Is it normal that my parents don't let me stay out as late as i want?

62% Normal
6 Comments

I am 18 years old, and I go to a college that is close to home. To save money, I decided to commute to college rather than live on my own. I did this because I knew my parents aren't the parents to control every part of my life, and they do treat me like an adult.

However, for as long as I can remember, they have never let me stay out as late as I wanted or decide myself when I wanted to come home. I always have to come home when they tell me--I don't get to just stay out until I'm ready to come home (I'm usually not ready yet because my friends and I are having fun).

I do not drink. I do not smoke. I get great grades in school. I do not speed. I never go anywhere dangerous--I usually just want to hang out with my friends at their house or something and talk and play games, etc.

Why is it that even now, as an 18 year old, my parents feel like I have to be home when they say? How can I get them to trust me enough to let me decide when I want to come home myself? It's not like I've been irresponsible before and can't be trusted. My parents are just strict about this sort of thing, and they worry. I understand that. But I don't want to miss out on my life and my fun just because they want me cooped up.

Voting Results
62% Normal
Based on 71 votes (44 yes)
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Comments ( 6 )
  • Mlopez0718
    11 years ago

    That's exactly me right there. To them it doesn't even matter that I'm 18, I'm still in their house, so I'm just getting used to the idea that that's not going to change. I suggest just wait until you move out. Moving out if for you to do whatever u want because your parents aren't there. Just wait (:

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  • 1000yrVampireKing
    11 years ago

    My parents were the oppisate. It is funny because even when given the free range I just never wanted to.

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  • q25t
    11 years ago

    I know exactly where you're coming from. My parents do the same thing and I'm 20. Luckily, I'm living away from home, but it's how you describe it when I'm home.

    I'm not sure if your parents have the same tendencies as mine, but if they do, they would wait up for you to get home every time you go out and make you confirm that you're home when you get there?

    If that's the case, a possible solution may just be to suggest a check-in sign on their door to let them know you're in so that they can sleep at normal times. Then if they get up in the middle of the night or even the next morning, they know that you're in and safe. No more worries.

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    • MmmHmm
      11 years ago

      Sounds like yes, we have the same parents! ;) Heh, did the check-in sign work for you? Or how did you manage to work around the situation?

      Thanks for your help!

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      • q25t
        11 years ago

        I had moderate success with the sign in idea, but I never really pushed it as I was leaving for college when it was actually even becoming an issue.

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  • Moonbow
    11 years ago

    Whether it's "normal" or not isn't the issue. You live in their house and have to live by their rules whether you consider them normal or not. Once you get out on your own, you can stay out as long as you like.

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