It can be difficult to prove to your parents that you are responsible for your actions after getting in trouble at school, whether you want to or not.It will take time, consistency, and the ability to engage in tough conversations without losing your cool.To prove that you are responsible, you need to be trustworthy, grow and mature, and have a plan in place when you ask your parents for new responsibilities.
Step 1: They have a chance to ask, but you should do what you are supposed to.
It is one of the easiest ways to show that you are capable of taking initiative with your responsibilities.Do it before they get a chance to ask you, if you know you have a weekly chore coming up.If you usually work on your homework on Sunday night, do it on Saturday before they remind you.If you aren't already taking care of the stuff you normally need to do, you should not go out of your way to get new responsibilities.
Step 2: Don't be dishonest with your mistakes.
The ability to admit when you are wrong is one of the most important signs of your responsibility.Your parents expect you to be honest, but not perfect.Being humble and admitting to your mistakes will show your parents that you are capable of self-reflection.Don't be afraid to admit you messed up.If you put it off, it will get worse.Don't make excuses but explain your mistakes.I couldn't take the trash out because I was playing a game, but that sounds better than "Sorry, I got caught up in my game."
Step 3: Do what you say you will, keep your promises.
Stick to your word, even if you promised to take the trash out after dinner or stopped playing the game after 10 more minutes.When you give your parents more responsibility, they will be more comfortable because you mean what you say.Make promises that are realistic.If you break your promise, it won't matter.If you are already averaging a C in each class, it will be hard to get straight A's on your report card.
Step 4: Don't make a big deal about curfews and nights out.
One of the worst things you can do when trying to prove that you are responsible is to break the boundaries that your parents have already set for you.Make sure you get home before your curfew is up and try to sleep before they tell you it's time to go to bed.You can show them that you can take on more responsibilities if you follow their rules consistently.
Step 5: You should complete your schoolwork and work hard in class.
Don't get into trouble at school if you complete your homework on time, turn it in, and take notes in class.Showing your parents that you can succeed at school is one of the most important indicators of your ability to handle more responsibility.It shows that you care about your future.If you do well on a major assignment, you may be able to make a deal with a teacher that you like to call home.If your teacher mentions that it was your idea, it will show them that you care about what they think.
Step 6: Show them that you aren't impulsive by saving money.
If you have a part-time job, weekly allowance, or make money when you do your chores, start saving your money.This will show your parents that you can think about the big picture and understand the importance of delayed gratification.You can ask your parents to keep your money for you so that they can see you saving.It is important for you to save money in order to show your parents that you are serious about buying something.If you want to save money on a purchase, then you should show them how much it means to you.
Step 7: Make sure to take care of yourself.
If you have to rely on your parents to get you up in the morning, set an alarm for 6:30 and beat them to the punch.Don't ask your parents to make it for you when you need a snack.You need less supervision and fewer restrictions if you take care of yourself.If a parent asks if you need anything, say "It's okay, I can get it" and show them that you prefer to take care of yourself.If a parent wants to make you a snack, give them a different offer.Say, "Why don't I make us something to eat?"They will be impressed even if they decline the offer.
Step 8: Don't let emotions get the best of you during disagreements.
They won't expect you to agree with everything they say, and there's nothing wrong with not seeing eye-to-eye with your parents.Being able to regulate your feelings is part of being a responsible person.During disagreements, be respectful and keep your voice down.Your parents will respect you for maintaining the right tone even if you don't win.If you know you will lose an argument, state your case and admit defeat.It is a good way to show your maturity.When you are upset, acknowledge it.I need a second to calm down.I am getting upset and want to take a break.
Step 9: You should admit to changing your opinion if you want to prove that you are becoming an adult.
A major sign of emotional and intellectual growth is changing your mind.It is a good idea to admit that something isn't as bad as you used to think.Your parents will be provided with proof that you are ready for new responsibilities when you see a growing mind.Simple comments can go a long way.If you are sitting down for a family meal, say "I used to dislike this kind of food, but I'm starting to like it as I get older."
Step 10: You should express gratitude and not brag to show that you are growing up.
Show gratitude when your parents cook for you or drive you somewhere.Your parents do a lot of little things for you.They will be more likely to trust you in the future if you notice and acknowledge them.Bragging shows you don't know how to be humble.Don't talk about how good you are.Your parents will notice if you are doing the right thing.
Step 11: Show your parents that you can take care of a pet and other people.
Ask your parents if you should get a dog or cat.Show them that you can take care of the people in your household if they don't think so.Don't forget to give your parents things to look out for.You can argue that you are responsible enough for a pet if you can demonstrate you care for others.Ask your parents if they want a rabbit.Rabbits require very little money to care for and are excellent pets.If your parents don't want to jump right into a dog or cat, offer to start with something small like a hamster or fish.
Step 12: Take care of your family electronics and you can handle a cell phone.
To prove that you can use technology in a responsible way, you have to show that.Before you use the family computer, make sure you wash your hands and look where you are going.Don't stay up late to play games or use social media for more than 30 minutes a day.
Step 13: Do research and stay safe to convince your parents to give you a car.
If you want to show your parents that you can drive a car, don't do any risky things.If you get behind the wheel of a car, make sure you show your parents how to be careful.Call to check in when you are away from home.You can show them that you care about safety by researching which models are the safest.Start saving up when you research the financial requirements.If you understand the financial burden and are willing to chip in, your parents will take the idea more seriously.It is possible to point out the benefits of a car to your parents.They will not need to drive you around or pick you up if they get you a vehicle.
Step 14: Don't rush your parents, ask at an appropriate time.
Asking at the wrong time is one of the worst ways to get what you want.If your parents wake up or get home from work, they will be more likely to say no.When you are spending time with your family, be upfront about what you want from them.It can take a long time to evaluate expensive purchases.One way to avoid getting what you want is to rush your parents.Prepare your parents for what you want to say.Give them time to form their initial thoughts before you state your case.
Step 15: Talk with your parents about your goals.
If there is a specific reason for you to be trying to prove that you are responsible, be honest with them and set up a goal together.You can be trusted to follow through if you are consistent and open about meeting their expectations.Conversation about responsibility should not be turned into a negotiation.Make the conversation about the process, not the reward, instead of saying things like, "If I do the chores for the rest of the month you should let me get a new phone."