[lindey_calvaro]

I don't know if you wanted this in the teens section or not, but I thought it fit here, you can take it off if you like :)

My parents are extremely strict. They're very religiously involved, which I like. I like all of the religious stuff, I think it's important. What I don't like is their take on how it incorporates into parenting. I understand being wholesome and making sure your priorities are straight, but I think they take it to the extreme:

They don't allow me to have any close friends outside of church (no phone calls, text messaging, hanging out outside of school, etc.) which would obviously mean no boyfriends outside of church. This is where I have my issue.

I've had one boyfriend my entire life (I'm 17). I waited all that time and chose carefully and I found one I absolutely loved, and he loved me. He was my best friend, and I was his buddy. He was sweet, caring, had a spiritual interest, and good morals, which should make any parents happy. My parents made me break it off with him. I was so miserable to have my boyfriend and best friend out of my life I cried every day for months. I couldn't take how depressing and horrible each day was, so I got back together with him.
Well my parents found out while I was at dinner with him one day, and took my car and license away so I couldn't see him anymore.

My parents demand to know my every move outside of the house, check my phone bills to see if it matches their small list of approved numbers, and are stuck on having absolute authority so that it's either their way or the highway. I told them I'm miserable that way and would agree to chaperoned dates or whatever just so I could see him, and also that I want to have friends outside of church. They are giving me absolutely no leeway to make my own decisions and we fight all the time.

Being at home is making both them and me miserable. I've stayed this long only because I love them and want to make them happy. But this is just getting ridiculous. It's emotionally and physically draining, and I feel tired and sick. Should I stay at my house or move in with a friend or my boyfriend? (I will be 18 very soon)

[N0help4u]

Unfortunately some parents do go overboard with strictness. I think your parents are looking at it like peer pressure and the statistics on teen pregnancy as well as their Christian faith.

I have known parents that were extremely strict as yours are and unfortunately they rebelled and went the wrong way as soon as they were old enough.

Your parents are failing to realize that they need to let you get a feel for things to learn to use your own judgments. It isn't easy getting out into the world and having to learn things the hard way because you were too sheltered in your younger years.

You need to find a way to get your parents to see that you are maturing and you do have a good head on your shoulders. Unfortunately they don't see it this way because they see anything 'worldly' as a threat to your well being.

You are 17 now maybe the best thing to do is be the best kid you can. Then when you are 18 get a job save up and move out. Make sure you are careful to make good choices and even try to get to know some Christian guys.

[DoulaLC]

As long as you are under age, and living at home, they set the rules... fair or not in your eyes. However, once you turn 18 you are free to make your own decisions.

Obviously you want to remain respectful to your parents and what you believe, so moving in with boyfriend might be too much of a jump in the other direction of your upbringing. Perhaps moving in with a friend would be an option if it could work out for you.

You could let your parents know that you love them, you appreciate their watching out for you and the values they have instilled in you, and now you are ready to start making some of your own decisions using some of those values as a guide for how you live your life.

[jenniepepsi]

My 19 year old cousin went through this when he was 17. His parents are also very very religious and strict. Once he turned 18, he joined job corps and lives his own life now.

But everyone else is right. You must follow their rules while you live under their roof.

Good luck hon.