[Gpdd] Re: [MISC] Back Again

[Aurae]

Laura,

I happen to live in Illinois, and coincidentally 
I have a mother and father with complete rule 
over me as well, although this summer I turn 
eighteen and then all hell shall break loose.  
(Or not--I'm rather meek.)

As for the Oxbow issue, my mother feels the 
same way.  Tonight we went to the pet store to 
pick up food and Timothy, which were the only 
things I didn't yet have for Napoleon, who 
arrives tomorrow, and I saw Oxbow Timothy and 
insisted on purchasing that brand.  My mother, 
of course, who does NOT particularly care for 
the care and keeping of a guinea pig, but will 
constantly be trying to spoil it rotten and 
dote over it when she thinks I'm not looking, 
was complaining about the price.

What you need to convince your parents to 
listen to you depends on your parents' individual 
dispositions.  For example, I know that my 
mother responds most positively to well-
constructed arguments presented in a discussion 
manner, while my father just needs to be sweet-
talked since I'm his only daughter and by nature 
he enjoys purchasing things.  Think about times 
in the past where you have had to convince your 
parents of something.  What worked?  What didn't?  
This is often unique to each parent--keep that 
in mind.

No matter what style of persuasion works for 
your parents, keep in mind that strong support 
points are key for any persuasive argument.  
Look things up.  Research what makes Oxbow brand 
worth the extra money.  To parents, "All the 
other guinea pig people online say that Oxbow is 
the best," will NOT cut it.  You need concrete 
proof.  Think about the reasons you think Oxbow 
is best for your guinea pig, and then elaborate 
and explain so your parents can have an idea of 
why this is important to you.

Also, make sure you are calm and collected.  You 
don't want to make it like a temper-tantrum, you 
said, so be careful to chose your words wisely 
and remain calm during the discussion.  Yelling, 
pouting, or other immature behavior will gain 
you no brownie points and get your guinea pig no 
Oxbow-brand products.  If your parents refuse to 
discuss the matter and respond favorably, wait a 
bit before bringing it up again.  Nagging, at 
least for my parents, has always producted 
responses opposite to the ones I desired.

Also, try to think of "bargains" you could 
arrange with your parents.  Do you have a job?  
Do you get an allowance?  Is there anyway you 
could pay for a portion of the product, perhaps 
paying the difference?  Obviously, you would 
like your parents to pay for the entire thing, 
but if getting Oxbow products mean that much to 
you, there may be sacrifices.  You need to 
consider what lengths you are willing to go for 
Pepper.

Basically, this is not an instantaneous thing.  
Changing other people's minds, especially those 
of one's parents, takes time and patience and 
lots of careful planning.  Take it one step at 
a time--research, plan what you shall say, try 
to carefully bring up the discussion, discuss, 
and, if necessary, repeat the process until you 
get the results you desire.  Even if your parents 
seem extremely stubborn, they can be quietly worn 
down if you go about it in the corrent manner.

The exotic-pet vet should be dealt with in the 
same manner.  Also, try not to bombard your 
parents with requests for a better vet and better 
supplies at the same moment.  Take small steps.

There is a psychological term called the foot-in-
the-door phenomenon, which states that a person 
who agrees to a small request is more likely to 
later agree to a larger request.  Use this to 
your advantage.  Ask for something small that is 
something extra for Pepper.  Then, maybe a week or 
two later, ask for something a little bit more.

Although veterinary care is vital, I would work 
my way up to that as the "biggest" request, 
because switching vets is tiresome and has the 
potential to be most expensive.  Also, before you 
request a switch, do reasearch on the vets in your 
area who know a good deal about guinea pigs and 
could thus treat Pepper the best.

Keep in mind that this is a gradual process.  You 
will not get results overnight.  However, when 
executed properly, this method produces favorable 
results.  I should know, I've persuaded my own 
parents this way many a time.  n_n  I hope this 
was of some assistance~!

~ Ducky
(Napoleon arrives tomorrow!)


	
		
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