How to tell your parents you got a ticket

The dreaded parking ticket

Getting a parking ticket, speeding ticket, or any kind of car related ticket is bad enough; getting a ticket on your parents' car is even worse. Not only do you feel the frustration and monetary loss from the ticket, you also have to answer to your mom and dad. There are some easy ways to soften the blow.

Instructions

1. When you first get the ticket, give yourself a few minutes or hours to calm down about it. Breathe in and out. Punch a pillow. Whatever it takes.

2. The minute you calm down, immediately go to your parents and tell them you need to talk to them. The longer you wait, the worse it will be.

3. Very calmly and matter of factly, tell your parents the circumstances of the ticket. For example: "I got a parking ticket because my meter ran out." or "I got a speeding ticket for going 60 in a 45 zone."

4. Own up to what was your mistake right away. For example, say, "I should have watched my time better," or "I was really going too fast."

5. Now that you seem more responsible to your parents, tell them the price of the ticket. Offer to pay it off or pay them back for it if you can't afford it.

6. Apologize for being irresponsible with your parents' car. If you are staying calm and acting responsibly, they should have a better attitude about it.

Tips & Warnings

• You know your parents best, and what sets them off. Avoid pushing their buttons.