darkSpyro

I've been a collector of skylanders since day one. I have bought every base character, exclusive, in game variant, and anything you could call merchandise (that includes the knock-offs).

My dad has always hated me collecting anything. Back when giants was out, he only let me get the game and two figures (with my own money) and this was him being lenient!
(i keep my collection away from him)

Now swapforce is out, i have bought almost every figure. But then suddenly, my mother wouldn't let me get Nitro Magna. "You already have him" she says as she points out rattleshake. I couldn't use my target giftcard on it or anything. Okay, i let that go, ill just ask a friend to pick it up for me.

But now, it went from limiting my collection to no repeats, all the way to "No more skylanders". There was no argument, there were no points in time when my parents even told me to slow down my collection. It just went from me buying my own things with my own wallet, to suddenly "no more".

I am making this thread as a way to see if there are any ways i could persuade my parents to let me continue my hobby. Not a way to list how i can cope with these new rules.

Thanks a bunch!

Pay rent.

As a Dad I don't care what my daughter spends her own money (allowance, gift money, etc.) on as long as its appropriate and not junk. She loves this game and I go out of my way to find the ones she wants. I enjoy playing the game with her.

It's not worth rebelling over or starting a family argument. In 5 or 10 years, you'll look back at all potential points you'll try to make to "convince" them as silly. To offer something positive, I think you should propose a sound and reasonable annual Skylander budget to them...something they'd understand as being responsible...I think all parents would be concerned if any kid has a "get them all" attitude.

There is one way you could persuade them (But it may not work in some cases)

You could get them hooked into the skylander franchise and then you guys would be at a more "even" ground

Sometimes parents make decisions that just have to be accepted. I know it seems unfair--especially when you feel like it is your own money. But I'd ask--where did you get the money? Is it earned from other places or is it somehow coming from them? Do you ask them to buy other toys/games for you? Could they feel like if they buy skylanders they'll still be buyimg other toys/games in addition?

When I say no to my son--there is a reason behind it. A reason other than me just thinking something is excessive--etc. Maybe financially it is a difficult time for your parents. We don't share our financial details with our son and he would have no idea if we were having a hard time.

The one thing I'd suggest that would make me rethink it is--if my son is willing to trade or sell games he already has to get different games. That way there is no more money being spent--it's just utilizing what you already have. I wish you luck.

Maybe you can make a deal with them that you will only buy when there is a sale, that way they can see that you are responsible and patient with your own money. I'm guessing they just don't want you to blow all your money on what they may consider a fad. Also make sure you aren't spending all your cash on videogames of any sort, it will go a long way to making your case if you can show your parents that you are capable of saving at least some money.

My 2 cents anyway, I'm a parent who had to learn this way back in the day too, and now I'm trying to teach my kids at least some responsibility and the value of a dollar. I buy them almost all the figures but I usually wait for sale prices or special deals on Skylanders.

The point about saving is a great one. My son has to save a minimum of 15% of all money he gets. Now he doesn't mind because he sees his acct growing.

Quote: Donatron

Pay rent.

AHAHAHAHAHA!!! That is exactly the first thing that came to my mind too! Unfortunately as long as you're living off of your parents support they can decide anything they feel is right for you as a rule. My parents were extremely sheltering growing up. I remember I wasn't allowed to have my first Teen rated video game until I was 17, and no CD's or PG-13 movies... I had my parent's record collection from the 50's and 60's. They were very much "go out and get dirty or learn something" type of parents. And looking back on it now, plus seeing how children spend all of their time indoors on couches now, I'm really grateful for the way I was raised. I had a really enjoyable, albeit sheltered, childhood and it has definitely formed my way of life today.

Besides, remember Pokemon, Beanie Babies, Poggs?? It is a fad. I'm betting it'll be dead in a year. You shouldn't have a "collect them all" attitude, you'll just look back and cry at all the wasted money and pile of worthless plastic when the fad dies.

Maybe take a break and show interest in other areas for awhile, pull back on the skylanders, and then talk to your parents about a reasonable purchasing arrangement for new figures that you really want.

I have all 3 games myself, but only about 30-40 figures. The ones I really like/wanted. And I honestly only play maybe once a week for an hour or two. Moderation is the key to happy parents.

Quote: SparCrux1101

My dad has always hated me collecting anything. Back when giants was out, he only let me get the game and two figures (with my own money) and this was him being lenient!
(i keep my collection away from him)

First of all, you need to respect your parents wishes. Secondly, you better hope your dad doesn't find your collection, because it might disappear if he does.

That said, some parents view Skylanders as a colossal waste of money and not collecting. As a parent, I'm on the fence. I like the different figures, but the legendaries and in-game variants have gotten out of hand.

All my parents have done is let me know how much money I'm spending and convince me to stop. I'm actually considering not getting the next game, but I probably will anyway...

Heck I'm 30yrs old and my father doesn't want me buying these things. Keep in mind my father is a neat freak and his home is always clutter free , he doesn't even own DVDs other then the 1-5 we might have given him over the years .

It's really hard to tell without knowing more about you and your parents, but I think in general, if you want your parents to allow you to buy or do something, you should show them that your mature enough to handle it and it won't keep you from what's important. So are you getting good grades, doing your chores, generally doing what your parents ask? Are you playing the game to the point that it keeps you from friends and activities?

I'm not trying to say you should just cope, but instead of looking for away to change their minds, look at how you've been listen to them and what they've asked of you. Again, could be way off on this, but the inference that you went and got nitro magna charge through a friend when mom said you couldn't get it leads me to believe you aren't always up front with them.

I dont know about the OP but I thought of an effective idea that worked for me.
Good Grades.
I use my own allowance and gift card money from special occasions to buy skylanders and my parents agreed to get me a free skylander with every good test I get back. (And an Infinity power disc pack every quiz) I dont know about your parents SparCrux or your marks in school but this could be an effective idea to use.

I think there's a need for minor clarifications.

• I earn my own money by working at my dad's store
  
• I am not a waste of carbon that consumes money and food at my house, i help out around the house often.
  
• I get straight A's
  
• and by "I keep my collection away from him", i do not in any way secretly buy them. I just don't show off every one of them as he has no interest. My mother does like skylanders, she thinks it's pretty innovative and gets pretty eager to see my newer ones.
  
• And i don't buy anything else. I don't follow "fads". Since SSA came out, skylanders is all i have really focused on. I have made it clear it's what i'm into.
  
• We make agreements on how i spend my money, and i follow them. My parents are the ones who tend to forget about them.
  

And i know the whole "collect 'em all" attitude is not a great feature of mine, but it's justifiable when i have a supplementary amount of money in savings and really don't spend it on anything else.

I do save money when we need to. i feel like i should be able to spend my savings on what i would like. It just doesn't make sense when i can't even use gift cards i have received on my birthday/holidays on things i would like to.

I regret hastily typing my initial post as it made me come off as a spoiled child. Monetarily, i may have more than i really should. But i work for it all.

Your answer was in the first response. If you pay rent, they won't care how you spend your money. If you want to take it a step further, pay for all your food, clothing, gas, etc... It's about responsible spending habits. If you were 30 years old, and carelessly spending all your money on hookers and blow instead of food and rent/mortgage, your parents would interfere then as well. If they can see that you're able to properly manage your finances, and prioritize your spending, they won't care how you spend the excess. And no, putting some money into a savings account isn't the same as paying bills and living expenses.

If you are under the age of 18, your parents are required by law to feed you, provide clothing, give you a place to sleep, pay for your medical care, etc. they did give birth to you. if you do stuff around the house and even work for them as a job, then youre doing leaps and bounds more than most kids who just waste space and their parents money.

being young and buying toys is something that youre only gonna get for a little bit of your life. soon you will have to pay rent, pay bills, pay for car insurance, pay for college, etc etc. so while youre young, and you arent blowing through your college fund on 300 dollar chase variants from ebay. maybe remind your parents/dad that youre still a kid. and that these are something that make you happy.. appeal to logic, appeal to the fact that you ARE growing up and its happening quickly, remind them you arent just a waste of space, and maybe things will change, also get your mom to work on your dad, you mom sounds cool.

or you could be like donatron and spend all your money on "hookers and blow" then they will really regret telling you not to buy skylanders, while youre strung out in a gutter. (only use this arguement if all else fails. and im kind of joking. really joking actually, so yeah dont use this arguement, its just to show how ridiculous it is to tell a child to pay their parents rent and in the same breath talking about prostitutes and drugs).

Dude- I use to be just like this. I had EVERY skylander figure from SSA and Giants- I even had a few of the Variants (The rare ones mind you) and all in-game variants. My husband got fed up with the amount of figures I had- and it caused quite a bit of fights between us, and eventually I realized what he meant- My collecting of the franchise got a bit outa hand. I had that "Gotta have them all" attitude and it wasn't very appealing to say the least.
I'm now down to ONE skylander figure...that's right, one. And none of the games. I only kept my Series 1 cynder figure. And that's it. Though I did mention to him a few days ago that I would like to get swap force, he immediately begged me not too. I only convinced him it was okay to let me do so under the exception that I'd not go overboard and only buy a few figures outside what comes in the starter pack.

I am assuming your parent's probably feel exactly what my husband was feeling. He was overwhelmed by it, and let me make it clear he liked the games- he played them with me. He just thought it was a big fat waste of money and considering I had SO many- he felt it was unhealthy.

Being a parent myself I have to say that's most likely what is going on here. I think maybe take a step back and not get any for a while - (I mean they will be available a few months from now). And see if that'll help. Maybe they just think your going a bit overboard with it.
That's just how I feel anyway.

For me it was the reverse my mom got me hooked on skylanders sadly it was a little late I missed so much and am now playing catch up. Got a lot of good skylanders though.

Quote: Donatron

Your answer was in the first response...

I'm not old enough to actually do all that. I'm still a kid/teen. I completely understand and get your point though, my parents are sheltering me and they have complete control over my resources.
The only argument i have is why they make deals with me about my hobbies if they refuse to follow them.
and the money i earn almost completely goes into savings. My maximum budget for spending is $20 a month. At one point i actually managed to save up nearly 5k dollars from doing jobs, working multiple summers, and holiday money. It's not like i put $5 in a piggy bank every couple of months and call it "savings"

Quote: exosquad

being young and buying toys is something that youre only gonna get for a little bit of your life. soon you will have to pay rent, pay bills, pay for car insurance, pay for college, etc etc. so while youre young, and you arent blowing through your college fund on 300 dollar chase variants from ebay. maybe remind your parents/dad that youre still a kid. and that these are something that make you happy.. appeal to logic, appeal to the fact that you ARE growing up and its happening quickly, remind them you arent just a waste of space, and maybe things will change, also get your mom to work on your dad, you mom sounds cool.

Thanks for writing this. My parents may be stubborn, but it's not like they have no logic at all. I don't think they look at me as a kid anymore though. I think at this point in my life im "Too old for toys but too young to be treated like an adult."
I'll have a chat with them.


Quote: Dunkin

I'm now down to ONE skylander figure...that's right, one. And none of the games. I only kept my Series 1 cynder figure. And that's it. Though I did mention to him a few days ago that I would like to get swap force, he immediately begged me not too. I only convinced him it was okay to let me do so under the exception that I'd not go overboard and only buy a few figures outside what comes in the starter pack.

I am assuming your parent's probably feel exactly what my husband was feeling. He was overwhelmed by it, and let me make it clear he liked the games- he played them with me. He just thought it was a big fat waste of money and considering I had SO many- he felt it was unhealthy.

Being a parent myself I have to say that's most likely what is going on here. I think maybe take a step back and not get any for a while - (I mean they will be available a few months from now). And see if that'll help. Maybe they just think your going a bit overboard with it.
That's just how I feel anyway.

1. That must have taken a lot from you to be able to do that. I don't think anyone else here (including me!) has the will to do that.
2. I think that may be the reason.
3. They seem to be okay with me buying things for myself if i space it out long enough (not like i go on shopping sprees or anything).

I`ll admit it......I came here for info on how to convince my wife!!

My skylanders probably are my college fund!

If your skylanders are meant as investment for college fund. You are on the wrong path

What do I know? I'm 9!

what if it is more than 150 say just about everything out but a few rare and special variants lol

@artican, with 150+, I think you need to join Skylanders Anonymous...you have a serious addiction...lol

Quote: artican

what if it is more than 150 say just about everything out but a few rare and special variants lol

Then you are broke.... j/k I to am on that path.

If your parents aren't giving you a specific reason, then that makes it harder. If you're the best kid ... or the worst ... it doesn't really matter given what you've described. My guess is that your parents just think it's gone too far and want to prevent it from getting worse. But, like everyone else has said, they are still your parents and have the right to enforce rules that you may seem unfair.

My advice:
1) Don't fight them, it's not worth it. You'll have real battles with them about far more meaningful stuff, skylanders is not a battle worth fighting.
2) If you stop, show them it's not a real obsession, then after some time they probably will lighten up again. They probably don't care if you have 150 or 151, it's that they believe they see a bad pattern. If you can show that it's not a problem, then they should let up down the road.

Unfortunately, it sounds like your father doesn't want you doing anything he personally doesn't enjoy. I had a stepfather who was the exact same way - before my folks got divorced, I had a basically normal childhood for a kid in the 80s: played Nintendo, watched Saturday morning cartoons, etc. Then when my mom remarried, my stepdad went nuts - first he restricted our video game time, then he convinced my mom to get rid of the Nintendo completely, then it was restrictions on watching TV, then it was no TV completely. (At least my real father was still in my life, so I went to his house we had fun.) And my stepfather kept trying to get my brother and I to do the things he liked, instead of letting us be our own people. My mom and stepdad made "agreements" with us too, which they then proceeded to break.

I'm not sure what you can do about it, unfortunately, except get the hell out of there the second you turn 18. (I joined the Navy, my brother joined the Air Force. Now I live 5 states away from my folks, and he lives on the other side of the country.) I am sorry people on the board are giving you crap, though. Parents aren't always right, and being a kid doesn't make you automatically wrong. If you are earning your own money, they aren't doing you any favors by restricting how you spend it. How can you learn to be responsible with money if you can't practice at it? Sometimes parents can be immature too. There were a lot of lessons I had to learn the hard way as an adult because I wasn't able to get practice decision making as a child/teenager.

Anyway, good luck. For what it's worth, you have my sympathy.