I’m 14 and want to leave

[Guest]

Hello. I’m 14 and live in North Central West Virginia. I live with my mom and my brother and sisters. There are 5 of us in total. I am the oldest. All my sisters and brother get to go to their dads during the week and weekend. My brother has ADHD and a form of autism and he makes messes and screams at random all the time. This stresses my mom out. Unfortunately, she takes it out on me. She calls me names and only once has she slapped me. I can’t help but cry. Also, she dates guys all the time. But their relationships only lasts at most 2 weeks because no matter who she is with they fight and argue. And once they’re done arguing she goes right to me and yells at me no matter what I’ve done. I get all A’s in school but she still says I never study and how much a failure I am. I know she has anger problems. But I just can’t handle living with her anymore. I can’t express how I feel to her because I’m too scared of her. I go to my grandparents a lot and they love me and I love them. I feel safe talking to them and they always say how much they love me. I wish I could live with them. I see my dad once a month but just like my mom he has anger issues. I have little friends and everytime I ask if I can come over, to escape the sadness i feel at my moms house, they always say “oh sorry I’m busy”. I asked my school counselor for help but all she said was talk it out but I can’t because my mom scares me. But anyway, I just want to live with grandparents and never see my mom again. I still want to see my brother and my sisters though. Any help please?

[ccsmod9]

Hello there,
Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We appreciate you telling us what has been going on. It sounds really hard. We’re so sorry this is happening to you. You don’t deserve to feel afraid in your own home. It sounds like it took a lot of courage to reach out to us today.
We’re sorry your mother makes you feel scared. It’s understandable since she’s hit you in the past. We understand that you may not want to talk to your mom, like the school counselor suggested, but would it help if your grandparents were there? Bringing them in on what is happening and your desire to live with them might be helpful in having this conversation with your mom. Sometimes talking it out with another adult there can make you feel safe to express yourself.
Another option in talking with mom about moving or improving life at home could be a conference call with someone here. You could call 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) and ask about setting that up. We’re able to give mom a call and facilitate the discussion between the two of you. Sometimes it helps to have someone here on the line to make sure the conversation is respectful and productive.
Living with your grandparents may be an option, but your mother could still call the police and report you as a runaway if you left without permission. It might be helpful to talk about this with someone here, even if it’s just venting. We’re here 24/7 and want to help you the best we can.
If you think this is something you’d like to pursue, please give us a call. We’re confidential.
All the best,
NRS