DIMS SCORE® Calculator – Event

Consider the costs of transportation, like gas, subway, bus, or train fare. If this is a multi-day or recurring event (like a sci-fi convention or weekend sports tournament), multiply those costs by the total number of trips.

Sports venues and theme parks usually don't allow outside food and beverages, and the food and drinks you buy on site will be more expensive than the same items anywhere else. For recurring events, remember to multiply your food and beverage costs by the total number of days.

Often we want to bring something home to remind us of the experience, like a concert tee, a branded ball cap, or a hoodie. Think about this added cost too (and don't forget the taxes!)

This could be outdoor gear for a camping or hiking weekend, art supplies for a weekend workshop, or hotel/ billeting costs for an away soccer tournament. Add it all up, enter a dollar figure, and let your caregivers know you've thought of everything.

You have to know the where and when to answer the rest of the questions in this section.

Great! Let's continue.

You need to know the date and location to answer the questions coming up and calculate your DIMS SCORE®.

Answering all the questions will help you with talking to your parents about the experience you want. Take a minute now to find out when and where your event will happen.

Camps and weekend classes/workshops are great for learning life skills, like how to craft, code, or cook.

Great! Caregivers are often more supportive of an experience that can help you develop a new skill.

Okay. Next question.

Your parents were young once; they probably remember their first unsupervised concert or football game. Or even the first time they rode the bus or subway without an adult.

A walk down "Memory Lane" might help them understand why this is an important ask for you.

This might be a deal breaker, but if it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, your caregivers might surprise you.

It's a good idea to have a plan in place to make up for missed schoolwork in advance.

Is the event easily accessible by public transit? Or is it on a day or at a time where your parents/ caregivers can drive you?

Great! Safety always comes first.

Your caregivers wouldn't be comfortable with you going to an event without safe transportation there and back.

Nope nope nope! This will be a deal-breaker. If you can't get safely to and from the event, your caregivers aren't going to support you going. Safety first!

Your parents may be more comfortable knowing you aren't alone.

That's awesome. Big events are often more fun with friends! And it's great to have someone with you who cares about your safety and has your back.

Your parents/ caregivers may be more comfortable knowing you have company.

Once you've gathered all the information you need and calculated the DIMS SCORE® for this experience, consider asking a friend (or friends) to join you. They can use your DIMS SCORE® report to talk about it with their caregivers.

Remember the questions above about food and beverages, souvenirs or merch, and other items you might need to participate in this event? Miss anything?

Okay. Did you enter these phantom costs at the beginning? If not, you can go back and add them to your calculations now. Don't worry, we've saved all your answers so you don't have to go through all the questions again.

Great. It's good to be mindful of anything that will add to the total cost of this experience, so if you think of anything later, make sure to talk about it with your caregivers.

Parents often say "education comes first," so an experience that furthers your education or career may carry more weight with them.

Good to know!

That's OK, but an experience that furthers your education or career may carry more weight with caregivers.

Parents are often more interested in helping you pay for an experience when you are willing to spend some of your own money.

Great! Putting some of your own money towards the event costs is a great way to show your caregivers how important this experience is for you.

That's fine, but sharing in the cost of a purchase typically goes a long way with caregivers.

Is this event or experience age-appropriate and aligned with your values (and your family's values)?

Great!

No one purchase or event can tell people "all about us," but if attending this event isn't aligned with your values (or your family's) this is something you should probably discuss with your parents.