[PaintballPassion]

Before I start I'm going to give some backround info that could spark some ideas and strategies lol. I'm 15 turning 16 in april. I already asked if it could be my birthday present but no luck there. I've been paintballing about 15 times in 2 years. My parents don't want me to play paintball nor do they help me in anyway ever with anything paintball related. Does anyone have any idea's of how i'd be able to convince them to take me or let me go? Any realistic idea's would be greately appreciated. Thanks for the feedback

[paintballguy2255]

Just make it seem like it would be good for you.Start working out,then they'll probably ask why,and you'll say "For paintball".Get a job,they'll ask why,say"For paintball".Try to look really dedicated to the sport,then they may begin to show some interest.Also,in this case,usually showing them(in a non-douchebag way)that you have the money for it so you can convince them that it would be beneficial for you to go.

[PaintballPassion]

paintballguy2255, on 14 January 2013 - 11:06 PM, said:

Just make it seem like it would be good for you.Start working out,then they'll probably ask why,and you'll say "For paintball".Get a job,they'll ask why,say"For paintball".Try to look really dedicated to the sport,then they may begin to show some interest.Also,in this case,usually showing them(in a non-douchebag way)that you have the money for it so you can convince them that it would be beneficial for you to go.

Thanks, ill definetly try that,

[TechPB-Willie]

Being an Parent myself of a 15 y/o. I may have some feedback. The main issue is the image that your parents may have in regards to the sport. They do not see the possibility of it getting you a scholarship or anything like other sports. SO they do not see any benefit in the long run for you. This is more than likely the reason a good portion of parents are against paintball for their kids to begin with.

What they fail to see is the joy we get hanging with friends and playing the game we enjoy very much. So to help you with your situation the suggestions made by paintballguy2255, are right on the money. If you want it bad enough show them how serious and dedicated you are to it. Help them see you and feel your passion for this. As mentioned before working out and getting a job will help, but to help sway your parents assistance is for it to benefit them to a degree. Let me give you some examples, if you have chores do them early, on time and extra well. Do not have them ask you to do something you should have done already. Let them know look I really want something and am willing to work for it, is there anything I can help with or do to prove what this means to me. Basically bargain with them.

Depending on where you live will affect the overall cost of the venture. More expensive trips require more motivation and sometimes bribery. Offer to pay for certain things for them if they come with you and such. Money is tight now for everyone, so some of the things I mentioned may or may not work.

One thing is true, there is no one perfect answer to your questions. It all depends on you and your parents. Have you been a pain in their ass and now want something. And just so many other factors makes this impossible to truly give you the perfect answer. but hard work and dedication to a goal can be achieved. So if you want it bad enough you will find a way to make it possible. Maybe not this year or the next, but one day you can achieve anything through hard work and dedication.

Good Luck to you, hope to see you at LL6, but if not there is always the following years to come. It's a great time without a doubt. Hope this helps some.

[PaintballPassion]

TechPB-Willie, on 15 January 2013 - 10:41 AM, said:

Being an Parent myself of a 15 y/o. I may have some feedback. The main issue is the image that your parents may have in regards to the sport. They do not see the possibility of it getting you a scholarship or anything like other sports. SO they do not see any benefit in the long run for you. This is more than likely the reason a good portion of parents are against paintball for their kids to begin with.

What they fail to see is the joy we get hanging with friends and playing the game we enjoy very much. So to help you with your situation the suggestions made by paintballguy2255, are right on the money. If you want it bad enough show them how serious and dedicated you are to it. Help them see you and feel your passion for this. As mentioned before working out and getting a job will help, but to help sway your parents assistance is for it to benefit them to a degree. Let me give you some examples, if you have chores do them early, on time and extra well. Do not have them ask you to do something you should have done already. Let them know look I really want something and am willing to work for it, is there anything I can help with or do to prove what this means to me. Basically bargain with them.

Depending on where you live will affect the overall cost of the venture. More expensive trips require more motivation and sometimes bribery. Offer to pay for certain things for them if they come with you and such. Money is tight now for everyone, so some of the things I mentioned may or may not work.

One thing is true, there is no one perfect answer to your questions. It all depends on you and your parents. Have you been a pain in their ass and now want something. And just so many other factors makes this impossible to truly give you the perfect answer. but hard work and dedication to a goal can be achieved. So if you want it bad enough you will find a way to make it possible. Maybe not this year or the next, but one day you can achieve anything through hard work and dedication.

Good Luck to you, hope to see you at LL6, but if not there is always the following years to come. It's a great time without a doubt. Hope this helps some.

Thanks a lot Willie. That's some great advice and I appreciate the time you took to respond. Hopefully I'm going to be able to convince them with all this help you and paintballguy 2255 have given.

[Sean Scott]

I have nothing else to add. Good luck buddy!

[sonicx059]

For victory you must know what will be your defeat.

Do you know what reasons they have against you playing paintball?

Also being 15, if they were to say you could go, do you have the funds to support going?

[PaintballPassion]

sonicx059, on 16 January 2013 - 07:12 PM, said:

For victory you must know what will be your defeat.

Do you know what reasons they have against you playing paintball?

Also being 15, if they were to say you could go, do you have the funds to support going?

Well not really. Whenever i ask to go or to buy some new equipment they tell me that they just don't the sport because it involves shooting. I can't really respond to that cause they're right.

This post has been edited by PaintballPassion: 19 January 2013 - 09:51 AM

[sonicx059]

Crap, that is a tough one.

[paintballguy2255]

Maybe show them a couple videos of speedball,and explain to them that it has nothing in common with shooting a real gun.

[PaintballPassion]

paintballguy2255, on 19 January 2013 - 02:34 PM, said:

Maybe show them a couple videos of speedball,and explain to them that it has nothing in common with shooting a real gun.

I've tried that but they think that paintball is made up of people that don't know what to do with their money and play too many violent video games. I have a unique set of parents -.- and then when i tell them that the paintball community is filled with great people and its not about shooting, its about having fun with your friends doing something you love. My parents say that its still shooting, and it could lead to serious injuries.

This post has been edited by PaintballPassion: 19 January 2013 - 02:43 PM

[kingJurzy]

PaintballPassion, on 19 January 2013 - 02:40 PM, said:

My parents say that its still shooting, and it could lead to serious injuries.

90% of all PB related injuries are of diving wrong, stepping or falling wrong, shooting your eye out when maintaining your marker, or the dumbasses on the field who take their mask off mid game.

Your parents will almost never listen to you because they believe that they are always right. I am not saying lie to them but try your best to tell them how this hobby is about fun and the injuries are self injuries due to lack of knowledge.

[Woodsninja]

I'm almost 40 years old, when I bought the first issue of Action Pursuit Games when I was in junior high I was hooked. My Parents on the other hand not so much. Mainly because a couple of the local drug dealers were known to play. So they assumed all players did drugs and it was a no go.

I waited until my senior year of high school when I had money from sacking groceries and knew kids that played, borrowed a splatmaster rapide and have been going ever since.

I understand their fears, I have a 14 year old girl and 12 year old son that plays. I've played with many different kinds of people from all walks of life and never had any problems BUT I have always gone and pre played any new fields I've gone to just to make sure they are kid friendly (not super competitive and not a lot of attitudes and over shooting) and honestly I won't let them go off and play without me being there with them because things can happen.

I'd personally try talking one of your parents into going along to play, or maybe another family member. Or they can come along to observe. There were several parents there last year just hanging out at the picnic tables fixing sandwiches or loading pods for kids the same age as mine. I would have no problems taking either one of my kids to Living Legends. I know (and so do they) that 2 full days of paintball is a little much for them. 4-5 hours is their max.

This post has been edited by Woodsninja: 19 January 2013 - 10:21 PM

[epic woodsballer]

Hey guys I've been having some trouble convincing my parents that its worth going. They are totally supportive of me playing but they don't see why it's worth it. Are there any videos out there that show how awesome cpx's facility is or some highlights from LL? Thanks in advance.

[Irish725]

Look up Living Legends 5 on YouTube, and watch any number of awesome videos from last year!

[epic woodsballer]

Yeah I tried that. I'll try to pick out a good one.

[Steephill]

PaintballPassion, on 19 January 2013 - 02:40 PM, said:

paintballguy2255, on 19 January 2013 - 02:34 PM, said:

Maybe show them a couple videos of speedball,and explain to them that it has nothing in common with shooting a real gun.

I've tried that but they think that paintball is made up of people that don't know what to do with their money and play too many violent video games. I have a unique set of parents -.- and then when i tell them that the paintball community is filled with great people and its not about shooting, its about having fun with your friends doing something you love. My parents say that its still shooting, and it could lead to serious injuries.

lol violent video game. Paintball is very very safe. I'd just tell your parents so what if it involves shooting, how would it effect you negatively?

[SuicideLemming]

Irish725, on 21 January 2013 - 07:27 PM, said:

Look up Living Legends 5 on YouTube, and watch any number of awesome videos from last year!

On this note, tyger (or webdogradio) has an excellent LL5 video on youtube that could convince your parents.

[Sean Scott]

I did post some vids on the LL6 website. Make sure to watch the video first.

LLV Videos

[H all day]

And im in the vid