Parent trouble

When you're 16 or over, you have the right to leave home without your parent's or carer's permission and your parents or carers have the right to ask you to leave. But most young people stay in the family home for longer. 

Most people living together put effort into getting along. But arguments in the family can happen for lots of reasons, including:

• substance abuse (e.g. drugs or alcohol)
• mental health issues
• disagreements about friends or boundaries

Problems can also happen when parents and children disagree about money, benefits, jobs, education or plans for the future.

Crucial: Young people aged 16-18 are still children. If there is a situation at home which is exposing you to risk then support is always available. Find out more about abuse and Domestic Abuse.

What you can do

If your parent wants you to leave home, there are things you can do:

• Talk the problem through with your parent or someone outside the family
• Get advice from Shelter and Citizens Advice 
• Let your local authority know if you are going to be homeless

Everyone can benefit from advice and support. There are organisations just for parents to help them cope.

Instant Expert: There is lots of support for parents, including the Family Lives helpline. SENDIASS can support parents of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. 

Things getting worse? Get help

If the situation at home is very bad, you may feel that you are out of options. But there are organisations which can help you. Sometimes just talking to someone can be a big help. 

People you could talk to include:

• someone who is working with your family, like a family worker 
• someone at your place of learning, like a school health nurse
• a helpline for young people, like Childline, or SafeCall

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

Crucial: Find out more about being homeless, and what help is available for you.