Find a time when your parents aren't busy or stressed out to discuss the possibility of getting your own phone. Arguing with them right before your extended family comes over for the holidays isn't a good time, while calmly discussing the issue on a Saturday afternoon at the park is a much better plan. You could say, "Hey Mom, do you have a few minutes?" If she's available, say, "I want to talk about getting my own cell phone." Having your own cell phone allows you to communicate with your parents at any given time. Tell them that if you need a ride home from swim team practice or will be home late from a dance recital, you can simply call them and let them know. Remind them that you'll have a phone in case of emergencies, too. Cell phones that access the Internet allow you to use your phone for research and studying. You can also look at maps or practice sample test questions. If you don't have your own computer, this perk might be especially helpful in convincing your parents you're ready for your own phone. Set aside money from babysitting jobs or mowing lawns to pay for the phone or bill. Or, offer to do extra chores or help your parents out in exchange for a cell phone. Showing your parents you're willing to help pay the bill can convince them you are ready for your own phone. Your parents may say no, and you should accept their answer without whining or complaining. Throwing a fit will show them that you aren't yet mature enough to have your own cell phone. Even though you may be disappointed, you should still show your parents respect. For example, if they say no, reply with "Ok. Thanks for considering it." If your parents say no, politely ask when they would reconsider. It may be that they're open to you having your own phone once you get your grades up or once you reach a certain age. Avoid talking about the subject until you've done what they asked or reached the age they decided on. Then, bring up the issue again to see if they have changed their mind. If you parents agree to getting you a phone, you'll need to follow the rules they set. Discuss boundaries, like how many minutes or how much data you're allowed per month, when you can use your phone, what apps or features are appropriate, and how to maintain your privacy and safety. For example, your parents may decide you can't use your phone during class or after 10pm. You might need to agree to stay of certain websites or social media applications, for instance.

Summary: Present your argument calmly when the time is right. Explain the practicality of owning a phone. Point out the educational benefits. Offer to help with the expenses. Accept their answer. Ask when they may be willing to reconsider. Work together to set boundaries.

Good body language is central to helping the other person feel comfortable and open to talking to you. Sitting ramrod straight in your chair may actually make the other person uneasy. To demonstrate your comfort level, smile gently and lean back a bit in your chair for an angular posture. Or, prop yourself casually against a wall or column if you're standing. Another way to show you're relaxed is by loosening up your shoulders. Drop them down and backwards if they're tense. A good conversation involves a connection between you and the other person. You won't achieve that connection if you're facing away from them. Plus, turning your body or your feet away demonstrates that you're actually ready to leave. Instead, orient your body towards the other person. To exhibit interest during certain parts of the conversation, lean forward towards the person. Regular eye contact is essential to keeping a conversation going. You should immediately make eye contact at the start of the conversation. Then, maintain it by looking into the other person's eyes for about four to five seconds. Looking away is okay, too! Take a few seconds to survey your surroundings before re-establishing eye contact again. Aim for about half the time when you are speaking and 70 percent of the time when you are listening. Sticking to this ratio helps you remember how much eye contact to make without staring someone down. Crossed arms and legs send the message that you're disinterested in what the other person has to say. It can also make you appear guarded or defensive. If you have a habit of crossing your arms and legs, make an extra effort to relax them at your sides during a conversation. It's perfectly okay if this doesn't feel normal to you at first. Give it a try. Over time, you may come to feel more at ease. If you're not feeling too confident, you can position your body in a way that makes you look and feel self-assured. When sitting, try clasping your hands behind your head in an inverted "V." If you're standing, a great way to power-pose is by placing your hands on your hips during the conversation.
Summary: Display relaxed body language. Face the person you're talking to. Make eye contact. Uncross your arms and legs. Power-pose to project confidence.