hi, so i've been thinking for almost 2 years now, that i want to become an Australian Navy Cadet...
i have asked my parents face to face, and been rejected twice... i've written them letters about 3 times, and yup, you guessed it, - still rejected!
i've now lost the confidence to ask again.
i was wondering if anyone out there knows how i can boost my confidence, or even better, how i can ask them, and not feel so rejected??

Hi Jaffah

When you say 'rejected', what do you mean? How are they putting it and have they got any reason why they don't want you to become a cadet?


Cheers
Di

hi, when I say "rejection", i mean its really just a flat no! there is no real discussing it, to even see why i want to do it...
i will say a simple "hey mum do you think i/we could look into me becoming a navy cadet?"
and she is just plainly like "no... why would you want to do that?!?!"
i cant see a reason as to why they would have a problem, its not like the real navy, its just a teen program which incorporates naval activities (ie, marching, boating, firing weapons, etc)...

do you have any idea as to how i can gain my confidence, or even better, help them to change their mind??

here is the website, if you want to have a look for yourself :
www.cadetnet.gov.au . . .

Have you asked your parents why they don't want you doing this? If you ask them you will gain their perspective on the matter and understand why they constantly say no to you. Have you tried thoroughly explaining to them what the activities of the Navy Cadets are and what you would gain from joining them? Maybe put something together on the computer or in a notebook about the positive aspects on joining the Navy Cadets to show them when you talk to them about it. Good luck!

Having followed the link you gave, it looks like a wonderful organization and one which certainly must be well-respected in Australia. Do your parents believe that the time involved in getting you to activities would be beyond them or the cost of uniforms too high?

I suggest you contact the leader of the local group in your area to see if he/she has some pamphlets or brochures you could give to your parents. Or maybe, since your parents refuse to even discuss the idea with you, see if the leader could visit with them, at least by phone, to better explain the benefits and allay any fears they might have.

i have considered travel times, and uniform costs, and well the truth is, its no longer than one of my other sports - its half an hour away (and only 10 minutes from my grandfather), the cost of uniform is nothing so i've been told from a cadet because they are on loan and not brought (so you return them at the end)...

i've actually got a cadet instructor's phone number and she hadsuggested to me (we have contacted on facebook) that i give my parents her number... i've never actually considered pamphlets for them to look at, or even the commander contacting them...
you have all suggested great ideas, and i might actually consider trying some in the near futre... thanks for your help! if anyone else has any suggestions, please continue to post!

hi, so, i thought i might give you guys an update on my progress with the situation...
i haven't spoken to my parents, however i have received an email from a navy cadet (that i spoke to on facebook) about a bit of info (it turned out that the info wasn't helpful, it was too complex), and i have emailed the Commanding Officer (CO) of the unit, and had a response the next day. he gave me HEAPS of information on cadets and his unit, and an application to join (there is basic criteria to join that i DO meet - you have to be an Australian Citizen)... he also told me that i should come and look at his unit...

so, all that i have to do now, is to get the confidence to ask my parents, fill in the application form, visit and join!!
it'll be a long few weeks, but hopefully i'll make it!

Talk to the commanding officer about your parents not wanting you to join-- maybe he would speak to them for you, or send them a letter or something?