephanie Anders .
References
- ↑ https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/jenniferlerner/files/annual_review_manuscript_june_16_final.final_.pdf
- ↑ http://whartonmagazine.com/issues/spring-2011/emotion-the-enemy-of-negotiation/
- ↑ https://knowledgeeager.com/how-to-convince-your-parents-to-say-yes/
- ↑ https://knowledgeeager.com/how-to-convince-your-parents-to-say-yes/
- ↑ https://familytimes.co.nz/kids-compromise/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/how-to-convince-your-parents-to-get-a-dog/
- ↑ https://knowledgeeager.com/how-to-convince-your-parents-to-say-yes/
- ↑ https://knowledgeeager.com/how-to-convince-your-parents-to-say-yes/
- ↑ https://facilethings.com/blog/en/benefits-of-writing
- ↑ https://bcotb.com/how-to-teach-your-child-to-accept-being-told-no/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/how-to-convince-your-parents-to-get-a-dog/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/how-to-convince-your-parents-to-get-a-dog/
- ↑ https://knowledgeeager.com/how-to-convince-your-parents-to-say-yes/
- ↑ https://www.simplypsychology.org/compliance.html
About This Article
Article Summary
X
If you want to convince your parents to let you do anything, make sure you know a lot of information about what you're asking for. Gather all of your information from credible sources, and write down all of your main arguments. When you're ready to approach your parents, do it at the appropriate time in place, such as a time when your parents are relaxed. Then, maintain a clam tone and ask them for what you want, describing how it benefits them as well as you. Remember to give them time to think before making their decision! For tips on figuring out how to respond if they say no, read on!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,091,491 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "As a teenager, there are a lot of situations where I have requests I would like my parents to agree to (sleeping over at friends, going camping, going out) but often I can't quite phrase my reasons and arguments when I'm asking them. This article gave quite a few useful pointers. It's my new guideline for convincing my parents to agree with me. Thanks! :)" ..." more
Advertisement
"As a teenager, there are a lot of situations where I have requests I would like my parents to agree to (sleeping over at friends, going camping, going out) but often I can't quite phrase my reasons and arguments when I'm asking them. This article gave quite a few useful pointers. It's my new guideline for convincing my parents to agree with me. Thanks! :)"
..."
more
"I've been trying to persuade my parents forever to get a dog. I couldn't figure out how to convince them! Finally, I saw this article and thought, "Why not?". I read it, and a couple months later we got a beautiful goldendoodle named Butterscotch. I am so so happy!"
..."
more
"My parents don't really like hamsters, but aren't allergic. It's only $15.99 and I already convinced my mom to buy me a toy. My mom is smart and doesn't fall for the old stuff! (P.S. In case you were wondering, it's better to ask my mom, not my dad)."
..."
more
"This article helped me a lot. I needed to buy a phone. At last, even after read this article, they said no. But I didn't give up and keep trying like the article says. And it bought me a success. They secretly bought a mobile and gave it as a gift!"
..."
more
"Hopefully this will work. It looks like some really great points. I have already tried one of these on something small and it worked. I really want a dog but my dad and I are allergic to them. But he loves them too. Hopefully it works!"
..."
more
