I have an

Chatterbox: Down to Earth

I have an

I have an issue: I want to start a tutoring business. I'm good at tutoring, and I have everything figured out, but I'm afraid to approach my parents. Again. No matter what I do, I'm always scared to approach my mum, and my dad always discusses it with her, and when I ask together they think something is seriously wrong. But I know the real reason why I'm so scared is because of one thing I can't change. I know they'll say no.

My mum doesn't really want me to branch out into the world. I know I can do it and I want to help people, but she'll say no. My dad is somewhat more enthusiastic, but I don't feel comfortable asking just him because that could get complicated with my mum.

I have a business plan, marketing strategy, everything I need to start except their permission.

Please don't say that they will say yes becuase I know they won't say yes, and if they do, I'll be super limited on what they'll let me do.

So, what do y'all think? 

 

If you've already thought about this and made plans, I'd say go for it, ask your parents. If they are leery, you might suggest you begin with just one student. And maybe limit yourself to students from families that your family or your teachers know, so you won't be working with complete strangers. Then you'll be able to see how much time it will take and if/when you'll be able to take on more. Let us know how it goes.

Admin

submitted by S.E.
(September 5, 2015 - 9:17 pm)

What if you casually mentioned how you they would feel if you, for instance, wanted to start tutoring people? If they seem like they could be persuaded into letting you do it, whip out a poster showing all of your strong points. Just do not be overly pushy about it. That will get you nowhere.

submitted by OtR
(September 6, 2015 - 6:58 am)

They would probably get annoyed with me.

submitted by S.E.
(September 7, 2015 - 5:32 am)

Top!!!!!

submitted by Top!!
(September 6, 2015 - 6:59 am)

What exactly do you think your parents would be against?

submitted by Booksy Owly
(September 8, 2015 - 9:38 pm)

They'll probably be against me being with strangers/semi-strangers, and they won't like the idea of me running a business.

submitted by S.E.
(September 9, 2015 - 4:21 am)

Ask them why they don't like you running a bussiness. Tell them it would be like if you wanted to be a babysitter, just in this case you're tutoring kids.  

submitted by Indigo
(September 9, 2015 - 9:02 am)

Ask them if you could start with people they know, such as your friends' siblings, or your parents' friends kids. Start small, and once they see that you can do it, you can grow bigger. 

submitted by Booksy Owly
(September 9, 2015 - 10:20 am)

One,  I agree with Booksy.

Two, also, this is going to sound a bit sleazy, but why don't you try asking your father instead of both? Tell him how much you would like to tutor.

submitted by Notellin
(September 9, 2015 - 2:32 pm)

Perhaps you could... Secretly do it?

S.E., you're so like me. I want to do something cool, or get something entertaining, but I'm afraid my parents will say no. Just find a plan, and do it in secret... That's pretty much the only way I can do it. 

submitted by Danie
(September 9, 2015 - 10:59 pm)

How could I tutor people without telling them, though? I'd feel so guilty.

submitted by S.E.
(September 10, 2015 - 5:26 pm)

My parents are totally like that, too. I would start by having an honest talk with them. Tell them that you're growing up and that you want to start doing more things in the world. Tell them how you really feel. Listen to what they say without arguing, and maybe they'll listen to what you say. If that goes well, tell them about your idea for tutoring.  

I think the key here is to first understand how they feel. Once you understand them, it will be easier for them to understand you. And above all, keep praying.

Good luck, S.E. 

submitted by Bookbug
(September 11, 2015 - 5:02 pm)