Betta breeding is not as easy as just putting a male and female in the same tank. Do some research if your going to try it. If the female is introduced incorrectly the male will attack her. I will give you the short version, but make sure you do some reading up on it before you try it.
Generally a 10 gallon tank is used as a breeder, filled only half full of water. The male is put in the tank. Float a cut in half styrofoam cup on top of the water. This is a place for the male to build his bubble nest. Stand a lamp chimney up in the tank. Put the female in the chimney. This allows the male to see her but not get to her. And where it is open on both ends it won't disturb the water much when you remove it. So as not to destroy the males delicate bubble nest. you will know when to release the female by the male displaying to her and building the nest under the floating cup. His and her colors will intensify. Carefully release the female. if he attacks her, put her back in the chimney, try again. If he attacks her again use a different female. Once he has accepted her, The spawning dance of the betta is a beautiful sight to watch. He will collect the fertilized eggs in his mouth and spit them into the nest. when spawning is completed remove the female. The male will tend the eggs. Washing them in his mouth and checking for unfertile eggs. Once they have hatched his job is done. remove him from the tank. Newly hatched bettas are very small. They will need to be fed napulli (newly hatched brine shrimp). If you succeed you are going to have canning jars with bettas all over the place. Good Luck. As your parents said. It is going to be a lot of work.
