Show notes
The wikiHow article "How to Convince Your Parents" provides a helpful list of tips and tricks to increase the likelihood of getting parents to agree to a request. The article is co-authored by Desiree Panlilio, a Teen Life Coach and the Owner of Encouraging Teens, LLC, who has over three years of experience helping teens and young adults. The article has been viewed over 207,000 times and has a reader-approved status, with 80% of readers finding it helpful.Here is a summary of the 10 steps outlined in the article:Find out more details about what you want: Being knowledgeable about the request shows your parents you are serious. Researching the pros and cons can help convince them.Anticipate their questions so you have answers ready: Prepare for any doubts or concerns your parents may have by thinking about potential questions and having solid answers ready.Do something nice for your parents first: Getting on their good side by doing chores or offering help might make them more likely to agree to your request. It's advised not to make it too obvious so it seems genuine.Start up a normal conversation when you’re ready to ask: Resist the urge to immediately ask for something. Instead, engage in a normal conversation and show genuine interest in their day.Show your parents that you appreciate everything they do for you: Expressing sincere gratitude before making your request can set a positive tone.Tell your parents they don’t have to say yes or no right now: For big requests, giving your parents time to think about it might work in your favour, especially if you anticipate a negative initial response.Ask them for what you want clearly and directly: Be direct and tell your parents exactly what you are asking for to avoid confusion.Explain the benefits of what you’re asking for: Talk about why you want it and how it will be beneficial to you. Making a strong case can make them more willing to agree.Try offering something in return to help convince them: Promising to do chores or improve grades can be a persuasive tactic.Use comparisons to make the request seem more appealing: Comparing your request to a more expensive option can make it seem more reasonable, especially if your parents are unfamiliar with the subject.Beyond these steps, the article also includes "Things You Should Know," which reiterate the importance of doing something kind for parents, explaining benefits and being prepared for questions, suggesting a delayed response for big requests, using comparisons, and understanding if their refusal is due to valid reasons.The "Tips" section advises patience, using polite language like "please," "consideration," and "responsibility," showing you understand all sides of the situation, and avoiding nagging your parents. It also cautions against making your efforts to be nice too obvious, as it might seem insincere.The "Community Q&A" section provides an example of a user asking for advice after being denied a sleepover and suggests letting it go for the moment, trying again later after doing something nice, asking well in advance, and offering the option for a delayed response.The article also lists related wikiHow articles that offer advice on similar topics, such as getting parents to let you play sports, have a sleepover, or get you something.Overall, the article emphasizes a thoughtful and respectful approach to convincing parents, involving preparation, communication, and understanding their perspective.