121314

I really would like to go to West Point but both of my parents are 100% against it. How do i reason with them? Everytime i try to talk to them about it, they automatically get ****ed and tell me that they are not ok with me going.

What should i do???

DougBetsy

Have you asked them why?

majmattmason

This sort of thing does happen from time to time, parents overreacting to some perceived threat or just general disagreement with the whole "military" thing. For one thing, you can wait until you're out of the house and on your own. Not the first time that's happened. It's going to depend on your relationship with your folks. I've seen some parents come around and then some disown their child.

This might be your first leadership challenge even before you get to the Academy, seriously.

momoftwins

It's really important that you have their understanding, if not support. You need to prepare for the conversation by having all of your information regarding academics, cadet life, career opportunity, military obligation, as well as your own life goals. Get your guidance counselor as well as MALO to provide some information for you. Know the details on the usma.edu website. A calm and factual presentation to your parents who raised you to think clearly and pursue whatever you want to do in life is the best way.

We have someone bring up this question every admissions cycle. It's interesting to hear how some of the parents ultimately become so very proud of their new cadet/mid. As majmattmason indicated, occasionally some of the parents never come around.

Perhaps your parents could speak to local representatives of the West Point Parents' Club chapter? If there is an admissions briefing scheduled in your area, be sure to attend and bring them with you. Make sure they know that you are trying to gather the information in order to make the best decision possible.

Good luck and keep us posted.

RTurner

^ "It's really important that you have their understanding, if not support."
No it's not.

If you are 18 you can make your own decisions. If they don't support you then that is their loss. Plenty of people have made it through USMA and life in general without parental support. The current attitude of many parents about being involved in their kids life decisions from college on is crippling our youths ability to think and act. People need to let their children grow up and be responsible for their own choices.

momoftwins

RTurner,

Going through a service academy is a tough choice. Going into this with hostile parents is even tougher. I agree that the choice belongs to the candidate. However, this candidate asked how to reason with his parents, not break away from them. The best way to reason with them is to be prepared with knowledge and a level-headed explanation of what would be involved and why he wants to pursue West Point and a career in the Army.

I agree with you that the rise in helicopter parenting is hurting our kids. In this case, they may just be uninformed and worried parents rather than too controlling.

BigGreen

My suggestion - buy them the most recent issue of Forbes that ranked West Point #1, and a copy of the book, "Absolutely American", and ask them to read them.

Ann

"Parents wont let me join West Point"

121314: You have good stats and have an impressive list of schools that you want to attend.
Do your parents understand that you don't "join" West Point. The admissions process is highly selective. Am I correct is assuming that your parents don't want you to "join the Army?"

Why do you want to attend West Point? If you have that answer clearly defined, you may have an easier time explaining it to your parents. As has been said, you do not need your parent's permission to attend West Point unless you are under 18, but it is helpful to have their support.