anyone have tips on dealing with my dad?

Question

I have a problem. I finished my second term of school last thursday, and am now off for three weeks. I'm almost 15 (my birthday is in three months) but my dad still insists on giving me a bedtime. Does anyone have any valid points i can argue to my dad about letting me stay up later? I don't want to come across as the clichéd "snotty teenager" here, and I don't think the "I'm almost 15" arguement would go over very well. I would greatly appreciate any help. Thanks.

My mom has no problem with me staying up later, if that helps.

Answer 1

Take your father aside and have a man-to-man talk. You should be allowed to stay up later on the holidays, surely every kid is?

And you could use the landmark of your 15th to negotiate a new time - as you mature you need more freedom, how else are you going to learn self-management skills?

I think if you negotiate and compromise (that is, you probably won't get exactly what you want but your father will not get exactly his way either) it will stop conflict and still advance your cause. Above all be cool calm and collected. Act mature and he might treat you as though you are.

Answer 2

I think it depends on the bedtime... maybe you should just say "hey dad, can we talk later?" then when you do, tell him that you respect his decision no matter what it is and will follow the rules since it's his house. Ask him to hear you out. List your reasons on paper 1st... this helps keep a clear head. Make an effort to keep on track. Propose something. Men like to hear Problem and solution.. not just the problem. Propose that when it's not a school night you may stay up no later then 11:30. I think that would be a late enough time to get good sleep. Also, take on a few more jobs around the house in your proposal and follow through. The rewards will be beneficial to both sides. (you offering to help shows you are giving and taking... not just taking). Good luck!

Answer 3

On one hand, it is tough to get back into the regular schedule when school starts if you have gone off it.

It is also plenty tough enough for a teenager to get a full night's sleep even with 8 hours being devoted to it, just because of all the hormonal growth surges going on.

I would suggest staying away from caffeinated drinks from dinner onward if it is keeping you from getting a good night's rest.

I agree, you can head to bed, but you can choose to read until you are relaxed and sleepy. You can pick up a lot of great knowledge that way.

Answer 4

I think your dad wants you to just stay on a schedule for going back to school. Ask him if that's what he's thinking.

Do you have a hard time getting up in the am for school?

Do you stay up way to late if not told when to go to bed?

Do you make a lot of noise? come on now, think about it...even I hear every footstep in the house and can't sleep until I know everyone is down for the night.

Ask your dad some of these questions that way if it is one or more of these things then talk to him and just say, if you make it better could you both agree to giving you some additional time up or a change in the time you have to be in bed.?

Your mom may be a sound sleeper because she knows your dad will wake up if he hears you and this may really bother him at night when he just wants his sleep.

So talk to dad about dad. And talk to dad about what annoys him most about you staying up an extra ???? 1 or 2 hours?

If it's because you flush the toilet and go in the kitchen and stuff like that, it annoyed me to. Plus, my son was always late in the mornings from not wanting to get up.

So, if you are anything like this, this is why your dad is setting limits on you, because maybe you make too much noise and don't know when to go to bed.
He may fear if he gives you an inch, you will take a mile....have you ever heard that expression??

If not..ask dad :)

Answer 5

Well, I didn't have a bedtime when I was younger and in school, I went when I wanted to, and most of the time it was at a more than reasonable hour. Only because I require a lot of sleep. LOL But theres not a whole lot you can do. Just go to your room when you are told and read a book or watch tv or something.

Answer 6

I had the same problem at that age. In order to keep the peace (and keep my parents happy) I went to bed when I was told. I used the time to read- and as a result have developed a life long passion for books of all genres. I am well read and have a wider knowledge base for it. If you don't like to read, use the time for some other constructive activity. I, like you, am not trying to come off as a 'snotty adult', but, your parents only ask you to do certain things out of love for you and concern for your well-being. It is often easier to abide by them and save your fights for the really important things in life.

Answer 7

I would say, "Dad, could we have a talk later." Then when he's ready, I would ask him what he thinks a good 'time' is for you to get to stay up on a school night and then on a weekend. Tell him you want to respect his boundaries, you just want to have a little extra time now that you're fifteen. Assure him that you will keep your schoolwork up, and whatever chores you have. You just want to have a little more free time to listen to your music or whatever. Good luck.

Answer 8

well i would sit down with him early in the morning- not near bed time and calmly tel him your feelings and maybe you guys can come to a reasonable compramise at least as far as your bed time when your not attending school

Answer 9

be nice to him, get on his good side so you can earn his trust. he's just worry about you cause he loves you not trying to make your life miserable.