Parents often don't want their children to eat fast food; they fear that it is too expensive, unhealthy, and that these meals are not worth the effort and time. Although they do it with the best of intentions, you may be able to persuade them and change their minds. Consider why they don't want to take you out to eat at these restaurants and offer them a reason for debate.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Talk to Parents
Step 1. Ask them why they don't want you to eat fast food
Dialogue is the key to a good relationship, especially with parents. Talk to them directly: "Why don't you want me to eat fast food?" They will probably give you an equally straight answer.
Step 2. Be honest and respectful
It is very likely that they will not want to have an argument if you are not polite and open to dialogue. Insulting, yelling, or being visibly frustrated only makes the discussion more difficult; no matter how discouraged you feel, be civilized.
Step 3. Look at their motives
Make a mental note of their reasons for not letting you eat fast food; by doing some little research you will be able to dismiss every single point. Keep what they tell you in mind and remember it for the next occasion.
Part 2 of 3: Do Some Research
Step 1. Remember their motives
There are many factors why your parents may not allow you to eat fast food: it can be very expensive or they are concerned about your health; maybe you want to go to a restaurant with your friends, but parents may disagree. You should therefore do some research in order to get mom and dad to change their minds. Bringing reasons that contradict any of their arguments to deny you permission is the best way to make them think again.
Step 2. Focus on health
If this is their main concern and they give this reason for not satisfying your desire, know that there is a lot of research you can use to convince them otherwise; for this purpose it may be helpful to inform you about the nutritional values and the restaurant menus. You can always choose healthier dishes that offer better options.
- Look at the menus. Most fast food outlets have started offering healthier meals, and you may be able to persuade parents to take some of these dishes, such as chicken salads or salads with bacon and eggs.
- Learn about nutritional values. The better you know the nutritional principles and the needs of the organism, the more you are informed about the effect of this food in your diet; as long as you don't consume more calories than you consume every day, know that you don't get fat, even if you only eat this type of food.
Step 3. Do some research on the price of the menus
If you want to achieve your goal, but your parents' reason for rejection is cheap, find out about the prices charged at your favorite fast food chains; many offer sandwiches for only 1 euro or other menus at very low prices.
Pay attention to special offers. Often, these restaurant chains have offers that drastically reduce the prices of the various menus. For example, you may often hear advertisements on the radio or television offering two menus for the price of one, meal vouchers, or other limited-time promotions that make various dishes more accessible
Step 4. Evaluate how important the time you spend with friends is to you
If going to a restaurant with them helps you feel good, you should find a way to explain it to the parents. Spending time with friends is important, it helps build a bond, even if it forms over a cheesburger. Find ways to explain to your parents that hanging out with friends is as important to you as it is to them and that it helps you stay in touch with your peers.
Part 3 of 3: Finding a Deal
Step 1. Talk to parents again
Bring your research with you or keep in mind what you are about to tell them; remember the specific points they raised the first time and carefully prepare your arguments.
Step 2. Counter their reasons
Whether it's the price, the poor nutritional values of the food, or other reasons that keep you from going to the restaurant, show the corresponding counter-proofs. Regardless of their beliefs, bring valid arguments that show a positive point of view.
Step 3. Tell them how often you would like to eat at the fast food restaurant
Limiting yourself to a few bargains can be a way to save money and stay healthy while eating at these restaurants. Tell parents when you would like to go: once a month, once a week or more often. Be detailed; the more specific you are on this topic, the more you can talk to them about the weekly budget.
Step 4. Ask them if you can consider fast food as an "occasional concession"
If you see that they have no intention of changing their mind about it, try to figure out if you can at least consider it a reward for something you have achieved. If they know that you have worked hard to get your "prize", they will hardly deny it.
Step 5. Tell them that you will pay for the meals yourself
If your parents are concerned about money, offer to pay. If you are given pocket money or have a job after school, it shouldn't be a big deal for you; by doing so, you could convince them in case they are fearful of the expense. If you don't have enough money for the whole meal, make yourself available to at least pay half of it.
Step 6. Make a physical activity plan and show it to parents
Plan an exercise program to offset the calorie intake you get with fast food. Schedule running or cycling sessions or consider joining a school sports team. Show the plan to the parents and let them know that physical activity can offset the poor quality of the food you eat.
Step 7. Enjoy the "whim" of fast food
If you stick to your commitment correctly and limit these meals to a reasonable amount, you are likely to be able to convince them. So enjoy your menus and be aware of how hard you went to make them change their minds; don't forget to thank them for their concession.
Advice
- Be honest and open about your desire to go to fast food. Tell them exactly how many times you would like to go each month and how you can make their decision easier by offering to pay for the meal yourself or by putting more effort into physical activity.
- Always thank them! If they finally decide to give you permission, you need to sincerely thank them for changing their minds and giving you a treat.
- Remember that parents usually only decide what's best for you; they don't stop you from eating fast food because they don't want to give you a whim or because they don't love you, but simply because they want to protect your health and their own finances, preventing them from being thrown away.
- A "no" today does not mean permanent rejection; if you can't convince them one day, wait a week or so and try again. Maybe your parents were in a bad mood or didn't have enough time to think about it the first time you asked for permission.
- Tell them that you are willing to take care of the housework, dust the house, engage in other tasks, or ask them to pay you for these things, then be especially nice. eventually they might even pay you to bring them breakfast in bed.
Warnings
- Be careful not to go to fast food restaurants too much. Even if the flavors are good and it is pleasant to eat this type of menu, if you overdo it you can really put your health at risk and get fat; the important thing is to always enjoy it in moderation.
- Don't argue with your parents. If they deny you permission or are perplexed, you shouldn't be angry with them; you would only increase the difficulties and create tension in the house.
- Don't ask too often; the more you insist, the more you may irritate them, especially if they have already told you no. Don't tempt fate by asking for it every day; they may get so annoyed that they deny you permission just because they no longer want to hear you ask.
- The methods described in this article do not work with all parents; some may refuse to grant permission without exception. In that case, you will need to find a way to go alone or wait until you are old enough to drive yourself.
