Choose a good time Approach your parents when they’re relaxed and in good spirits. You can even encourage a good mood by doing extra chores or kind deeds ahead of time. * Surprise them with a backyard picnic * Precede your asking with a funny story or light-hearted memory * Turn on your parents’ favorite music * Wait to ask until before a holiday (like your birthday or Christmas) Be polite A new phone can be expensive and give you more independence (which might make them nervous), so be polite when you ask. “What can I do to earn a new phone?” “Can I take on some extra responsibilities around the house to prove that I’m ready for a new phone?” Stay calm If your parents say “no” to your request, stay cool-headed to show them how mature you are before trying to negotiate. “What can I do to prove to you that I deserve a new phone?” “What can I do to change your mind?” Offer to pay A new phone can be expensive, but if you have some money saved up (from allowances, birthdays, or work), offer to put that towards the cost. “If I start babysitting regularly, I can save up some money to put towards it.” “What if I take on twice the amount of chores for an increased allowance and then put that money towards a new phone?” Be persistent If you’ve gotten a “no” or a “maybe” the first time you asked, be persistent. However, avoid being annoying or rude about it. Simply bring up the topic indirectly to remind them that you’re willing to work for it. “Do you like how clean the garage is? I finished my homework early today and figured that if I helped out more around the house, you would be willing to reconsider getting me a new phone.” “How does the bathroom look? You probably noticed I’ve been taking on twice the amount of chores recently. I figured that if I showed you how responsible I am, I might be able to get a new phone.” Be logical Present good reasons as to why you need a new phone. Choose issues that you know your parents care about, like safety and reliability. “My phone now has such bad reception, if there’s an emergency I’m afraid I’ll get stuck in a dead zone. But this new model has an improved GPS system, so you can feel good knowing where I am if something happens.” “I want to put the money I earn from chores and babysitting towards a new phone because it will teach me responsibility and hard work.” Listen to them If they say “no” and provide reasons, show that you’ve heard them by repeating back to them what they’ve said and offering solutions. “So you’re saying that a new phone isn’t worth the cost because you’re worried I’ll lose it like the last phone. I hear you, but if anything, losing my last phone taught me a serious lesson about responsibility and I’d like a chance to prove it.” “So Dad, you’re worried that a new phone would distract me from my schoolwork. I understand that. Some teachers at school require students to put their phones in small cubbies by the door... I could do that at home until I finish my homework and chores if that would make you feel better about it?”