Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Plan what to say
• Part 2 of 3: Talk to your parents
• Part 3 of 3: Accepting your parents' answer
• Tips
• Warnings

Asking your parents for a cell phone can be daunting, especially if you suspect they will say no. Convincing your parents comes down to showing that you actually need a phone and that you are a responsible person. Thinking in advance what to say, talking to your parents, and accepting their answer is a step in the right direction.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Plan what to say

1. Try to identify the reasons why your parents might say no. In order to convince your parents, it is wise to formulate an answer to their objections in advance. Think about what they are likely to say so that you have a response ready in advance.
   • If your parents are concerned about finances, they will likely say they cannot afford a new phone.
   • If you play a lot of computer games, your parents may be concerned that you will also download too many games on your phone.
   • If a sibling of yours has been caught talking to someone they shouldn't talk to, your parents may be concerned that you will do the same.
2. Plan your response. You need to disprove your parents' reasons for not buying you a new phone, so look for a counter argument for all the reasons your parents are likely to put forward.
   • Show your parents that the phone is not going to be as expensive as they think, or suggest paying with the bill and explain how you plan to do that.
   • Ask your friends for tips for free games for your phone, or be willing to promise your parents that you will not download games. If your parents are particularly concerned that you may be playing a lot of games, promise them that you will play a lot less when you get a new phone.
   • Promise that you will regularly show your parents who you are in contact with over the phone.
3. Think of reasons why you need a new phone. You'll be more likely to convince your parents if you come up with a strong case, so plan to show them that you really need a new phone by brainstorming several reasons that will back up your case.
   • A telephone allows you to call your parents in case of an emergency or to call the emergency services when emergency care is required.
   • Remind your parents that children your age often deal with peer pressure, so having an easy way to connect with them offers you some sort of a way out.
   • If you missed classes at school, you can contact classmates on your phone so they can share notes and assignments with you.
4. Show your parents that you have a great sense of responsibility. Your parents want to know if you will handle the phone responsibly, so try to think of some examples of times when you have already demonstrated a great sense of responsibility.
   • Remember to do your homework every day.
   • Do your household chores without your parents having to ask.
   • Tidy up your belongings, such as your clothes, school bag and computer games.
   • Try not to spend too much pocket money during breaks, and save the money you received as a gift.
5. Set requirements that you must meet to keep the phone. Suggest seeing the phone as a reward that you must constantly earn. For example, your parents want you to keep getting good grades at school, take on extra tasks in and around the house, or help pay for the call credit or subscription.

Part 2 of 3: Talk to your parents

1. Choose an appropriate time. Ask your parents when they are relaxed and in good spirits. If they are busy, in a hurry, or having a bad day, hold off asking for a phone. Do not interrupt your parents if they are already talking to someone, be it over the phone or face to face.
   • If your parents are busy with a particular activity, you could indicate that you would like to talk to them if they have a moment. For example, say, "Hey Mom, I can see you cooking, but if you have time after dinner, I'd like to discuss something with you."
   • Consider writing a letter asking for a phone.
2. Behave grown up. Be polite and sensible during the discussion. If you whine, argue, or storm out of the room, your parents will be confirmed in their suspicion that you are not mature enough for a phone.
3. Respond to their emotions. You can do this in a variety of ways, including concerns about your safety, your need for independence, and your need to be socially accepted.
   • If you have to go further from home, for example to play sports or for a particular activity, tell them that a cell phone allows you to keep in touch with them while you are out and about.
   • Tell your parents about a child who was in danger and someone needed to call.For example, say, “Do you remember that story about a girl being harassed on the street? With the help of her mobile phone, she called 112 and got help. ”
   • Explain how not having a phone has a negative effect on your social life.
4. Use logic. Let your parents understand that getting a phone makes a lot of sense and suits the way you interact with each other. Use the answers you have prepared to disprove their potential counter-arguments.
   • If your parents pick you up from training, tell them you can call when they can pick you up.
   • Use your pre-made responses. For example, say, "I know you're worried that I'll be playing on my phone during dinner, but I promise I'll leave the phone in my room during dinner."
5. Provide evidence. Print an article about why kids your age should have a phone. Go for a reliable source that your parents will trust.
   • Try a parenting blog that claims kids your age or younger should have a phone.
   • Avoid posts on such websites posted by other children.
6. Offer to take on more responsibilities. Suggest taking on more household chores in exchange for a phone, and explain how the phone will help you do your homework.
7. Have your parents establish restrictions. Your parents will be more likely to say yes if you agree with their rules for using the phone and have your parents check your phone regularly.
   • Suggest ways your parents can check your phone to make sure you're following their rules. You could even suggest installing a tracker app on your phone for your parents to track you.
   • If your parents say that certain things are not allowed, such as sending messages to friends, don't get upset about this. In time, they will still allow this if you have shown to be old and wise enough for your own cell phone.
8. Let your parents choose the phone and plan. Do not worry too much about the model and capabilities of the phone. Indicate that your parents can choose a prepaid bundle or a cheaper model when it comes to your first phone.
9. Offer to help pay. If you have saved up pocket money or received money, you can offer to use this amount to buy the phone. You can also suggest that your parents temporarily withhold your pocket money so that you can use it to pay for the calling credit or do chores for an extra pocket money. Think of babysitting or mowing the lawn.

Part 3 of 3: Accepting your parents' answer

1. Accept your parents' answer. If your parents say no, don't argue with them and stop nagging. Show that you are mature by listening to them without responding to them.
   • Stay calm and take a few deep breaths before responding.
   • Do not argue with your parents. Heated discussions will not change your parents' mind; instead, they will likely become even more opposed to the idea of ​​getting a new phone.
   • Try to understand your parents' reaction. If your parents say no, remember that they have a good reason to do so. They want the best for you, or they may find it wise not to spend money on a new phone right now.
2. Ask for a further explanation. Regardless of whether your parent's answer is yes or no, it is wise to ask your parents a few questions to find out what to do next.
   • If your parents say yes, ask them what rules apply and what expectations they have. For example, say something like, “I'm really looking forward to my new phone! How can I show you that it is a good decision? ”
   • If your parents say no, ask them what you can do to show them you're ready for a phone. Say something like, "What can I do to show you that I am responsible enough for a phone?"
3. Plan your next step. If your parents say yes, talk to them about when you can buy the phone. If your parents say no, take steps to show your parents that you are responsible and make a new plan to show your parents that you do need a phone.
   • If your parents say no, you can try again in the near future, so try not to be disappointed or angry. Instead, try to figure out how to do better next time.

Tips

• Enlist the help of your parents in finding a side job. For example, you can start babysitting, and after your parents see your sense of responsibility, they may be more likely to say yes to a new phone.
• Promise your parents that you will not go beyond your bundle and then keep this promise. If you did go outside your bundle, insist that you pay for the costs yourself.
• Get a new phone for Sinterklaas or Christmas, and make sure the phone is the only gift on your wish list. If your parents are not in favor of this, say that a phone is the only gift that interests you.
• Don't complain if you don't get the model you want. It's still a cell phone, and being dissatisfied with not getting the model you want will only anger your parents.
• If you get pocket money, try to give this money to your parents as contributions for your phone.
• You can also constantly ask if you can use their phone until they get annoyed or realize that you really need a new phone yourself.

Warnings

• Do not argue with your parents.
• Don't complain or beg if your parents have said no.