Getting into trouble with parents is never fun. Their rules and demands may seem unreasonable and unfair, and it can sometimes be difficult for you to follow them to stay out of trouble. However, taking responsibility for your own actions, speaking honestly and calmly with your parents, and making positive changes to avoid problems will make your life easier.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Talking to Parents
Step 1. Ask for time to talk
Plan a quiet conversation with one or both of your parents. Schedule a time when they are not busy preparing dinner or leaving for work. Take the time to have a serious and open talk with your parents about what is getting you in trouble.
Turn off the TV and phone so you can give your full attention to the conversation
Step 2. Plan what you are going to say
Knowing what you want to say will help you determine what is most important to focus on. A plan can also help you get to the hard parts that you might be nervous about.
The plan will also help you figure out what end result you are looking for. Would you like a reduced sentence time? Would you like to request a cell phone? Do you want to watch a concert with friends? Know what you want, but be realistic. If you're already in trouble, don't expect your parents to suddenly change your mind after a quiet conversation with you
Step 3. Take responsibility for your actions
Apologize for whatever got you in trouble. Parents will appreciate it when you admit your mistakes. Apologizing has many benefits.
Even if you don't feel like you've done anything wrong, try to understand the problem from a parent's point of view. How do they view your actions?
Step 4. Tell the truth
Telling the truth is a general rule in living life. Your parents know you well and they are quite good at detecting lies. If you start out by lying, you'll be caught off guard if the lie doesn't fit. Even if the truth is hard to tell, your parents will appreciate your honesty and maturity.
Step 5. Don't be quick to anger
Keeping your emotions in check will help with your predicament, as it will show that you can have a calm and mature discussion without getting defensive or saying something rude.
Step 6. Plan to compromise
You may not be completely out of trouble after talking to your parents, but you can fix the situation for yourself. Compromise a little and your parents may be willing to compromise a little too.
The conversation can also set the groundwork for keeping you out of trouble in the future
Step 7. Show respect and a positive attitude
Speak to your parents in a respectful tone without sarcasm or anger. Listen to what they have to say, even if you disagree. You also want to be treated the same way, so listen respectfully when they talk.
Understand that your parents are human too and that they may be depressed too. Have a positive attitude and know that this phase will not last forever
Step 8. Ask your sibling to help you talk to your parents
Siblings, especially older ones, can be good representatives for you to talk to your parents about. Your sibling understands your parents and knows your problems. He or she may be able to convince your parents to soften up on you or to see things from your perspective.
- Maybe you need to do something really sweet for your brother if he wants to talk to your parents for you. Make or buy a small gift or offer to do the homework you are a part of.
- Alternatively, ask an adult you trust to talk to your parents. If you don't have a good relationship with your parents, it may be helpful to start a dialogue with someone who is mature and trusted. This person could be your aunt or uncle, grandfather, teacher or coach.
Method 2 of 4: Accord with Siblings
Step 1. Ignore your sibling's behavior
Your brother or sister may tease or annoy you. If you fight, you may get into trouble with your parents. Chances are, your sibling is just trying to get your attention or they're bored. If ignored, they may stop and do other activities. This keeps you out of fights and keeps you out of trouble with your parents.
Step 2. Be the older sibling
At times, you may be treated unfairly by your parents, and your sibling may be treated better. They may stay up late or watch movies that are forbidden to you. Instead of getting angry and fighting, show your maturity by accepting that you don't always get what you want and that you can handle it. This will keep you from fighting with your parents.
Step 3. Talk to your parents about your sibling's behavior
If your sibling is really testing your patience or is getting in your way too much, talk calmly to your parents. Explain to them that you are trying to be patient but that you also need your own space and privacy. Your parents will appreciate your maturity.
Step 4. Go out with your sibling once in a while
Oftentimes, siblings interrupt just to get attention. Find time to do an activity together, such as going for a walk or watching a movie.
Method 3 of 4: Maintaining Good Relations with Parents
Step 1. Build parental trust
If you're always in trouble because your phone bill is too high or you get bad grades, try changing your behavior to show that you can be trusted. For example, make a promise to yourself to control your phone bill, and track your usage for one month. Show humbly that you have changed your behavior. Show your phone bill to your parents if your usage is below the limit.
Step 2. Choose what you are worth fighting for
Spending energy fighting for something small is sometimes not worth it. When you're constantly fighting over something, from what to eat to what time to get home, you and your parents will be "tired of fighting". Choose the most important things to strive for, and let the smaller ones pass.
Step 3. Introduce your parents to things you enjoy
If your parents don't understand what you enjoy doing, introduce them to your passion. For example, take them to a new skate park, or play your new song on them. Tell us what you really like about your activity or hobby. Letting them get involved in your life will make them understand you better.
Step 4. Spend time together
Maybe you want to spend more time with your friends, but spending quality time with your parents is a fun way to connect. Schedule a few times a week for short chats so you can share the latest developments and tell your parents how your day was.
Plan a special time at least once a month to do an activity together, such as hiking or working on a project or hobby
Step 5. Be a caring child
Just like relationships with other people you value, be considerate children and treat your parents well. Do something special or leave them a sweet message.
Method 4 of 4: Avoiding Trouble
Step 1. Follow the rules
Parents have rules that sometimes may not make sense to you. Usually, these rules are meant to keep you safe and to teach you good norms. Respect the rules and obey them.
Step 2. Offer to help with household chores
Helping with household chores is a great way to make a good impression on your parents. Homework is an added stress for anyone, and managing the household usually falls on the shoulders of parents. As you get older, take on more responsibilities at home by offering to walk the dog, fold the laundry, clean the windows or clean the car.
Step 3. Do your best in school
If you're in trouble because of poor grades, try making changes to your performance in school. Schedule the same time each day for homework. Create study groups a few days before the test. All of this will hopefully improve your grades, but at the very least, your parents will be able to see how hard you are trying to improve your grades.
Find a tutor who can help you study school material. Sometimes tutors charge a fee, but you can also get a free tutor through the school. Talk to your tutor about this option
Step 4. Provide information to parents
When you realize that you may be in trouble for some reason, schedule time to talk to your parents again. Give them information up front that you will get a bad grade in one of the subjects, for example. The key here is to also tell them what you are doing to try to stay out of trouble. For example, tell them that you have taken the initiative to ask the teacher for extra help.
