Article: Perhaps the most important way to prepare yourself for the discussion is to make sure you’ve thought about how they will respond. In addition, try to sympathize and emphasize with what you think their initial position will be.  Accept that it is legitimate for your parents to worry about you. After doing this, try to think of ways you can respond to their worries. You may, for example, bring up the fact that your super responsible and successful friend is also going on the trip. Understand that if you don’t have a good past track record – if you’ve lied, broken curfew, or gotten into trouble –  your parents may be very reluctant to grant your request. Try to think about specific dangers your parents may focus on. For example, if you want to go on a whitewater rafting trip with friends, they may think you’ll fall overboard and hit your head. Anticipate this, research it, and let your parents know you’ve already thought of those problems. Timing is one of the most important factors in getting your parents to agree to your request. Thus, make sure you pick the moment you ask carefully.  Don’t ask right when your parents get home from work. You won’t know the type of mood they’re in. They could have had a bad day. Try to ask after you’ve done something good or achieved something your parents are proud of. For example, wait until you’ve received your report card that shows you’ve earned all As. Try to ask during a happy, non-stressful time. For example, you might want to ask during the weekend at a family picnic. Never ask after you’ve had a fight with your parents or have gotten in trouble for something. You need to be prepared to answer serious questions your parents have about the trip. Without doing proper research, you won't be ready to talk about the trip, and your parents may judge that you are either irresponsible or not serious.  If your parents are concerned because the trip will include boys and girls, let them know that you’ll be chaperoned and there will be separate sleeping arrangements. If the trip is expensive, and they can’t fund it, be ready to explain how you’ll pay for it. For example, tell them you’ve saved up several hundred dollars from mowing lawns or babysitting, and you’ll use that money. If your parents are concerned that you’re too young for the type of trip, be ready to respond with examples where you’ve handled a similar level of responsibility.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Anticipate their perspective. Choose a good time to ask. Be prepared to answer hard questions.