Asking parents for funding for safety equipment, advice?

**G-Money** · 02-26-2008 06:32 PM

So, I am looking to get some more safety equipment, like some knee pads, maybe a full face and a new general helmet, and seeing as how parents are usually all about safety and concern for their children, I was going to ask them to help pay for some of it. I can get helmets from giro for wholesale prices due to the fact that I work for a giro vendor. Any advice as to how I should go about asking for $$?

**Weeble818** · 02-26-2008 06:33 PM

scrape your knee then pull a guilt trip

**bombsies** · 02-26-2008 06:34 PM

write a business plan.

**Rarrazz** · 02-26-2008 06:45 PM

Well, you can always pull the "A helmet costs a whole lot less than keeping my going for a few weeks in a coma until I die" card.

**neuros** · 02-26-2008 06:58 PM

Just explain to them that you're very into the sport and that you're into being safe, but don't have the funds. If you're into downhill, simply tell them you'll be going over 30 miles an hour on a skateboard. Most parents understand the dangers of skateboarding and any mention of speed will certainly make them interested in helping you protect yourself. My first set of leathers and a new fullface were both gifts from my parents after I started hitting the 40's, all they had to do is hear about it to be convinced. After my mom tailed my at 42 in NH over thxgiving break, she demanded I buy a new helmet, and that she'd pay.
Just be honest. It is a dangerous sport. You're their kid, they're probably interested in saving your hide.

**GravityRider15** · 02-26-2008 07:12 PM

show them a picture of a kid who fell and cracked his head open and under it write " this could be me if you deny me money to buy safety gear" it should work

**savage2424** · 02-26-2008 07:25 PM

I asked my parents to help me get leathers and a fullface, but they said "why would we buy you stuff that would make you think you could go faster then you already do?"

parents just don't get it, no matter what I'm gonna go as fast as I can, those are just luxuries...but good luck, maybe you can split the cost? or tell them to write up an IOU and you'll pay them back eventually

**neuros** · 02-26-2008 07:27 PM

Well I guess some parents miss the point.
Smart people should see the worth of protective gear, not as an enabler, but as a precaution.

**tomlarry@hotmail.com** · 02-26-2008 08:01 PM

i've been needing a thread like this forever. i want/need a helmet and pads so bad not so much leathers or anything like that i have to move away to some place that have hills that go over 25 or 30 mph.

**hexagon5un** · 02-26-2008 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by GravityRider15

show them a picture of a kid who fell and cracked his head open and under it write " this could be me if you deny me money to buy safety gear" it should work

You might try something a little more toned-down. If I saw a gnarly photo of a brain-spill, I'd probably confiscate my kid's skateboards but fast.

My parents were always the "are you wearing your helmet?" types, anyway, but try just telling them that you don't want to get hurt as much when you fall. If they care about you, you're done. (My parents are actually still that way, but I buy my own helmets these days...)

If they don't care about you, remind them that as a minor they're responsible for your hospital bills...

Definitely get knee pads. They're great. They pay for themselves in keeping your pants alive, not to mention the scrapes and pain.

**Hmann** · 02-26-2008 09:32 PM

rub some sandpaper on your knees and chin and that should convice them that they are necessary

**Buddywolfe** · 02-26-2008 09:36 PM

Gosh, I love knee pads

The ladies don't like the whole, all my pants have red knees look

**G-Money** · 02-26-2008 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by hexagon5un

If they don't care about you, remind them that as a minor they're responsible for your hospital bills...

I'm not really a minor, but I'm still on their insurance because I'm in college.

**LFPLongboarder** · 02-26-2008 10:49 PM

if they dont say ur still gonna do it so its there fault if they dont get u proper stuff.

**skeeterdechico** · 02-26-2008 10:56 PM

I would say get a job or save some money up if your in college. Kinda weak to have your parents buying stuff for you while your in college and legally an adult. Not trying to be a jerk, just saying...

**G-Money** · 02-26-2008 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by skeeterdechico

I would say get a job or save some money up if your in college. Kinda weak to have your parents buying stuff for you while your in college and legally an adult. Not trying to be a jerk, just saying...

I kind of have two jobs already, and an internship, and 15 credit hours on top of that and the only thing that keeps me sane through all of that is skating. And as far as I figure, if they are invested in my safety then I might as well try to split the cost with them on something instead of just assuming that I have to pay in full for the whole thing.
I do love your sig though.

**gavmck** · 02-27-2008 03:03 AM

Yah, I managed to get my parents to buy both my helmets as birthday presents, as they won't pay for any skate stuff

Helmet should be easy, it a no brainer, they should be totally down with that. For the pads, point out how you can slide out on hands and knees in the event of a fall with no harm if you have knee pads and slide gloves. I loves my pads!