A laptop allows you to have fun, learn, and take all the resources of a computer with you.Whether you want one for school or just want to stop sharing a computer with your family, learn how to prepare a convincing argument and talk to your parents about buying you one.
Step 1: Compare the costs of a laptop.
You should research the type of laptop you want.What will I mostly be using this for?What programs will I use?What amount of storage space do I need?
Step 2: You should compare prices on laptops with the features you want.
Look at the refurbished or used laptops that are sold by brands and retailers.If you want to show your parents that you've done a lot of research, you can create a comparison chart of the prices and features of several laptops.
Step 3: An offer or bargain is what you should come up with.
In exchange for your parents buying you a laptop, consider what you can do.Promise good grades on your next report card, a certain amount of chores per week or month, or another goal you know your parents would like to see you achieve.You can stick with a specific goal if you come up with one.You can say to your parents, "I'll get a better grade in English next semester, or something that you know could use improvement and that I think I can achieve."
Step 4: You can come up with practical reasons for a laptop.
Think about how a laptop could make your life easier or more successful.Point out to your parents the benefits of a laptop over a desktop, like convenience, and the fact that it doesn't take up a lot of space, when you talk to them.For school, think of how you could use a laptop to take notes, bring to study groups, or access online libraries and other reference resources.If you are going to college in the near future, you can tell your parents that you will need a laptop for notes, research, and video calls.Some students do better in school with laptops if they have slow handwriting or difficulty taking notes.In the argument you bring to your parents, use this if you struggle with this.
Step 5: The laptop should be used for hobbies and skills.
Think of an argument about how a laptop can be used to cultivate talents and hobbies.Would you like to get into graphic design?Computer coding?Are you writing?You need a laptop to learn these skills.Show your parents that there are a lot of educational resources for free online that you can access on a laptop and have more time and freedom to use than a school or family computer.
Step 6: Moderate your computer usage.
You should tell your parents that you won't be on your own laptop all the time.If necessary, cut down on your screen time so that you can point out your good habits to your parents when you sit down to talk.Try not to use the computer for more than half an hour at a time, or only when you are done with your homework.
Step 7: Write down your offer in writing.
Write down your research, reasoning, and offers for a laptop and then type them into a document for your parents to read.Show them you are responsible, have given thought, and are willing to stick to your goals to own your own laptop.If you exchange a laptop for something else, such as a contract or agreement, your parents can hold you to your goals, and you can track your progress.
Step 8: Show gratitude by asking nicely.
Talk to your parents in a calm, patient, and respectful manner when you tell them you want a laptop.Explain why you want one, what you are willing to do to get it, and how much you would appreciate their help in buying it.You could ask, "Hey Mom and Dad, I'd really like to get a laptop of my own."I need your permission to get one because I don't have enough money to pay for all of it.I appreciate the things you've bought for me in the past, and I think this will be useful to me and worth the money.
Step 9: Give them a written argument or contract.
Give your parents the research you've written about.Give them time to look at it and talk about it.If you've created a contract or agreement, you can have them make edits or additions to it to make it official.
Step 10: Talk about their concerns.
Listen to the reasons they might have for not buying you a laptop.They will be less likely to agree or even talk about it if you react with anger, whine, or impatience.Talk to them about paying for part of it or paying them back over time if they're concerned about the cost.Mention a friend who has a laptop if they think you're not old enough.
Step 11: Discuss the cost and consider a payment plan.
If you understand that a laptop is an expensive investment, you are willing to pay for part of it, if you have the money, or pay them back over time.If possible, use money from an allowance or job to pay your parents back.If you have money saved, try to match it with your parents.You can say, "I only have a small amount of money."Would you be willing to pay the rest if I contributed?
Step 12: Agree on the limits.
Discuss with your parents any limits they may want to put in place if you have your own laptop.Allow them to set parental controls on the laptop or other measures they feel are necessary.If you agree to only use the laptop in your living room while at home, you can use it for schoolwork and internet instead of games.Discuss the consequences if a laptop is lost or damaged.If your parents want to help you look into that option, you could offer to pay for a durable case or cover to make sure it doesn't get broken, or even chip in on insurance for it.
Step 13: Be willing to wait.
Give your parents time to think about it after you've laid out your argument.Wait for them to think about it or do their own research on the best laptops and prices.You can say to them, "I just wanted to tell you all this now, but I don't need a yes or no right away."If your parents say no, accept their answer and don't fight it.The subject should be dropped for now if you are showing your maturity.It's possible to bring it up with them in a few weeks or months with a new angle or argument, or agree on a time that they might be more willing to consider your offer.