Definition & Meaning of "pester power"

Pester power

the influence children have on their parents or caregivers to buy or do something through continuous requests, demands, or persuasion

What is the origin of the idiom "pester power" and when to use it?

The term "pester power" originated in marketing and advertising contexts and refers to the influence that children have over their parents' purchasing decisions. It is used to suggest that children can pester, nag, or repeatedly request specific products or experiences, thereby exerting a persuasive force on their parents.

Example

The kids used their pester power to convince their parents to take them to the amusement park.

The toy industry relies heavily on pester power, as children's requests for specific toys can heavily influence parents' buying decisions.

Fast-food chains often use promotional tactics aimed at children, capitalizing on pester power to attract families to their restaurants.

Marketers often create advertisements that appeal directly to children, knowing that pester power can be a powerful force in driving sales.

Parents often find themselves giving in to pester power during trips to the grocery store, as children request sugary snacks or cereals they've seen advertised.