5 Ways To Work It Out With Mom

Mom says: You can go to the party, but you have to be home by midnight.

You say: The party only starts at midnight!

The Candy way:

Take a deep breath and remind yourself that it’s a good thing she’s letting you go at all before explaining—as calmly as possible—why you think your curfew is unreasonable. Let your mom in on your plans. Giving her the lowdown on where you’ll be, who you’re going to be with, and what you’ll be doing will help her get a clear picture of how you’ll be spending your time—which just might get her to give you more of it. If you still feel like Cinderella, offer to check in every hour by sending a text message or giving her a quick call on your cell phone. Parents usually set early curfews because they worry about what might be happening to you or how you’ll get home, so contacting them at regular intervals just to let them know you’re in one piece and that you can get home safely is a good way of showing them that you’re responsible enough to be able to stay out late.

Whatever happens, make sure you get home at the exact time your mom wants you home, even if it means making your exit just as you’re starting to get into the swing of things. It may be hard to do that when you’re about to dance up a storm, but you’ll be glad you did when your parents realize they can trust you to follow the rules—and are more willing to bend them for you next time.

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