yeah, idk

[Guest]

Im 17 and I live in Georgia. Last year I quit school to get "home schooled" because I couldnt take public school anymore.
My mom was fine with it but this year she decided to make me go back. Now everything seems like its going back like it was before. I'm really stressed with school. My family is always telling me I have an attitude. Its really starting to piss me off. And my mom is starting to push religion down my throat. I believe in God but, I'm confused about somethings and her telling me all the time that I should be in church and crap doesn't help. My family doesn't have much money and they always talk about our "financial" trouble. It makes me feel like its my fault. I'm really thinking about leaving, and going to the city to get a job. But I don't know the whole rules and stuff about minors. :[ I fight with my family constantly. And its not their fault. Its pretty much mine. I'm a waste of space. And I constantly screw up. I was wondering..the whole rules for leaving, and if there were shelters?

thanks.

[ccsmod2]

Re: yeah, idk

Thanks for contacting us here at NRS. We are sorry to hear about the stressful times you are having in dealing with your family. What was going on at the public school that you were attending that made you take up home school? Are you experiencing those things again now that you are back in public school? Is there a reason your mom made you return? Why do you feel as if your family's financial troubles are you fault? As far as the "rules" for minors, you are not able to leave home without permission until you are indeed 18 or older. Running away is not a crime but it is a status offense, which means that it is something that is not allowed because you are under age. If your caught outside, let's say for breaking curfew or something and your mom has reported you as a runway, the police would pick you up and return you back home. Its unfortunate that you feel like you are such a burden on your family. You shouldn't feel that way. Everyone makes mistakes at times but that does not necessarily mean that everything is your fault. You can call us here at anytime of the day at 1-800-RUNAWAY. Where is Georgia are you? I would need this information in order to provide you with some contact information for shelters. If you are able, how about you give us a call so we can talk more about your situation and help you come up with different options.

[Guest]

Re: yeah, idk

Last year I started failing and I had always had pretty good grades. My mom made me go back because I didn't ever do my school work and ended up getting a job. So, shes all you need to get back in school. My grandma is contently calling me about going to college and I'm 17 so I can quit school but my mom's like your not going to live here if you do. As for the financial trouble part....I feel as if I just left then there would be more money for my little sister.

What if I just leave for awhile? Until everything gets back to normal... i dont know :[
I live about 1hr away from Atlanta. Can parents trace the call if I call you?? I dont want them knowing anything yet..

[ccsmod4]

Re: yeah, idk

Hi,
thanks for contacting us again. You really seem to be struggling with what to do about your situation
and we would really like to listen and talk more about what you think is the right way to deal with it.
How far have you thought leaving through? How will you survive? Do you have a place in atlanta to stay
and if so what will be the expectations for the length of time you will be there? Sorry if this seems like
a lot of questions but it's only to help you focus on your situation and how your decision affects you.
Some might say it's weighing your options. Does leaving make it better or harder than what your're running away from? You mentioned having trouble as recent as last year with your grades after being pretty successful in school but you did not say what caused your slide. What changed your outlook on school? You mentioned you were working but your mom was not happy about it because you wanted to quit school. Did the two of you discuss your going to school and working part time? You said there is financial problems connected with your family. It's a nice jesture that you want to help out by working. Have you exhusted all measures for you and your mom to work on finding a solution that's suitable for the both of you? If you are worried about your mom getting our phone number from a call to NRS would you consider calling us from a pay phone our number is toll free at 1-800-runaway we're 24hrs, confidential and you don't have to give us your name to talk about your problem.
We hope to hear from you and wish you well.

Take Care,
NRS

[Guest]

Re: yeah, idk

Actually the questions help me analyze everything.

About Atlanta..honestly, I have NO idea where I would go. I have a little bit of money, but I don't know how long it would last. I'm 17 so I might could get a job.

My grades dramatically started dropping. I have no idea why. I go to a little school in a SMALL town and I hate it here. The teachers don't know whats going on anymore with our school because we got a new principal and hes changing EVERYTHING.
Running away seems like a stupid idea, but I dont know if I can take everything here. I've been looking into a different school out of my town, but once again theres the money issue.....I've been talking to my boyfriend about quitting school and leaving, and he doesn't want me to do it. But it goes beyond him..

I might try to go to town tonite to the pay phone.
Thanks for listening. You're the only one

[ccsmod1]

Re: yeah, idk

We’re glad to hear that the bulletins are helping you to think through the situation more thoroughly. We’re here to listen and help in anyway we can.

It’s great that you’re trying to think about the different issues that may arise if you do run…where you would stay, would you go to school, etc. You mentioned shelters in an earlier post. The one thing to know about shelters is that they are required by law to contact a minor’s legal guardian within 72 hours of them staying there (although many places have their own policies that require it within 24 or 48 hours). Just wanted you to know. If you’re still interested in a shelter, we’d be more than happy to provide you with numbers to ones in Atlanta. Also, if you didn’t feel comfortable calling them on your own, if you were to call us we could conference a call with a shelter. When it comes to getting a job, do you have a social security card and state ID? These are usually required in order to get a job.

It’s too bad that the new principle changed everything. It sounds like it affected you and your grades. How much longer do you have left of school? Can you think of ways to cope with having to be there until you graduate? It sounds like from what you wrote, you don’t know if you really want to runaway or not, but just don’t know how to deal with everything at home and school anymore. It's great that you're able to talk to your boyfriend about all of this too. It's always important to have someone in your life that supports you and listens when you need them to.

We’re always available to listen and help you come up with options. As stated in the last post, we’re 100% confidential. So even if your mom found out you called us, we would never tell her anything that was discussed or even that you called. We don’t keep records of our calls either. If you feel like talking more about how you’re feeling and what’s going on, call anytime. Someone is always here, day or night. If there's something specific that you'd like from us (shelter numbers, etc), and you can't call, feel free to post again. Best of Luck.

[Guest]

Re: yeah, idk

So, I havent wrote in forever, because things were getting better. That was till tonight.

My dad came in my room with me and my sister and busted a hole in the wall and started yelling and stuff.
I was seriously scared out of my mind.

So Im leaving for sure.
I need numbers to shelters though. That would be helpful.
And I'd find it way to awkward to call, haha. Thanks though

[ccsmod7]

Re: yeah, idk

Thanks for writing in again. We are sorry to hear that things are not going so well right now. You mentioned that everything was going better for some time but that your dad got seriously angry at you and your sister tonight. Do you have any idea what prompted him to get so angry? You mentioned he punched a hole in the wall and started yelling at both of you. Have you talked with your dad since that incidence? Did he ever actually express what made him fly of the handle like that? It's understandable that you were scared, it sounds like a pretty intense situation.

You said that you are at the point where you just want to leave. Have you thought about when you want to go? You mentioned in your earlier logs about trying to get to Atlanta. Is that still your plan? Do you have any way of getting there? Are you still currently in school? Do you plan on finishing out the year or leaving before then? We were able to look up some shelters in the Atlanta area.

Alternate Life Paths Program
404-688-1002

Young Adult Guidance Center
404-792-7616

YWCA of Greater Atlanta
404-614-2029

So hopefully some of that information helps. Perhaps before you decide to leave you may be able to give these shelters a call and get some more information. Obviously there is always someone here to help if you have any other questions or need any other resources. You mentioned feeling awkward calling in but if you ever find your self in a situation and you need to, you can always call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY, 24 hours a day. Best of luck with everything and take care.

[Guest]

Re: yeah, idk

Well, I really dont know why he got so mad. My parents said I've had an 'attitude' recently. And more than likely I have.
I'm still stressed with school and stuff. But anyway, he came in the room and told my sister to go to bed, and she said that she didnt have school tomorrow. Then he just stood there for like 5 min. looking at us, and he goes what are you doing and my sister was like waiting for you to leave....the he freaked out and was like "THIS IS MY HOUSE. IM SICK OF YOU AND YOU."
And some other stuff....

So I dont know. He snapped. We've really never gotten along. But him and my sister have a great relationship.. And thats why it hurt her so much when he said that. I havn't talked to him. He left and went to his bedroom. And honestly, Im not going to talk to him. I havent since Sun. I dont feel like getting yelled at...

Atlanta is my main target... I have no way to get there but I'll find someway.
I'm still in school, but I haven't been in about a week. I'm probably getting enrolled in an Alternative School.

My mom came in earlier (she wasnt here when it happened) but she goes "running away isnt the solution. And leaving would hurt me soo much" I guess she knew what i was thinking. Thats the only thing I keep thinking of, but I can't handle my relationship with my dad.

[ccsmod7]

Re: yeah, idk

It sounds like you have a lot going on right now, and you’re still trying to decide if running away is the best option for you. It’s good that you are trying to take everything into consideration and if you do decide you want to leave, trying to be safe about it. It sounds like the situation with your dad has not been good for awhile, and that he kind of just snapped. Have you talked with your sister about what happened? How is she feeling about the entire situation? It’s not always easy living in a house when there is conflict, and it sounds like that is a big issue. Do you feel that it is the relationship you have with your father that is the main reason you want to leave? Do you feel there is any other way to resolve the situation or make things work at home?

It is interesting that your mom came in and even mentioned about running away not being the solution. It sounds like she must have sensed something was up with you. How is your relationship with your mom? It sounds like she cares about you very much. Have you ever sat down and talked with her about how you are feeling and the fact that you have thought about leaving? What do you think she would say?

You said before that you are currently 17, when do you turn 18? In most states 18 is the age of majority and you would have every right to leave and live somewhere else. Are you currently working right now, or do you have any way of saving money? Have you thought about making a plan and saving up some money until you could possibly get a place of your own? Do you feel that would ever be an option? Do you have any other friends or family members in the area you may be able to stay with for some time?

It’s definitely a difficult situation and in the end it is going to be your decision on what you want to do. Whatever you decide to do though, there are ways to go about it safely. And as said before we are here if you need us.

[Guest]

Re: yeah, idk

My sister's thirteen so she was really upset..and she didn't understand why he did it.
And I told her I was thinking about leaving and she asked me why I'd leave her... :/
Made me upset.

I love my mom. We get along great and I'd never want to hurt her... but its soooo hard. And I think she'd be really upset if I moved out at all.

I turn 18 in Oct. And I could start saving money.

I kinda want to call.....but I'd only do it at night and I really don't know what to say/who to ask for....

[ccsmod4]

Re: yeah, idk

Hi, again
sorry to hear how upset your sister was to what happened with your dad. It can be difficult to explain
why someone would do such a thing. You said your sister was upset at the thought of you moving out.
have you thought about a plan to stay in touch with her? You're turning 18 in Oct. and you're thinking of moving out. What would be the objection your mom would have to your leaving home? How do you feel it will effect your relationship? What plans were discussed for you after high school?
We invite you to call our 1-8oo-Runaway 24hr Hotline to discuss your situation. You may speak with any of our
crisis liners who pick up the phone. We hope to hear from you soon.

Take Care,
NRS

[Guest]

Re: yeah, idk

Well, I got up this afternoon cause I couldnt fall asleep, and my dad was home.
My sis came in and I asked her if he had said anything to her. She said he hugged and kissed her and told her he was sorry.
Of course, he didnt say a word to me. It's been four days since we've had an ACTUAL conversation. That's longer than normal.

Talking to Kayla(my sister) or keeping in touch, wouldnt be hard. I told her once I got a place to stay she could come visit me.

October is soooo long away. I just honestly can't see myself living here anymore.

Here's the thing:

My mom, dad, and sister...perfect. They love each other. But when I'm here, its different. My dad and I just don't get along.And I'd rather the rest of my family be happy. So I see no other choice than to leave. I don't understand why its a 'crime' or something. I'm 17. I can drive, get a job, and I have ALL my legal documentation. (I.D, Social Security Card, Passport, Birth Certificate)

And who knows? Maybe leaving for a while, would make my dad appreciate me more?
And bring us together... ha. Probably not.

[ccsmod8]

Re: yeah, idk

Hello,

Thank you for contacting the National Runaway Switchboard and appreciate your continued correspondence with us. We imagine that you are still dealing with a lot, considering that you have had so much issues with your family and feeling like you are not involved with them the way you should. We certainly empathize with you since your father seems to give more attention and love to your sister. We know this must not be easy to deal with and although we are not in your shoes to fully understand, we appreciate you a lot and want to continue to provide you some support until you get a handle on your situation. We hope that you are able to call us one day to talk a bit about what you are feeling inside. If you feel it is best to leave, we want to support whatever decision you make but we hope that by calling us, you are able to come up with a plan for survival. We are concerned greatly for your safety and since this is our priority, we want to hash out a plan with you, if necessary. However, we hope that some things do change for the better for you or with your family. We are here for you 24 hours a day and wish for you to consider us in the future. Until we hear from you, please try to remain safe and tell us how we can help.

-NRS