Hello Everyone, 

I need some advice on how to tell my parents I want to get into the law enforcement field. Any suggestions? So far they don't know that this is what I really want.  I wanted to research the field first before telling them, in case it didn't work out.

Thanks in advance, Tiff 

Be truthful and just tell them. If they had a bad experience with L.E. then explain to them that you want to be the best Officer that you can be and make things right in your little piece of the world. This career path is NOT for everyone. But if you feel that it is the one for you then go for it and mention to your parents that you would love their blessing but if you are an adult and you need to do what you feel is the best path for you.

Good luck and sometimes the things you worry about are not the ones that bite you. Your folks might be proud that you want to follow this career path. God bless.   

 Tell em it's Law Enforcement or the Marines :-)

You know they may be very supportive. They would probaably be even more supportive if you tell em you plan on completing your degree first. Just a thought there from a parent who would be incredibly proud of my child, would they decide to dedicate their life to the service of others.

 I hope you stay on the straight and narrow, keep out of trouble and stay away from drugs. Keep up your grades, maybe go on some ridealongs or join Explorers, etc. I don't know how old you are so I hope i didn't overstep my POV.....Annie

 Thanks everyone for all your input. I'll will let y'all know how things go. :) 

Tiff

uncledennis1 says ...

I am curious of your age? I recall telling my dad when I was 6 or 7 years old of my dream of being a cop. Relax and don't make an issue ot this.

^This.

Adding, what must your parents be like if this is such a dilema for you? You did not  state your age, but if you are  under 21, my advice is to stay out of trouble, do well in school, graduate college and then DO WHAT YOU WANT WITH YOUR LIFE!

 I think at 21, you would show up at your parents house for dinner some night wearing your acadamy uniform, and appologise to them for not having time to get changed. That should break the ice quickly enough.

Probably 99% of parents would back you all the way.Just tell them that this is what you want for a vocation.Unless they're convicted felons who shoot at cruisers they should be capable of understanding.You can't live your life for them.

Tell them in-between innings of their favorite baseball game.

Also, a permanent tattoo usually makes a permanent statement.

The peanut brittle ice cream sounds good, too.

Or, you could just invite them to your Academy graduation and see what happens.

I understand why you're nervous about this, my mom freaks out that someone could shoot me, I told her you can get shot anywhere, at least a LEO can shoot back, and has a vest, and tons of back up. 

 Do what I did; make a huge family dinner... during dinner chit chat bring it up, state that you're interested in Law Enforcement , why you wish to pursue it and why it interests you. My family wasn't 'excited' when I told them I was studying for Criminal Justice because of the danger the profession carries, but ya know what, it's what I want, and if it is what YOU want then that's really what's important. You have a TON of support from me and everyone else here :) Good luck and go for it! 

Scjohnk says ...

 Tell em it's Law Enforcement or the Marines :-)

I remember vividly when I told my parents I enlisted. I think the conversation started somewhere around "Mom, Dad, I enlisted in the Marines." Followed by "ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Next hour was pretty one sided but a week later I was sworn in and it didn't matter.

Do what ya want with your life and follow through to the end. They will support you no matter what.

Tell them you have been a prostitute for 5 years, and you are addicted to cocaine, and have five charge cards maxed out to their limt and have to claim bankruptcy.  When they wake up from passing out, just smile and say not really, I joined the police academy.  Problem solved and they will hug you.