Don’t ask in the morning when she is getting ready for work and you have to get to school. Try talking to her when you are on a car ride or eating dinner. Suggest that the two of you go for a walk. Make sure that she is in a good mood. If she already seems stressed, it is not a good time for the conversation.
Nudge her by mentioning the toy a few times before you ask her to buy it. Your angle should be personal reasons why the toy is important to you. Reduce friction by keeping the conversation positive. If your mom tells you “no,” stay calm and listen to her reasons. If you argue, she will get defensive.
If you get frustrated, take a few deep breaths. Don’t interrupt. When you are tempted to argue, let her talk instead and listen to what she has to say.
It will keep you occupied so you don’t bother her when she is busy. Is there something you can learn from this toy? Maybe it will teach you something or improve a skill.
Bring your writing with you when you have the conversation so you remember everything you want to say.
Another adult can have more influence on your mom than you can. Talk to adults in your life about how much you want the toy and ask them to talk to your mom for you. Other people who may be able to convince your mom are your dad and your grandparents.
If the toy costs too much money you can do chores to earn money and split the cost. If she says that you have too many toys already, choose some to get rid of. You can get your mom to help you sell them online or in a garage sale to earn money to buy the toy you want.
What if I clean my room? What if I do the dishes for a week? What if I take out the laundry whenever you ask me to? What if I promise to play with it only in my room so I don’t get in your way?
Find a coupon or a store that has the toy on sale for a limited time. If there are only a few toys left at the store, make sure you don’t miss out on getting one before they are gone.
Do this on a regular basis for several days instead of thanking her for everything all at once.
She wants to know that you will keep playing with the toy once she buys it, so it doesn’t seem like a waste of money. Playing with the toys you already have is a good step toward proving a new toy is worth the money. If you have siblings and share your toys, buying a toy for you is also like buying a toy for your brother or sister, which makes it more valuable.
Think of all of the things she has asked you to do in the past and do them without her having to ask. Work hard on your school work and finish your homework quickly to show that you have time to play with toys. Complete all of your chores and offer to do more to help your mom.
