Living at Home

At 16 you have the right to leave home, but most young people do not. In Oxfordshire housing is expensive and it can take time to find the right place to live. 

Staying at home

There are many benefits to staying at home:

• You don't have to worry about the stress of house-hunting and moving
• You’re free to concentrate on learning or work
• You can save money for the future

But you may have less freedom to do your own thing as there will be family rules to live by. 

Crucial: Most people find living at home stressful at times, especially when parents still see them as younger than they really are. It is important to focus on common ground and try to see the other person's point of view.

Keeping the peace: helping out

Staying at home doesn't mean saying no to independence. Part of growing up involves taking more responsibility. There are lots of ways young people can help the household:

• Sharing cooking and chores
• Contributing to bills, household expenses, and paying rent
• Looking after family members

If you're not sure how you can help, ask. It's not just helping out, it's an opportunity to start practicing the life skills you’ll need to survive on your own.

Crucial: If you are spending lots of your time and effort caring for another family member, you may be a young carer. 

Keeping the peace: coping with arguments

Arguments within families are normal. People have different opinions, and it's OK to disagree. But when arguments involve violence or threats, intimidation, or always putting people down, then abuse may be happening.

Talking to someone about your parent trouble can help.

Crucial: If you are homeless or about to be homeless: start by contacting Shelter's hotline and telling your local council you are homeless. 

Keeping the peace: parents 

Having an argument doesn’t mean that people will split up or get divorced. But sometimes this happens.

It's important to understand this is not your fault.

Take action: Childline have lots of information on divorce and separation. 

My experience 

‘I love living at home’

‘Every evening I have somebody to come home to. My mum makes me feel safe and loved. She helps me with anything she can. I only earn a small amount of money as I am working towards a modern apprenticeship so money’s tight. Mum doesn’t charge me too much to live at home so I help her by doing chores. It would be expensive to live alone in Oxford.’ – Chrystal, 16