Asking for a PlayStation Directly
Plan. Before trying to talk to your parents, do some research ahead of time. Research stores that have good prices. Oftentimes, it's the cost of a game console that is a major concern. If you can find a PlayStation for a lower cost, your parents may be more willing to buy you one. You should also think about what you want to say to your parents. You can also sign up for store emails to receive alerts and notifications when stores are having sales. You may want to wait until a console goes on sale to ask your parents about getting a PlayStation. Look around for the best possible price. Think ahead a little bit. You can write down why you want a PlayStation and why you think you deserve it. It can be stressful to ask your parents about a major purchase, so some planning ahead can help. Talk about how you're a responsible student and generally do your chores and follow rules. Explain how you would enjoy having a game console of your own.
Pick a good time to talk. If you want to increase your chances of getting a "Yes," pick a good time to talk. A PlayStation is a big purchase and your parents will have a lot of questions and concerns. Asking them when they're already busy is a bad idea. You can talk to your parents at times when you're both free. When they're driving you home from school, for example, you could bring up the issue. You could also ask them after dinner. Ask if it's a good time to talk first. Even if you don't realize it yourself, your parents may be busy or stressed. Say something like, "Mom, I want to ask you about something. Is now a good time?"
Explain what you want and why. Let your parents know why you want a PlayStation. Be direct and let them know that it’s something you want. You do not want to beat around the bush. It's best to ask, and then explain your reasons. State your case right away. Start the conversation with something like, "I've been wanting a PlayStation for a long time. Do you think it's something you guys would consider buying for me?" Your parents care about you and want to understand you. They probably dislike conflict as much as you do. Therefore, explain why you want the PlayStation. Pick reasons that will appeal to your parents. "I think it'll be really fun" may sound like a petty reason. Instead, try saying something like, "I work hard at school and in my extracurriculars. I think I would benefit from having a new hobby." It may be helpful to assure your parents you'll use the device responsibly. Say something like, "I promise I'll only play after I'm done with my homework. If you want, I can agree to only play for an hour or two a day."
Avoid arguing or whining. Your parents might say, "No." A PlayStation is an expensive purchase. Your parents may have good reasons to hesitate to buy you one. Arguing or whining about the issue will only serve to annoy your parents. Your parents also may think you're behaving in an immature fashion, which does not help your case. If you get a, "No," say something like, "I understand your concerns. Maybe we can talk again another time."
Try to understand your parents' perspective. If your parents say "No" or have certain reservations, try to understand their point of view. If you're willing to understand where your parents are coming from, they'll return that respect. They'll try to understand your perspective as well. Genuinely listen to your parents' reasons or concerns. They may be worried about violence in video games. They may worry about you wasting your time when you could be studying. Many parents believe children are better off without video games. It's not uncommon for parents to have certain reservations. Respond respectfully to their concerns. Explain to them ways you'll make sure those concerns do not become an issue. For example, say your parents are worried about the level of violence in video games. Respond with something like, "I understand why that would be a concern for you. I would be open to allowing you to screen the games I pick. If there's anything you feel is inappropriate, I'll go with a different game."
Take "No" for an answer, for now. In the event your parents do say no, accept the answer. Arguing or complaining will only frustrate your parents. If you're respectful of their decision, this shows maturity. They may soften them. In a few months, try bringing up the issue again. Say something like, "I know you said 'No' last time, but I still really want a PlayStation. Would you be willing to reconsider?"
Asking Indirectly
Make your case in a letter. Oftentimes, asking your parents directly can be stressful. If your parents are often argumentative and shut down discussion, try writing a letter. You can state your case, explaining why you want a PlayStation. You should also state why you think you're responsible enough to have a game console. Start the letter by directly stating what you want. Open with something like, "Dear Mom and Dad, I would like a PlayStation for the living room." Proceed to explain why. It can be something like, "I work hard at school and do a lot of extracurriculars. At the end of the day, after finishing my homework, I would like to have something I can use to relax." Do you have anything else that can help you make your case? For example, maybe you have some money saved up. You can say something like, "I have saved up almost $100 from my birthday money and my allowance. I would be more than willing to put this money towards a PlayStation." You should also think of any potential responses your parents may come up with and think of a counterargument. For example, maybe your mother is the type to worry about you wasting your time with video games. Write something like, "I know you probably worry about me spending all my time playing video games. If you allowed me to get a PlayStation, I would be happy to have you and Dad decide how long I can use it each day." End the letter respectfully. Thank your parents for taking the time to read it and ask them to get back to you. For example, "I hope you'll take this all into consideration. Thank you for reading this letter. Let me know what you think. Love, Tara."
Put a PlayStation on your wish list. Use holidays and your birthday to ask for a PlayStation. Your parents may be more willing to indulge you on a special occasion. Your parents will be buying you gifts during these times, so tell them all you want is a PlayStation console. If they express concern, you can promise to use it responsibly and allow them to veto any games they feel are violent or inappropriate.
Make your parents want to use the PlayStation as well. Many games are designed for adults. A lot of grownups enjoy game consoles as much as their children do. Multiplayer, strategy, and puzzle games can all be fun for adults to play. Mention these games during dinner. Say something like, "Did you know Aiden's dad plays video games? I thought it was kind of weird, but I guess PlayStation has a lot of games for adults." Show them titles geared for adults such as Assassin’s Creed IV, Journey, Grand Theft Auto V, and The Last of Us. Ask adult relatives like older cousins or aunts and uncles to tell your parents they play video games. PlayStations can also be used to surf the web; point out the advantages of having a web browser on your TV. For example, say something like, "Wouldn't it be fun to watch all those YouTube videos you like on the big TV in the living room?" Were there any video games your parents liked to play at your age? See if they have a newer version for a PlayStation. Your parents may be excited at the prospect of playing old video games from their childhood again. Many older game franchises, like Mario, remain popular today.
Educating Your Parents About Video Games
Tell your parents about family games. Meaningful one-on-one time with your family is important. If you spend a lot of time with your parents, you'll feel closer as a family. There are a lot of family-friendly games for PlayStation. Games are themed around things like solving mysteries, playing instruments, completing quests, and piecing together puzzles. Try making a list of family-friendly games and showing it to your parents. Tell them playing as a family would be good for everyone. You can find lists of family-friendly games online. Most games provide an age level that shows what age group the game is appropriate for. Search for games that would work for your whole family. If you have a 7-year-old brother, for example, look for games for ages 7 and up. Consider your family's interests. If you all love a particular movie, see if there are any family-friendly games based around that movie you could all play.
Show them age-appropriate games. Many parents are hesitant to buy a PlayStation console because they fear that all the games are violent or not age-appropriate. If you have younger siblings, your parents may be especially hesitant to invest in a PlayStation. Research games for your age group, and your sibling's age group. Tell your parents these are the games you will play. Cars, Peggle, Just Dance 3, and Eye Pet are some great games for kids ages 3-6. Skylanders Giants, Epic Mickey 2, Lego Star Wars, and ModNation Racers are fun for kids ages 7-11. Rocksmith, F1 Race Stars, and DJ Hero are great for kids ages 12-15.
Present the PlayStation as a Blu-Ray player. A PlayStation console can also play Blu-Ray discs. Some PlayStations can also hook up to WiFi, allowing your parents to access things like Netflix. If you point out these benefits of a PlayStation, your parents may be willing to purchase one as they'll be able to use it as well. Most movies are sold on Blu-Ray discs now.
Talk to your parents about the benefits of video games. While video games have a bad reputation, they can be helpful in moderation. Some evidence indicates video games help with hand/eye coordination, multi-tasking, and the ability to focus on a single task. However, keep in mind this research is still limited and many studies do indicate video games have bad effects as well. You may want to try some of the other methods before going this route.
Showing Responsibility
Do chores around the house. Your parents will be more willing to buy you a game console if you show some responsibility. Do some chores around the house. Keep your room clean. Taking care of the things you already have will show your parents you're responsible enough to use a PlayStation. Make your bed every morning. Put your dirty clothes in a laundry basket before bed at night. Keep your toys, books, and other things put away and off the floor. Vacuum your room once a week. If you have any regular chores, like letting the dog out or doing the dishes, do them without complaint. Your parents will notice your willingness to help and may be more likely to reward you.
Offer to set up a payment plan. Tell your parents you will contribute to the cost of the PlayStation. If you're willing to pay for some of the cost, they may be willing to buy you the console. If you have a job, save some money from each paycheck to pay for the PlayStation. Put away about $20 a week. In a few months, you'll have almost $100 that you can put towards the PlayStation. Ask your parents about setting up a tracking system to earn money for chores around the house. Make a chart saying how much each chore is worth. For example, cutting the grass is $10, cleaning a bathroom is $7, and vacuuming the house is $5. You can earn the PlayStation through work. Save any money you get from birthdays, holidays, or allowance to make payments on the PlayStation. You can also try to sell older toys or game consoles in a yard sale or online to raise money for the PlayStation.
Follow rules around the house. Make sure that you are obeying your parents’ expectations. This shows them that you are willing to listen to their rules regarding using the PlayStation. Use your computer, tablet, or smartphone responsibly. Show your parents that you are using the technology you already have available correctly. This will demonstrate how you can be responsible with a PlayStation. For example, if your parents have a rule against phones at the dinner table, do not text at dinner. Come home before your curfew every night. Look for opportunities to help around the house. Even if it's not your job to do the dishes, if your mom's busy one night, do a load for her.
Keep your grades up. Your parents may fear that having a game console could cause your grades to slip, so stay on top of your school work and homework. Show that you're a responsible student. Your parents may be more likely to think you can handle a PlayStation. Follow a schedule to keep track of your homework. It can help to write down your assignments in a planner. Try doing your homework right after school. This shows initiative. If you're struggling with a subject, talk to your teacher. See if your school offers a tutoring program. You can also tell your parents you may need a little extra help. Start studying for tests and quizzes a week before they occur. You do not want to end up cramming for a test the night before.
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