Convincing parents on getting a hamster?

[Alright]

Hi everyone

I have never had a hamster before, but I have two dogs that I walk very often, and three hermit crabs that I take care of properly (20 gal tank, 2 salt and fresh water pools, correct humidity/temp, etc.) and my mom has never had to take care of them. I wanted a hamster about a year ago but my mom said no way. I just completely gave up on the idea after that.

However, I have still wanted a hamster. So recently I wrote a 1 page e-mail to my mom about owning a hamster and why I should have one and how I would pay for it and take care of it. She said no and I politely asked why and she said it's because she doesn't want any more pets. So I simply said "ok" and dropped the subject. I've been cleaning my room and keeping it clean, cleaning the bathrooms, taking care of the animals, etc. I make a Prezi presentation on owning a hamster that is very detailed. It has how much it costs and that I would pay for it.

I'm considering showing her this presentation at the end of the week (by then it'll have been a week and a half since I asked her last about the hamster) and asking her again. I'm nervous that she'll still say no...

Any tips/ideas?

-AR

[nighttigerz]

The thing I did to convince my parents on getting me hamsters about 3 months was get good marks at school, do all my chores, clean my fish tanks(three 20 gallon tanks) and turtle tanks(40 gallon tank) every week and then every once in a while i try to ask them, and then one day.. i got the reply "Yes", I was so happy, I would just try to show her my presentation if i had one.

[Alright]

Originally Posted by nighttigerz

get good marks at school

Forgot to mention I also get good grades...but school is about to end soooo

[slatted]

I think the most telling thing is that your Mum said that "she" does not want any more pets...I thought it was to be your pet? and that you look after your pets not her?

Maybe try to have some agreement that if you do not look after the hamster in accordance with what you plan you will take it to a shelter/re-home it so she does not end up having to look after it?

[Alright]

Originally Posted by slatted

I think the most telling thing is that your Mum said that "she" does not want any more pets...I thought it was to be your pet? and that you look after your pets not her?

Maybe try to have some agreement that if you do not look after the hamster in accordance with what you plan you will take it to a shelter/re-home it so she does not end up having to look after it?

Thanks for the idea! I had not thought of this. Yes I was confused a little when she said SHE did not want any more pets. I am being completely honest when I tell you that I DO take care of my animals by myself and she has never once had to take care of them. Maybe I will point that out. Thanks.

AR

[slatted]

Just do it carefully and tactfully

[Queen Of The High Teas]

I don't know how you'd convince your parents in getting a hamster, I've never been in that situation as everyone in our house likes them and would never say no to them. My dad even used to joke about throwing all the "useless" expensive fancy dishes out of the cabinet and turning it into a "much more useful" hamster cage. I really can't understand why, unless their allergic/ terrified/ hate them, anyone would say no to a hamster. Their not exactly a lot of work, don't cost much to keep, and aren't exactly what you call high maintenance. In fact their usually the next port of call after the goldfish in a desperate attempt to save from having to get a dog, but as you already have the dogs, the hammy should be a doddle - its usually the other way around that's asking the impossible.

[Luhren]

I had a mother who was the same. She "didn't want anymore pets" and was "afraid of rodents". You have to introduce the idea slowly though so she doesn't become fed up quickly.

• Drop hints so she knows it's not something you'll easily give up on.
• Show extra responsibility. Coming home to a clean house every day might put her in a good mood for the discussion.
• Make sure she knows that she won't pay for everything! Save up some money to show that you're ready to take on the price tag by yourself.

When you feel her warming up to the idea, I'd also suggest showing the prezi.

Good luck!

[Alright]

Originally Posted by Wobbles

I really can't understand why, unless their allergic/ terrified/ hate them, anyone would say no to a hamster.

I'm starting to think that the "I don't want any more pets" thing was actually her saying "I HATE RATS" because she does not enjoy rodents...or any furry animals besides dogs. I made sure to include that yes, hamsters are rodents, but they are not exactly "rats" and are very sweet, etc.

Originally Posted by Luhren

I had a mother who was the same. She "didn't want anymore pets" and was "afraid of rodents".

Sounds exactly like my mom.

Originally Posted by Luhren

Show extra responsibility.

I've been cleaning my room (and more importantly, KEEPING it clean), cleaning the bathroom, washing the dogs, and doing the dishes. She has not really commented on my room being clean (mainly because it usually isn't THAT messy anyway) but she has noticed it. But she was very impressed when I bathed both dogs AND THEN cleaned the entire bathroom. She even pointed it out to my dad who was also impressed. I also helped my dad with the dishes and he seemed pretty happy about that. But, I'm not really truly trying to impress my dad as much as I am my mom, because in this house, my mom is the one who has the final say on everything. My dad just follows along with what she says most of the time

[slatted]

Have you got any cute photos of hamsters you can show her? Smiley ones, cute ones and of course a bum shot to show no nasty long tails? Lol