Hey, I’m moving out soon. like very soon. and my situation is kind of difficult. My parents are divorced and right now they have 50/50 custody, we switch which house I’m at on thurdays. I don’t want to be at my dads anymore but I promised my mom I would wait until I graduated to move out of her house. I’m going to pack my things and in early April, I’m going to take them to my mom’s house and then be 50/50 with her and the person I’m moving in with (kind of a soft launch into moving in with him). I don’t know how to bring this up to my dad. I have to tell him obviously and I need to talk to him about getting my savings account and what we’re doing about my phone (he pays for it, I need a prepaid and to put that on my boyfriends phone plan and to transfer my stuff over from my current and old phone onto my new one but don’t know how)
I just don’t know how to bring it up to my dad or what to say. how am I supposed to tell him I don’t want to live there? I’m really scared to have this conversation I’m worried I’ll break down crying when I try to talk to him and that he and my stepmom will make a ton of comments about how I don’t know what I’m doing
they haven’t really raised me to know how to function as a person. I haven’t had help to get a job or my license so I have neither and I’m terrified to get both.
i just need help knowing how i should go about telling my dad the plan once i turn 18. i don’t know how to go about doing anything at all
Thank you for sharing your story with the TeenCentral Community. It sounds like you have some tough decisions and challenging conversations to have before you make up your mind.
THINGS TO CONSIDER NOW:
- Check out our Toolbox for some of our TOOLS on how to have difficult conversations, like MAKING HARD DECISIONS and CONFLICT CONVERSATION ORGANIZER.
- Consider practicing the conversations as well as the pros and cons with a neutral and safe adult in your life.
WHEN YOU HAVE TIME:
Deciding to move out as a teenager is a big step, and communication with parents is key. Here are some important skills, tools, and considerations to prepare for the conversation and the transition:
- Effective Communication: Stay calm, express your reasons clearly, and listen to their concerns. Start by expressing gratitude for their support and acknowledge their feelings. Be honest and direct with respectful language.
- Conflict Resolution: Be prepared to handle emotional reactions and address their worries respectfully. Avoid being defensive or argumentative. Be open to compromise and feedback. Give plenty of time for this conversation.
- Show Responsibility: Do you have enough savings or a reliable income to support yourself? Will you have access to healthcare, and do you understand insurance options?
- Support System: Do you have friends, family, or mentors to help with challenges?
- Daily Responsibilities: Are you ready for cooking, cleaning, paying bills, and managing household tasks?
- Backup Plan: What will you do if things don’t go as expected?
