They got me~

[Driz 1,552]

So...

 

Yesterday night I was at the computer staring at the desktop thinking of something to do before going to bed, when I thought "Meh, I guess I'll re-watch Season one of MLP" so I began.

 

I've watched the first and the second episodes and, while in the middle of the third, my mom walked in to say good night and she went "Why are you watching My Little Pony? o_o"

 

Well, duh. I haven't told my parents about my "bronyness" yet simply because I didn't know how to explain it, as I'm sure they still wouldn't understand.

 

I instantly blushed and stuttered, while she kept asking me why I was watching a show for little girls. I was careless and wasn't expecting that at all, so she went to sleep with nothing but my poker face.

 

------

Here I am now, trying to figure out what to do... I am not even a little open about MLP yet, as I recently got into the show. But I know, I KNOW, my mom will keep hitting that button until I explain the whole thing.

 

I didn't know where to post this, but I need some advice. Should I show my parents an episode or two? Should I try to explain to them the fandom, and that not only little girls watch the show? If yes, what argument should I use?

 

Help me

[Starshine 16,330]

Simple: Just say that it's a cursory hobby. Your friends told you about it and you're curious.

 

If that wasn't enough to take you out of this mess, you got a hell of a parent

[Ron Jeremy 2,032]

Do the smart thing: Sit her down and tell her exactly what's up. If you don't, she might learn more about it from a bad source (one of those ALL MLP FANS ARE PEDOPHILES people), or, even worse, look it up herself and find some of the disgusting porn.

 

First impression matters, and it will save you a lot of grief if you just flat-out tell her that a lot of people watch the show, and that it's actually a pretty good show.

 

Don't approach it like you're coming out of the closet or something. That will just make it awkward.

[Shiki 5,854]

I gave my grandparents (they're my guardians) an "I don't f*ckin' care" attitude about it.

 

Grandmother: "What the hell are you watching."

 

Me: "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic." *Laughter*

 

Grandmother: *Rolls eyes with a sigh + smile*

 

Probably a bit easier situation for me, though, because I'm a girl.

[Hazardus_Havard. 479]

Just calmly talk to her when it's in a calmed mood for everyone about the show a little (not too much). Try stating it was made to be a show that although is targeted to young girls is built like Spongebob is, to a wider audience that even parents could enjoy watching alongside others.

[Pinkie D Pie 1,035]

Easiest way, just tell her you are watching it because you like the show. I never explained to my mom everything, I just simply told her I watch it because it is interesting. And if that doesn't work you could explain everything about the brony community to her. However I find it easier just to say I like the show, and be done with it.

[Motion Spark 7,807]

really? how does she knows that was My Little Pony, honestly I can't find any relation with this cartoon and the older generations, just tell her that it's just a cartoon, just a simple cartoon for everypony not just for little girls, honestly you're drowning yourself in a glass of water, what do you prefer? that your mom catch you looking at porn or this?

[Twiliscael 3,960]

Just give 'em the old "Oh, my friends told me to check it out, apparently it isn't nearly as girly as the older ones. It's actually pretty good. Thousands of people my age and older watch it, too." Then poker face and hope for the best.

[Nanniro 39]

You march in there with every piece of pony merchandise you can find attached to you and look her dead in the eye. "Mother, I love ponies." The reaction could be....mixed.

 

In seriousness, I'd just tell her it's a really neat show or your friends recommended it. That should work. Just try not to appear embarrased. When you're unsure about your adoration of ponies, people can feel it, and they might feed off of that uncertainty. Don't seem too proud, but don't seem weak. Maybe a Twilight Sparkle attitude would be appropriate.

[Demiurge 108]

It's nothing to be embarrassed about, unless your parents are really strict/close-minded.

Just explain that it's not the same girly show it used to be. Tell her that there are thousands of 20-30 year old men watching it all around the world. They can't all be gay/pedophiles/creepy, right?

Maybe even show them an episode. Maybe not the first ones as they are a bit more....(how should I say this?)...about love and friendship? I can't think of one now but show them an episode that shows just how awesome and non-girly the show is.

[Driz 1,552]

honestly you're drowning yourself in a glass of water, what do you prefer? that your mom catch you looking at porn or this?

 

Well, I believe she would accept it much easier that her teenager son is looking at porn than watching MLP, just because it's considered normal in the society's view. My parents are close-minded and they use the trash the TV shows as a "How to grow your childs" guide. That really bugs me.

 

But yeah, I shouldn't worry much about that at all as I can simply tell that I like the show and that no one can judge a book by its cover. I just thought I could use some advice around the members in here if someone has been through this already.

 

Thanks for all the kind replies though :>

[TheBeatlesPkmnFan42 33]

Tell her about why people like it. You know, the writing, characters, songs, references, etc etc. And maybe show her a few episodes. Like Sonic Rainboom or something. :/

Edited July 30, 2012 by TheBeatlesPkmnFan42

[Demiurge 108]

Turn her into one of us. Then she can go and buy pony merchandise for you. It's a win win situation!

[thegoodhen 698]

Approach your parents with chin pointed down. Dramatically breathe in. Say: Mum. Dad. There is something I've been wanting to tell you for a long time now. You know... The reason why I'm watching mlp... It's because... (Dramatic pause) It's... A really good show! (also, tell your parents about this comunity).

[Flicker Sweet 3,391]

The answer one would give here in Texas would be, "'cuz I like it"

s'what I say when ever I'm asked that, works every time

[Radiance64 7,052]

All you should really need to say is that it's a good cartoon and you like it, and that Friendship is Magic is good enough for everyone to enjoy, and it's not mindless girliness like previous MLP shows anymore.

[Sepia-chan 495]

*parent walks in room*

Dad: Your mom wants me to check if you're doing anything innapropriate on the internet.

Me: (Erk! MLPForums is in my history!) Why would I watch porn?!

Dad: I don't know, your mom just wants me to check.

Me: (Damn you, mom!) ...

*I open my computer and open Firefox.*

*He takes the computer and looks through my history.*

Dad: My Little Pony..?

Me: Uh yeah, I was researching these brony people, uh...they like My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. Apparently it's like..a good show?

Dad: Well okay then.

*walks out*

In hindsight I probably should've told him that I like it, then show him the Star Wars reference, since he's a huge Star Wars fan. He'd probably be cool wit dat.

Edited July 30, 2012 by Haruhi Suzumiya

[Ol' Sarge 885]

Hit Mom up first, explain about how well written it is and how cool the animation is. Tell her about us, and go to the Brony Study website and show her our real demographics. Moms tend to be more open. Good luck.

[Cocodrillo 1,565]

Well, actually I didn´t tell my parents about it because It´s not their business, and if they´ll get to know I wouldn´t care anyway. You should take it easy. It´s just your hobby and they shouldn´t make a big troubles out of it if they are good, understanding parents. They should be glad you´re watching MLP instead of being drug addict, getting drunk for 5 days in a row or buying prostitutes. That´s my point of view.

 

[Glaceon 793]

Problem

 

First step is not to panic.

Remember they are your parents. Just tell them why you enjoy the show, about the fandom and all that.

Better you say it that somepony else.

[Fire_Fly 499]

I haven't exactly told my parents, either. To be honest, I'd like to be put in a situation like that. I'd rather be forced into the scenario than tell them myself. It's the sense of no control over the situation that makes me feel a little better about the former. Knowing that explaining yourself is the only thing you really could've done is sort of comforting, and makes the revelation a little less tense.

[Nightfall 3,950]

Just tell her. We all know the story and animation are great. Explain to her it's weird, yes, but not the worst thing you could be doing.

That's pretty much what my mom said after she wondered why I had my iPad upstairs and asked to see what I was doing. (I was on this site.)

[Lacey Shadows 164]

Parents catch you watching MLP, look them in the eye and finish.

 

Nah, but seriously, just tell her some of your friends told you to watch it or something.

[Brony365 6]

I had this same situation. Sort of. My brother was caught and I stood up for him. I'm a brony and my brother too. No need to hide it. Just go ahead and tell him why you like it.