Parent Trouble

Parents can legally make a son or daughter over age 16 leave home. The most common reasons for family breakdown are:

• Conflict between the young person and a step-parent or new partner
• Substance abuse
• Mental health issues
• Disagreements about friends
• Disagreements about boundaries

If your parent wants you out but you want to remain at home there are a number of things you can do. Talk the problem through with your parent or someone outside the family. Use the Online Survival Guide to get help with issues around substance abuse, mental health and negotiating boundaries. Living with a teenager can be frustrating and confusing for parents so it’s likely that they could benefit from advice and support. There are organisation just for them to help them cope.

Experience: problems with a step-parent

> Posted: 12.33
I’m only 16 but I’m thinking of leaving home. My stepdad shouts and humiliates me all the time and mum takes his side. I feel like I’m nothing.
> Posted: 12.38
Do what I do...go out on weekends and weekdays as much as possible. Stay away from the place that makes you feel like s***. Spend more time with those that truly care bout you and make you feel...well good and happy-go-lucky!
> Posted: 12.45
1st u r not nothing. yr stepdad needs 2 understand what he's doing is not on, it's abuse. try talking to sum1 or call a helpline, they'll be able to help u decide what 2 do next. good lukc
> Posted: 12.51
Try to be positive. You have your own future. Don’t give up on yourself.
> Posted: 12.55
You’ve only got 2 more years of suffering. Why run from it all now?? You’ll have the rest of your life to be free.
> Posted: 13.01
I left home when i was 16. In my case it helped sooo much... there is nothing like a bit of space to heal relationships. If you do decide to move out my tips are... move out with people you trust, move close to where you hang out, make sure you have some form of income.
> Posted: 13.08
Talk about the problem with your stepdad. He might not realise how much he's upsetting you. Try not to make it an argument, take notes about what you want to talk about, and get your mum to referee instead of making things worse.
> Posted: 13.10
dnt be stuipid man being homeless is much worse.