In today’s world, many young people want to leave home because it is a way of getting out what they feel is an intolerable situation. It’s simply that they want to be more independent. Staying at home with their parents is no longer working for them…

You are always getting into arguments, and they do not understand your needs. More so, you feel so restricted, always having to do your parents’ bidding and answer for every move.

Are You Ready For Independence?

But you must understand that the fact that your desire for independence does not mean that you are ready for it? Do you think making it on your own is that easy? Jobs are scare. Rents have skyrocketed. And what are youth caught in an economic trap often forced to do? They return home and expect parents to reassume the burden of their support.

You must also take into consideration your mental, emotional and spiritual maturity. You may see yourself to be a grown-up, but your parents may still see in you some of the traits of immaturity. Your parents are in the best position to judge how much freedom you are ready to handle? To go against their judgment and set out on your own could invite danger – Pro.1:8.

‘I Don’t Get Along With My Parents’

Is this true in your case? Even so, this is no reason for you to leave home. As a youth, you still need parents and will likely benefit from their insight and wisdom for years to come. (Pro. 23:22).

Never leave home just because you can’t get along with parents. If you can’t get along with them, how will you be able to get along with other people? Leaving home only show that you are too immature to stand on your own feet and could lead to greater problems.

Economic Independence

You may view money as easy to come by. If you have a part-time job, you may spend money on music and clothes. What an awakening you are in for, though, when you move out on your own!

Why not take time to learn how to handle money from your parents. Ask them question as: ‘How much is the monthly electricity bill? Heat? Water? Telephone? and so on. You may be surprised that many working youths often have more money than their parents. So if you have a job, offer to make a reasonable contribution to the upkeep of the household.

Learn Before You Leave

I want you to understand that you do not need to leave home to grow up. But while you are still with your parents learn to develop good judgment and levelheadedness. Learn how to get along with others. Prove that you can take criticism, failure or disappointment. Cultivate the habit of kindness, goodness, mildness and self control (Gal. 5:22,23). These traits are the true marks of a grown up as a Christian young person.

Written by E Samuel [Ghana]