I need to know if I am able to move away from home at 14.
I need to know if I am able to move away from home at 14.
I have been tirelessly attempting to move out of my mother's house and into my 16 year old boyfriend's. Everything I've seen on the internet has gotten me nowhere other than depressed and discouraged about my situation.
My mother has told me to leave her house before, only a few months ago. I went to the police station to try and go to my boyfriend's home. I wanted to be sure everything was legal, but my father picked me up from there and the next day I had to go back.
I feel worn down and upset by being here. I'm so depressed. I just want out, but I have no idea of my options, the legal side of things, or if I'll be forced back again. Please help.
Hi there and thanks for your question.
It's sound like you are very frustrated at the moment with your living situation and your relationship with your parents. Unfortunately you are at a difficult age, being stuck between what you want to do and what you are legally allowed to do. Until you are 16, which is deemed the "age of discretion" in Tasmania, your parents have the right to pick you up from your boyfriend's house and take you home.
You haven't mentioned your boyfriend's living situation or what his relationship is with your parents. Does he live with family? Does he get along with your parents? Encouraging them to build a good relationship will make life a bit easier for you. Maybe he could spend more time at your place if everyone gets along.
There is a fantastic youth program called Reconnect, which supports young people to build stronger relationships with their parents through mediation. It would give you a chance to express to your parents how frustrated and depressed you are feeling, and the worker would support your family to look at how to best resolve some of your conflict. Reconnect in Hobart is run through Colony 47. Reconnect in Launceston is run through Relationships Australia.
Communication is the key here because the more you talk to your parents about what it is you want, and listen to what they have to say as well, the easier things will get and the better the outcomes will be. At the end of the day, if you are getting along with your parents and trying to work together, you will be more likely to feel happier and feel heard. It must be really tough for you but try to work with your parents and not against them. Then you're more likely to all come to a compromise, and you having more freedom will be more realistic.
Talk to your friends about how you are feeling and make sure you enjoy some girl time too—mates are priceless and quality time spent with girl friends will always make you feel good.
All the best with your situation at home and with your boyfriend. Make sure you contact us if we can give you more information.
