If you already have a phone, keep careful track of it. If you are constantly losing it, your parents will remember that when you ask them to upgrade you to a more expensive model.
You should also be careful with your jewelry, watches, and other expensive accessories. If you recently lost the pricey earrings you received for Christmas, for example, your parents may take that as evidence that you shouldn’t be trusted with something else (like an iPhone!).
By completing your chores quickly and without complaint—and perhaps even by being willing to do more chores—you are showing your parents that you take your responsibilities seriously and that you care about helping out. Look for opportunities to go the extra mile with your parents. For instance, you could fill up the gas tank in the family car instead of leaving it on empty so your parents can drive on a full tank.
If they are weak, then you should take the rest of the term (or an additional term) to bring them up into an acceptable range. Meet with your instructors to get feedback on your strengths and weaknesses and to make a plan about how to get your grades up. If you do get a bad grade, take the initiative and tell your parents about it instead of letting them find out on their own. You’ll be able to do better at school and will be showing your parents that you take your education seriously.
So long as your parents are ok with it, consider finding a part-time job after school or on weekends. Scope out local grocery stores, shops, and/or restaurants to see if they have any openings. Advertise your services as a tutor, babysitter, or lawn-care worker, or start your own business making and selling crafts, or selling baked goods.
Whether your money comes from your own work or from an allowance or gifts, you need to show your parents that you are able to save and budget your money.
This may mean that you will have to turn down an occasional invitation to go out for pizza with friends, but keep your eye on the prize. By following a budget, you are developing discipline and focus. You will soon be in a better position to be able to show your parents that you can afford to help out with the costs of having an iPhone and data plan.
It may be possible that you can get the phone itself at very little cost, or perhaps even for free, depending upon your family’s current plan and rewards program. [3] X Research source Even so, your parents may have to pay an additional $40 a month to add a new smartphone to a shared data plan, which will amount to almost $500 more a year. [4] X Research source While the cost could be lower, the point is that you need to do your best to learn what the current costs are and how much of a financial burden the addition of an iPhone will add to your family’s monthly expenses.
Gather copies of your recent report cards or graded exams and assignments. You may also want to collect your pay stubs and a copy of your current bank balance. Be sure to include a copy of your budget which includes the amount you’ll be able to contribute to the phone. Place all of these documents in a folder, which will be part of your presentation to your parents.
Instead of ambushing your parents at the end of a long workday, try the following: “Mom and Dad, I’ve been researching all of the advantages of having an iPhone, and I think I’m now mature and responsible enough to have one. I’ve prepared a proposal I’d like to go over with you. Can we talk about it sometime this weekend?” They may be wondering who this new, mature person is, which is a good sign for you!
Explain how you can use this to keep track of your school, work, and extra-curricular activities, and also explain how your parents can send you appointment information which will then appear in your phone’s calendar. [6] X Research source
Explain to your parents all of the useful features you’ll have at your fingertips with an iPhone, such as free dictionary and encyclopedia apps, and easy access to your class websites. It may help to have a list of these educational apps ready to show your parents. You can also have a page to the app store pulled up on your laptop/computer, or you may even be able to borrow a good friend’s iPhone to use during your demonstration.
Let your parents know that you won’t use your phone to sext or to take sexual pictures of yourself, and promise them that you’ll let them know if anyone else makes you uncomfortable or makes sexual advances towards you. Take maybe the most convincing thing for your parents to get it.
Studies have suggested that sleeping with your phone near you can interfere with your sleep, and may possibly be linked to depression. [9] X Research source Agree to turn your phone off at night and leave it in a separate room. While the iPhone does have a built-in alarm, you can get by with an old-fashioned clock.
This can make you less connected to your family, and could possibly hurt your communication skills. [10] X Research source Let your parents know that you are willing to put down the phone during dinner and when you are all hanging out together, and let them know that you won’t text when it’s time to study.
With these, your parents can see how much time you spend on your phone, and keep track of the sites you visit, among other things. In fact, your parents may even feel comfortable giving you more freedom once they know that they can use GPS and tracking features to know where you are and who you are with.
Once you’ve made your pitch, try something like the following: “Mom and Dad, I know that I’m asking for a lot and that I’m asking you to trust me. If you’re willing to give me a chance, I won’t let you down, and I’ll be super grateful. ”
Let them know you are willing to wait for their answer: “Thanks for hearing me out. Do you guys need time to talk about this together?”
Even though you have your reasons for having an iPhone, your parents surely have their own reasons for saying no right now. It’s fine for you to ask them to share their reasons with you, and if they are willing to do so, you might be able to address their concerns and change their minds. [14] X Research source
You’ll have better luck getting a “yes” in a few months if you can keep from nagging or pouting while you wait.
For example, if you promised to turn off your phone at 9 pm every night, then do it! Don’t think that your parents won’t know or won’t care if you sometimes check it at 10 or 11 after they’ve gone to bed.
