I live in South Dakota. I just recently turned 17. I want so badly to move in with my older brother who is 23. It just seems like each fight my parents and I have it gets worse and worse. I want to leave, but I know that there is no way my parents would let me leave. They are too controlling and demanding. After our last fight, on Christmas day I might add, I went and stayed with my brother for 4 days, and they didn't call once to find out where I was. I want out, and I need out before something worse happens. How do you suggest I ask, or go about getting out.

Dear Jorge2,
Peace be with you

As much as life may seem like drowning in an abyss of utter darkness, nothing is further from the truth. The fact that you live is a challenge in itself, so therefore take heart.

Have you seriously and truthfully analysed your situation as well as you communication skills. Remember, every such situation as yours requires two parties. Sometimes unconsciously we believe ourselves to be right, when in fact we are not.

Try a different approach, one which would disarm your parents, and take a moment to reflect upon what they controlling and demanding about! Often times we would find that due to our selfish nature we refuse to look beyond the blinkers which reflect only us.

For want of not wanting to bore you, I will not elaborate further, however, if you wish further elaboration please feel free to ask.

Go to your local Family and Children Services agency. They will tell you how to go about it. But be prepared that they will try to get your family into counseling first to resolve the problems.

If you wish to continue it is normally best to merely post on or add to your original post, that way everyone can see what others have said in the past.

Unless your parents are abusive physcially to you, I doubt because of your lack of funds to pay for your own living arrangement to the court that getting out on your own is doubtful, plus merely "fighting"is not really a reason although I know to you it seems like it.

And parents can be controlling or demanding for many reasons, often misunderstood by the children.

Also, as I said in your other thread, try talking to a school counselor. They are very helpful in these situations.