Interested in owning a pet? Unfortunately, this desire will generally be hampered by parental permission. Your parents will probably react the same way when they hear your wish. For various reasons, such as the cost of care that is too expensive, the process of bathing the animal is too troublesome, and limited time to properly care for the animal, rejection may also be given. However, the fact is that raising animals also has various benefits. In addition to increasing family togetherness, raising animals will also make you more responsible and can improve the mood of everyone in the house a little. Before asking your parents' permission, try to apply the tips listed in this article so you don't go wrong in your steps!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Showing Maturity and Responsibility
Step 1. Do some research on the animal you want
Take the time to read a book or browse the internet for important information about your dream pet. Then, also ask the opinion of the closest people who are or have had these animals about their experiences so far. The more information you know, the more convincing the arguments you can give later when you receive questions from your parents.
- Try your best to find out all the information about the pet you want. If there are characteristics that you don't like (such as eating live animals, being able to live for 30 years, needing a lot of outdoor space, etc.), don't hesitate to find an alternative that feels more suitable for you.
- Knowing the important pieces of information, you can share one or two of them with your parents casually while allowing them to process their decision.
- Check the laws that apply in the area where you live if you want to keep exotic animals. For example, the Flores eagle should not be kept in Indonesia because its population is very rare today.
Step 2. Stay calm and patient
Remember, owning a pet is a decision that will change your lifestyle and that of your family! That's why your parents will need some time to think for an indefinite period of time, maybe just a week or even a few months, depending on the type of animal you want. To show your maturity and responsibility in caring for animals, make sure you are calm and patient before making the request.
Remember, you have to care for the animal for at least a few years (depending on the type of animal). If suddenly your interest in the animal disappears within a few months, it means that you are not suitable for keeping animals. That's why, you should take the time to think about the investment that must be made after raising the animal
Step 3. Act like an adult
Do your homework, finish your schoolwork, and respect the people around you. Such mature behavior will make it easier for your parents to consider your wishes positively. In addition to impressing them, doing so will show your responsibility and maturity to take care of pets.
Maximum academic performance is an important factor that can make it easier for your parents to consent. More than likely, they're worried that your academic performance will decline once they're allowed to raise animals. Therefore, get as high an academic score as possible to dispel those worries, even before you bring up the topic of pets
Step 4. Save up to contribute to the pet buying process
If your parents give you pocket money, save the money and show your willingness to contribute to the animal buying process. If not, try odd jobs or do extra housework. If you're old enough, there's nothing wrong with doing a part time job buying animals with your own money!
With your parents, discuss what you can do to have a pet. What work can you do at home or in the complex where you live? How is your academic performance? Can you do extra housework, volunteer work, or help out in other ways, such as doing social work for the local community?
Step 5. Do your responsibilities
Do you have to wash the dishes every two days? If so, do so without hesitation before you ask their permission. Have you promised to take care of your little sister? If so, do it with pleasure! In other words, take on your responsibility to show that you are capable of keeping your commitment to caring for animals.
Even though having a pet seems fun, in fact there are many responsibilities that you need to do when you have one. In other words, you don't just have to invite them to play and feed them. Instead, you also need to deal with less enjoyable activities, such as cleaning dirt and wiping the floor with their urine. Therefore, show that you are able to fulfill your responsibilities without coercion from any party so that parents know that you are also capable of taking care of pets
Part 2 of 3: Getting Parental Permission
Step 1. Approach your parents when you are doing activities with them, such as at dinner time
In a calm and diplomatic way, approach your parents and share all the information about the pet you want, along with any important information you have about it. Implicitly, emphasize that you have spent enough time doing research so they can see how serious you are. After that, they will most likely ask some questions. Give honest answers, and make sure all their concerns are resolved after listening to your answers. At the very least, ask them to consider your wishes, especially since owning a pet is not a simple process.
- Provide written information they can study, links to websites they can visit, or phone numbers for people who can provide information and tips on how to care for animals. Show your seriousness through this comprehensive information.
- Don't whine or force them, and respect their need to reassess your wishes. Remember, raising an animal is a decision that can change your life and that of your family. That was why, it was only natural that they would take some time to think about it and not give permission in an instant.
Step 2. Make a presentation
Emphasize what you will do to care for the animal, and what benefits the animal will have to support your family's life. For example, did they know that having pets can lower blood pressure, reduce depression, and improve immunity? Most likely, the various benefits they did not think about before.
- List any necessary financial contributions, such as veterinary fees, and who will pay the fees. In many cases, money is one of the reasons parents are reluctant to allow their children to raise animals.
- If your family has specific needs that need to be discussed, such as their inability to walk animals, be willing to compromise and agree to accommodate those needs. Take advantage of their needs as a selling point for you!
Step 3. Share the benefits of raising animals
Instead of focusing solely on the costs involved and all the complexities of raising an animal (though both still need to be discussed), try spending more time discussing the benefits of having pets with the rest of your family. For example, explain that you and your family could spend more time together, take the animals for leisurely walks together, and have something to strengthen the bonds that have formed between you.
Most importantly, explain the benefits of having pets for you. For example, emphasize that indirectly, they will teach you to be responsible by allowing you to raise animals. Or, you won't be sitting at the computer all the time after having a pet. Emphasize that having a pet can turn you into a more positive person
Step 4. Create a special table containing how to care for and meet the needs of the pet you want
For example, the table could contain various categories, such as “Daily Needs,” Monthly Needs,” and “Annual Needs.” Include other information, such as food estimates, vaccinations, and veterinary examinations that need to be prepared. Then, show the table to your parents so they can understand the situation more clearly.
This method shows you are serious about achieving your desires and caring for your pet. If they seem doubtful, ask them about their concerns to show your willingness to look at the situation from multiple perspectives
Part 3 of 3: Changing Parents' Mind
Step 1. Continue to research and share information with your parents
When you find an interesting new fact, immediately share it with your parents. By doing so, indirectly the topic will continue to ring in the minds of your parents, without you needing to whine or sound pushy. If they persist in refusing, stop bringing up the topic for a few days.
Change your argument, if necessary. Instead, “Because the cat is cute and adorable!” try saying, “Cats are easier to care for than dogs. Besides being smaller in size, the smell won't spread throughout the house." Apart from that, you can also convey information about the number of non-proprietary animals that need to be rescued out there. In other words, try to present the argument from a different point of view
Step 2. Understand the reasons behind their refusal
If your parents seem hesitant to make a decision, try to find out why. After that, you should be able to find answers to help calm those worries.
- Did the refusal arise due to financial reasons? If so, try offering to pay most of the cost of buying, as well as caring for the pet, as much as you can.
- Is the refusal based on the lack of vacant land in your house? If so, start rearranging your home!
- Did the rejection arise because you already have another pet? If so, try to provide a special room that will later become a "home" for your new pet.
- Is the refusal based on allergic reasons? If so, try to find alternative ideas.
- Is the rejection based on religious reasons? Some religions forbid their followers to keep dogs.
Step 3. Be willing to compromise
If your parents insist that you don't have a dog, try to compromise by asking if you might have another animal, such as a hamster. Your parents will want to make you happy, and chances are, their hearts will melt if they see you willing to sacrifice your will to get their permission.
If you want, you can also invite them to compromise at a later date. Will it be your birthday or Christmas soon? If so, say that you are willing to be patient to get their permission. Before that special moment arrives, try your best to show maximum performance at home and school. As a result, they won't mind giving a pet “gift” on your special day
Step 4. Try adopting your neighbor's pet for a few days
If your parents seem to be having a hard time making a decision, try "adopting" a neighbor's or another loved one's pet for a few days. View this moment as your probationary period. If everything goes well during the probationary period, surely your parents will realize your abilities. In addition, they will also realize how cute and adorable the pet you want is. As a result, their hearts will soften in an instant!
If they still refuse you, try bringing up the topic again at a later date. In other words, don't rush to complain, whine, or get angry at the same time. If they express their disapproval, stop the conversation. Then, continue to show that you are a special child and make them realize that the rejection was actually wrong
Tips
- Have good academic grades, do your homework, and continue to exhibit positive behavior to impress your parents.
- Make your parents “accidentally” overhearing you asking other people how to care for the type of pet you want.
- Create a binder or folder containing detailed facts about the pet you want, such as its price, favorite toy, daily necessities, and other important information.
- Show your sense of responsibility by completing homework, being a mature and responsible person, and being willing to help your parents when needed. In particular, be mature when asking for their permission.
- Try to bond with your family even more, then explain that with a new pet, your relationship with your parents can be that close every day.
- Don't say, "All my friends have dogs, so Mom and Dad should buy me a dog too!"
- Don't rush into getting a dog before you get official permission from your parents.
- Offer to volunteer at an animal shelter or similar location to increase your chances of owning a pet.
- Invite your parents to hold a family meeting.
- If your parents don't like the smell of your pet, keep them out of the sitting and dining room.
Warning
- Approach your parents only when they are in a good mood.
- Don't cry or scream if your wish is not granted. This behavior seems very childish and will actually reduce your chances of raising an animal.
- Don't run away from home or lock yourself in your room. Both behaviors will also look very immature!
- If you manage to get parental permission to keep the animal, take good care of the animal so that your parents don't take it back.
- Offer to help prepare for, or just play with, your sibling. Then, take advantage of this moment to prove your ability to take care of pets to your parents.
