Though you may not know exactly what your parents are worrying about, you should avoid asking them right before your grandparents visit, when they’re doing work at the kitchen table, or when they just generally seem too tired to really listen. Though you can’t wait forever to ask them, it’s better to wait until the time is right unless you’re really in a rush.
You may really, really want to have a sleepover as soon as you ask for it, but it’s important to think at least a few weeks ahead to improve your chances.
Though it can be hard to remember to respect your parents when you really want them to give you what you want, this is something you should do at all times. After all, they make the rules around your home, and provided that they are fairly reasonable, you should avoid complaining or being mean if you don’t get what you want because it’ll only make things worse.
You shouldn’t even wait for them to say no. When you finish asking your question, you can finish by saying, “And in exchange, I’d be happy to clean out the fridge/take out the trash all month/clean the kitty’s litter box from now on. " Think about it: is there something your parents really dread doing that they would love for you to do? Maybe they always complain about picking up the mail, answering the phone when they know a telemarketer is calling, or having to weed the garden. See if there’s something that you can offer to do that they would love so much that they’d have to let you have a sleepover in exchange.
Tell your parents that your friend really wants you to sleep over her house. After they say no, you can say, “Well then, can she sleep over here?” Most parents are really afraid of having their kids go sleep in some other parents’ home and are much more comfortable letting kids sleep over their place. If this is the case with your parents, then they’ll be more likely to say yes after you pose the first question because they’ll see having the sleepover at your home as the lesser of two evils. Ask them if you can do something more extreme first. You can also ask your parents if you can do something a little more extreme, like going on vacation with a friend and her family, getting a dog, or taking horseback riding lessons, and then wait for them to say no. After they’ve said no, be really upset and give it a day or two so they think you really mean it. Then, casually ask them if you can have a sleepover. If they’re not on to your tricks, then they’ll be more likely to say yes. If you have a pesky younger sibling or two, you can say that they can also join the sleepover. That way, your parents get a babysitter for free and can take the night off.
How many people are invited (example statement: “4 friends are coming over tonight. ”) What you’ll be eating (example statement: “We will be eating popcorn, chicken, and burgers. ” What movies, if any, you’ll watch (example statement: “We are gonna be watching Inside Out. ”) Where your friends will be sleeping (example statement: “My friends will be sleeping in the bedroom 2 doors away from the kitchen. ”) What time they’ll arrive and when they’ll leave (example statement: “My friends will enter at 4:30PM today and leave 2:15PM tomorrow. ”)
Once you make it clear that your parents won’t have to do a ton of the work, they’ll be more likely to let the sleepover happen. They’ll also be impressed that you’re taking so much initiative and showing responsibility.
Your parents may also feel more comfortable if they meet your friends’ parents when they pick them up.
Say you’ll leave your door open a crack or that you’ll come say hi to your parents every few hours. Though this may be a bit much for you, it’s better than not having a sleepover at all!
Your parents need to see that you can behave well instead of just being promised. Make a list of times when you’ve played well with others in the past so you can bring it up to put them at ease.
If your grades aren’t so hot, your parents can use that as an excuse to keep you from having a sleepover. Work to be a good student and improve your grades to show them that you have things under control and they’ll be more likely to say yes to you. Not everyone is meant to be at the head of the class, but doing your best is important.
Of course, you shouldn’t help out only so that your parents let you have a sleepover. Demonstrating responsibility can help you grow as a person.
If you disobey your parents, then they’ll have something to point to when they explain why you can’t have a sleepover. It’s better to obey them so you can point to positive behavior to support your case. Be a good host when your family has guests. If your family has guests, whether it’s your cousins or your parents’ childhood friends, act like a good host by taking their coats, bringing them food, and showing them where everything is. Let your parents see that you’ll be a great host when the time comes for your friends to sleep over!
If you’re respectful to your siblings, then your parents may see that you’ve earned the responsibility of having a sleepover.
