If you want them to let you have a dog, research how much maintenance the dog will require, how much it will cost to have one, and the pros of adopting a dog. Know the downsides of the thing you’re asking for—and be up front about them. Ignoring the cons will not help your case: instead, mention the cons and how you would go about navigating them. To help you remember your main points when it comes time to talk to your parents, try writing down a few notes and have them on hand when you broach the subject. Doing your research is also a great way to make sure you know what you’re getting into. For instance, you may decide after learning more about what it takes to have a pet that you’ve changed your mind.

For example, if you want to spend the night at someone else’s house, make sure your parents have access to your friend’s house number, know your friend’s parents’ names, and know where the house is. If you want a body piercing or tattoo, have the number of the establishment or some reliable websites about the practice itself. Doing research on your subject will not only help your parents feel more confident in granting what you’re asking; it will also help you seem more mature, making them more likely to grant your request! Go a step further and cite any sources that you use so your parents can do more investigation themselves.

Don’t just make your bed that day after leaving it unmade all week. Do your chores for several days or weeks in advance to convince your parents you’re really responsible. You may have to play the long game here. If you already do do all your chores every day. . . you should have no problem getting what you want. (If you do, tell your parents we’d like a word with them. )

Don’t bring it up when they’re not in a good mood, and especially not if they’re upset at you. In other words, don’t ask for more time to play Minecraft right after they find out you bombed your last math test.

Even if you end up not getting your way, behaving maturely throughout will set the tone for future discussions that may go your way.

If you’re asking for a phone, make it clear that they can use your new number to check up on you. If you’re asking for an extended curfew, emphasize that that means more free time for them.

Arrange a specific time to talk about it. That way they’ll be less likely to respond with “Oh, we haven’t discussed it yet. ” Saying “Let’s discuss it next Tuesday at dinner” makes it more likely to happen.

If you want a dog, work out a compromise regarding who is going to take care of it. The responsibility doesn’t end with a pet after it’s bought, and that’s likely what they’re worrying about. Come up with a plan for if you don’t hold up your end of the deal, too. This shows that you really mean business and are willing to make sacrifices.

Of course, even if you address their concerns, it still may not convince them. Be sure not to push too hard, or a temporary “no” may become a permanent one.

As mentioned previously, sometimes you may have to put in the time. A couple of days of being on good behavior might not be convincing, but a few weeks? That could do the trick.

It can also start making them feel a little guilty, which may not be a bad thing in this situation. The kinder you are, the more they’ll feel bad they said no, which could lead to a change of heart.

Make sure it’s handwritten and presented nicely. They’ll see how much work you put into it and how much it means to you. It’s a good start point for showing how much work you’re willing to put in later, too. If you put this much work into a letter, maybe you will take care of Fluffy, pick up her poo, and take her for walks when she needs them.

You should broach the topic at a later date, but don’t be too rushed with it. Respect their wishes, and they’ll be more likely to respect (and grant) yours.