This article was co-authored by Chandler Chang, PhD. Dr. Chandler Chang is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, the Founder & Owner of Golden Hour Therapy and Therapy Lab, and a Clinical Instructor at the University of Southern California. With nearly 20 years of experience, she specializes in providing evidence-based, science-backed treatments to toddlers, children, teens, families, and adults to target specific mental health problems or cultivate mental wellness. Dr. Chang earned a BA from Princeton University and a PhD in Psychology from The University of Georgia. She completed UCLA's pre-doctoral internship and trained at NYU’s Child Study Center and UGA Regents Center for Learning Disorders.
There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 31 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
This article has been viewed 417,770 times.
Cell phones are constantly improving, and it's likely that your new phone isn't as good as it used to be. If you are in need of a new phone, you might have a difficult task ahead of you convincing your parents that it's worth it. But even with the strictest of parents, by using a few proven techniques, you can improve your chances of getting the new phone you rightfully deserve.
Steps
Talking with Your Parents
-
1Talk about getting a new phone. Sometimes, starting the conversation can lead you to a solution. Be polite when you tell your parents that you are interested in getting a new phone, and really listen to what they have to say. If you can respond to your parents reasons and excuses for not getting you a new phone in a convincing way, they'll be more likely to shell out for your brand new mobile device. You might ask:
- "What can I do to earn a new phone?"
- "Are there any other chores I can help with to prove I'm ready for a new phone?"
-
2Work to find solutions. Stay calm throughout your talk with your parents about your phone situation and keep your cool if you hear a "no" in response. This is an opportunity for you to show your maturity and to earn points with your parents. Instead of getting upset or frustrated, ask your parents:
- "What can I do to change your mind?"
- "What can I do to prove to you that I need a new phone?"
Advertisement -
3Offer to put your own money toward your new phone. This can be tricky, especially if you're too young to work. If you have birthday money saved up, you can offer to put that toward getting a new phone, or you can offer to do more housework in exchange for an allowance.[1]
- Offer your services as a babysitter to friends and family who have children that are younger than you who need supervision.
- You might be able to earn money around your neighborhood doing seasonal chores, like mowing lawns in summer or shoveling snow in winter.
-
4Be persistent without being rude. When you want something badly, sometimes it's all you can think about. However, asking again and again can irritate your parents, making them less willing to get you a phone.[2] Instead of asking the same question repeatedly, ask in a roundabout way that highlights your recent effort. You might say, for example:
- "How does the kitchen look? I've been trying to help out by doing dishes. I thought that maybe if I helped out around the house more, we could talk again about getting me a new phone."
- "I know you've been busy with work lately, so I vacuumed the house for you. Is there anything else I can help with? I was thinking that if I contributed more, I might be able to get a new phone."
-
5Build a convincing argument. Your parents will be more likely to buy you a new phone if they agree with your reasoning. Your reasoning will be influenced by your personal situation, so you'll have to decide which arguments will work best for you. Some you might want to consider include:[3]
- A cell phone can be used to call them or emergency services if you are in trouble.[4]
- A cell phone can help with logistics if you need to be picked up from somewhere.
- Safety features, like improved GPS
- Poor reception due to an outdated model
- Earning money to buy your own phone will teach you responsibility
- Unreliability, like your phone turning on and off randomly or messages arriving late to your phone
Negotiating for Your New Phone
-
1Choose your moment wisely. Times when your parents are busy, flustered, or angry are likely to result in a "no" to your phone request. Choose a good time to talk to them. Make sure they are relaxed rather than busy or stressed out.[5] Encourage a good mood in your parents before you ask, by being extra polite and doing any chores you might have before they ask. To improve your chances of a yes before you ask for your new phone, you also might:[6]
- Turn on your parents' favorite music
- Talk about an experience where you both had fun
- Do an activity your parents find enjoyable
-
2Ask in good weather and after meals. Generally speaking, people are more agreeable after they eat, and this might put your parents in a more favorable mood when you ask for your new phone.[7] Weather can also make your parents more or less agreeable. Sunny days with clear skies will improve your odds of getting the phone you desire.[8]
- Keep in mind that this won't always be the case. Your mom or dad could still have a bad day even if it's sunny out and you just had lunch.
-
3Get your foot in the door with a small request. Your parents will be more likely to agree to your request for a new phone if you get them to first agree to a few small, related requests.[9]
- For example, ask your parents to eat out, or another small request that they will probably say yes to, before asking them for a new phone.
-
4Make a deal with your parents. If your parents are open to you doing extra work around the house or some other task to earn your phone, stay on top of your extra chores without being asked. This will show your parents that you are taking your agreement seriously, which will result in your parents taking it seriously as well.[10]
- It may take a while before you get your phone. Don't expect you to get your phone after just a week of doing chores; it may take longer than that.
- Don't worry if you slip up once or twice. As long as you show your parents that you are trying your hardest, they may give you some slack.
-
5Wait for a holiday or birthday. While your parents might normally be unwilling to pay the cost of a new phone, a special day, like a gift-giving holiday, can be the ideal excuse to splurge on a present. During this time, be clear with your parents. Let them know that you'd rather have a phone than toys or gifts you might not use.[11]
- Don't make up a holiday or use a holiday that you don't celebrate. For example, if your family doesn't celebrate Hanukkah, then don't ask for a Hanukkah gift.
- Give your parents time to purchase the gift. Don't ask the day just before your birthday. Give your parents a month or so.
-
6Summarize what your parents say. Listen to what your parents have to say carefully, and then when it's your turn to speak, put what they said in your own words. By showing that you hear and respect what they are saying, you will improve your chances of getting your new phone.[12] For example, you might say:
- "So if I'm hearing you right, Mom, you don't think a new phone is worth the cost and you're worried that I'll drop it like my last phone. I hear what you're saying, but I have some ideas..."
Conversation Help
Warnings
- Be sure you stay true to any promises you make your parents. Your parents might interpret broken promises as a sign you're not ready for a new phone.⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ http://www.educational-business-articles.com/influence-tactics.html
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2010/09/how-anger-poisons-decision-making
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DG70ynqeWc
- ↑ https://recy-cell.ca/en/how-to-convince-your-parents-to-get-a-phone/
- ↑ https://recy-cell.ca/en/how-to-convince-your-parents-to-get-a-phone/
- ↑ http://www.fastcompany.com/3052774/know-it-all/how-to-get-people-to-agree-with-you
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/how-food-affects-your-moods
- ↑ http://bigthink.com/artful-choice/whether-the-weather-be-fine-or-not-actually-matters-how-the-weather-influences-decisions
- ↑ http://listverse.com/2013/02/03/10-psychology-tricks-you-can-use-to-influence-people/
About This Article
Convincing your parents to get you a new phone can be difficult, but you can improve your chances by having a good argument and being flexible. Before you ask your parents, think about why you need a new phone and base your reasoning around points your parents will agree with. For example, a new phone will have better reception, which will help you stay in contact with them when you’re out. Once you have a solid reason to have a new phone, find a time when your parents are in a good mood and start the conversation. As you talk, be open to ideas, like doing small chores or jobs to offset the cost or having the phone be considered your birthday gift for the year. Make sure you hold yourself to any promises you make, as they can easily take your new phone away. For more help, like how to be persistent without being rude, read on!
