Many of the more expensive laptops cost over $1,000, but you can find a lot of suitable laptops for under $500. Think about your needs. Pick a laptop you can use for things your parents would approve of, like schoolwork. You can, for example, look for a laptop with built in word processing features. Try to find a laptop that’s durable. Your parents may feel it would be a bad idea to buy you a laptop as you may break it. Look for laptops with a reputation for withstanding a lot of damage. Find a laptop that does not require a lot of maintenance. Your parents won’t want to buy you something that will be breaking down a lot.
Jot down the academic benefits of a laptop. You can talk about how a laptop can help you prepare for school. You can show your parents software and games that help you learn subjects like math, English, and science. See if there are any apps you can find that help you maintain a schedule. Maybe there’s a to-do list app that could help you keep track of your homework, for example.
Your parents may worry about you spending too much time in front of a screen, which can cause problems with eyesight and posture. Your parents may also worry you’ll become inactive if you have a laptop. You can tell them you’d be willing to only use the laptop for a set time each day. You can also make sure you know how to use the laptop correctly. Promise your parents you’ll keep proper posture when using your laptop. You should also promise to look away from the screen every 20 minutes when using the computer, which is healthier for your eyes. Also, let them know you’d be happy to let them install security software and parental controls to make sure you’re using the laptop safely.
Find small ways to show you’re responsible. Clean your dishes after dinner without being asked. Do a small household chore for one of your parents. If you show that you embrace responsibility, this will make you look mature. This can reflect highly on you when you ask for a laptop.
Think about when your family has free time throughout the day. If Tuesday nights are always packed, do not ask then. However, maybe your parents usually have downtime Wednesdays shortly after dinner. This may be a good time to ask. Try to eliminate distractions when asking. Wait until the television is turned off and neither one of your parents are busy with electronic devices like cellphones.
Start off the conversation introducing what you want. For example, “I would really like a laptop or computer of my own. " From there, state your case. Bring up the benefits of a laptop. For instance, “I think it could help with schoolwork. Sometimes, I have papers to write, but Sam is using the computer for her homework. My own laptop would just make that easier. " Remember to address any potential concerns. For example, “I know you might worry about me being locked in my room all day, but I would be happy to limit my computer time to a few hours each day if you want. "
Express how much you appreciate what your parents do. You can say something like, “I know how hard you guys work to afford everything I have. I really appreciate that, and I know a laptop is not cheap. " This way, you’ll sound mature and grateful. Your parents will know that you’ve really thought a lot about why you need a laptop and are not just asking on a whim. You understand how much these items cost.
Your parents probably have a reason for saying “No” or for expressing uncertainty. Try to understand this reason. Your parents will appreciate knowing their voices have been heard in the conversation. You can try briefly summarizing what your parents said to make it clear you understood. For example, “I understand you’re worried about my physical health. You don’t want me sitting indoors all day wasting time online. "
For example, maybe your parents are concerned with your grades in a particular course. You could offer to bring up your math grade in exchange for a new laptop. Your parents may also be worried about money. Try offering to put in some money of your own from an after school job in exchange for a new laptop.
Ask politely. Do not say something like, “This is so unfair! Why can’t I have a laptop?” Instead, try something like, “I understand you don’t want me to have a laptop. Can you tell me the reason why?”
Make the terms clear. Do not say, “If you let me have a laptop, I won’t use it that often. " Instead, go for specific timeframes. For example, “How about if I have a laptop, I will only use it for 2 hours a day and I’ll make a point of turning it off an hour before bed. " You can also suggest appropriate punishments in the event you break the conditions of the compromise. For example, “You can take the laptop away for a week if I use it for more than two hours in one day. "
You can try asking again in a few months. If your parents see you’re mature enough to gracefully accept a “No,” they may reconsider in the future.
