Prove to her that you’re going to get a lot of use out of the clothing you want now by showing her that you still wear clothes that you wanted really badly in the past–even if you hate them now. If you can’t stand being seen in them, save them for the weekend and family functions, when you’re less likely to see schoolmates. Feel free to take fashion cues from your friends (it’s perfectly normal for you and your friends to influence each other), but stop short of wanting something just because that’s what they’re wearing these days. The more you follow your friends’ lead, the less likely your mom will buy the clothes you pick out if she doesn’t like them, just because she doesn’t think your fashion choices are your own. Dress the way you want to dress and convince your mom that she won’t have to buy you a whole new wardrobe the next time your friends switch theirs. If you’re adopting a certain style, start small. Say you’re Goth; your mom might refuse to buy you really ornate outfits right away because she thinks this is just going to be a “phase” for you. Choose simple ways to dress Goth in the beginning. Stick to black jeans, black shirts, black jackets, etc. Prove to her over time that this is more than just a phase. Convince her that more elaborate clothing won’t be money wasted. Convince your mom that this isn’t just an impulse buy. Go to stores on your own or ask your mom to take you so you can just look at stuff. Try clothes on and see what you like. Then tell your mom you’ll think it over before asking her to buy anything. Show her that this is something you really want and not just a passing fancy. Ask yourself why you like these clothes in the first place. Based on your answers, come up with clear reasons why it’s important for you to have them. Use these reasons to convince your mom. Show her that you’re putting actual thought into this, like an adult.  For example, if she argues that these clothes are too “old” for you, tell her that you’re only growing older; mention things like job- or college-interviews as reasons why you need to look more mature. Or, if you’re talking about clothes for sports, show her why these clothes are better than others; if they’ll last longer or prevent injury, point that out to her. Think of why your mom might object to something before you show it to her. If the clothes you want really are too expensive, revealing, or outrageous, agree with your mom when she says so. She might still say no in the end, but she’ll probably put more thought into it if you show her that you have, too–which means she might end up saying yes. Stop your mom from trying to force some other piece of clothing on you as a substitute. Explain to her exactly why you don’t like it, whether it’s the material, the cut, the fit, or whatever. Let her know what you’re definitely not looking for and why  so she knows what not to suggest. For every item that you’re shopping for, find a bunch of stuff you like; if you’re only looking to buy one shirt, pull several off the rack. Show them all to her. Let her choose from your selection. Make her feel like she’s still the one in control by giving her the final say. Improve your chances of getting what you want by including things that you know she won’t buy. Want a bikini that’s a little revealing? Add an even skimpier bikini to your pile. Want something that costs more than she’d like? Find stuff that costs even more than that so what you really want seems cheap in comparison.

Summary: Wear other stuff that you once bugged your mom to buy. Build your own style. Know what you want ahead of time. Know exactly why you want stuff. Admit it if something’s “too” this or that. Tell your mom what you don't like. Offer your mom choices.


Keep the rods in while you rinse the hair! After processing the hair, rinse it thoroughly for 5-8 minutes with cool water. Rinse the root of each section and gradually move all the way out to the end of the rod. The idea is to get as much of the solution out as possible, but you probably won't get all of it out, which is fine. The solution will probably burn a little as it gets rinsed away, which is normal. The cool water will help with that sensation. Prepare the neutralizer solution if it is not already pre-mixed, and put it into a squeeze bottle with a pointed nozzle. Squeeze the neutralizer over each rod of wet hair, thoroughly saturating each section from root to tip. Work systematically, just like you did when you were applying the chemical solution. The neutralizer completely stops your hair from processing. Carefully remove the rods from your hair, starting at the top of your head and working down toward your neckline, which is the opposite manner as before. Unbend or unclip each rod, then gradually unwind the hair until the rod slips off. Remove the rods slowly and gently to prevent any tangles. Remove the perm wrapper from the end of each section once the rod is off. Thoroughly rinse the hair to remove any excess neutralizer and perming solution. Do not use any shampoo as you rinse the hair. If recommended by the manufacturer, you can also apply a leave-in conditioner. If this is not explicitly recommended, though, do not use any conditioner. You may need to gently detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb as it dries, especially once the hair is nearly dry and only a little damp. Do not stretch the hair at all as it dries. Allow the hair to air dry completely. This can take a few hours, depending on the length of your hair.

Summary: Rinse the wrapped hair thoroughly with cool water. Apply the neutralizer thoroughly to each wrapped rod. Remove the wrapped hair from the rods. Rinse the hair out again with cool water. Let your hair dry naturally.


Mix the milk or formula in a separate bowl or cup. When you prepare the formula in the bottle, there is an increased chance that air bubbles will form. Make sure to stir the formula slowly so that you minimize the number of air bubbles that form. Instead, get the bowl or cup as close to the lip of the bottle as possible, and slowly pour the formula into the bottle. If you pour the formula out of the cup and into the bottle from a great height, the formula will hit the bottom of the bottle and form bubbles. Pouring the formula slowly also helps to make sure that the liquid does not trap air as it gets poured into the bottle. If you must prepare the formula in the bottle, stir the formula rather than shaking the bottle. When you shake the bottle, or handle the bottle roughly, air bubbles are more likely to form. Stir the formula with a wooden stick or knife to make sure that it is mixed in well. Try to prepare the formula at least five to ten minutes before your baby’s normal feeding time. Letting the bottle sit once you have poured the formula into it will help any lingering bubbles to settle and disperse. Preparing your baby’s formula ahead of time will keep you from rushing through the preparation process. When you rush, you are more likely to stir the formula quickly, which causes bubbles to form. Talk to your pediatrician about what products you should use and how many drops you should add to the bottle. In addition to this, it is always important to read the instructions that come with the drops.  “Mylicon” drops are commonly used for this purpose.These drops contain simethicone, an ingredient that helps the breakdown of gases and air bubbles, and is not harmful for babies. “Tummy calm” is a homeopathic medicine that prevents gases with the help of natural ingredients like chamomile, thuja, and silicea. Gas drops can be expensive, and some studies suggest that they may not be very effective. However, they appear to be safe, so they shouldn't harm your baby if you do decide to try them. If you are able to fill the bottle up all the way, there will be less room for air bubbles to form.
Summary: Prepare the formula or milk in advance. Avoid pouring the milk from high above the bottle. Avoid shaking the bottle. Allow the bottle time to stand before you give in to your baby. Consider using drops that will reduce the amount of air bubbles that form in your formula. Use bottles that can only contain enough milk for one whole feeding.