West Press

Troubled writes: I see younger kids than me going downtown with their friends, but my parents still have not allowed me to go. How can I change their minds?

Dear Troubled,

First you need to ask your parents why they won’t let you go downtown. If it’s because they don’t think you’re responsible, then express to them that you feel you are old enough to be responsible with this privilege. Show your parents how responsible you are by taking care of your room, your money, and yourself and maybe they will see that you have matured. 

You can also question your parents to see when they were allowed to go places by themselves. This answer may vary from “not until I was old enough to drive myself” to “never” so be prepared. You could suggest to them that times may have changed and kids are allowed to do some things at a younger age than when they were kids. Make sure you stress to them that the values they have instilled in you have not changed and that is why you should be trusted to go downtown with your friends.

Just ask them for one chance. Once you get to go downtown once, you may get it out of your system and not feel the need to go again, but if you do want to go again, make sure you obey their rules so you can get the chance again.