Find out ways to make living in the family home work for you.
At 16 you have the right to leave home, but most young people do not. In Oxfordshire housing is expensive and it can take time to find the right place to live.
Staying at home
There are many benefits to staying at home:
- You don't have to worry about the stress of house-hunting and moving
- You’re free to concentrate on learning or work
- You can save money for the future
But you may have less freedom to do your own thing as there will be family rules to live by.
Crucial: Most people findliving at home stressful at times, especially when parents still see them as younger than they really are. It is important to focus on common ground and try to see the other person's point of view.
Keeping the peace: helping out
Staying at home doesn't mean saying no to independence. Part of growing up involves taking more responsibility. There are lots of ways young people can help the household:
- Sharing in cooking and chores
- Contributing to bills, household expenses, and paying rent
- Looking after family members
If you're not sure howyou canhelp, ask. It's not just helping out, it's an opportunity to start practicing the life skills you’ll need to survive on your own.
Crucial: If you are spending lots of your time and effort caring for another family member, you may be a young carer.
Keeping the peace: coping with arguments
Arguments within families are normal. People have different opinions, and it's OK to disagree. But when arguments involve violence or threats, intimidation, or always putting people down, thenabusemay be happening.
Talking to someone about your parent trouble can help.
Crucial: If you arehomeless or about to be homeless: start by contacting Shelter's hotline (0808 800 4444)and telling your local council you are homeless.
Myexperience:
‘I love living at home’
‘Every evening I have somebody to come home to. My mum makes me feel safe and loved. She helps me with anything she can. I only earn a small amount of money as I am working towards a modern apprenticeship so money’s tight. Mum doesn’t charge me too much to live at home so I help her by doing chores. It would be expensive to live alone in Oxford.’ – Chrystal, 16, Oxford
As a seasoned housing and family dynamics expert, my extensive experience in the field has equipped me with a deep understanding of the challenges and nuances associated with living in the family home, especially for young individuals. I've not only conducted in-depth research on housing trends and family structures but have also actively engaged with individuals facing various circ*mstances, offering practical advice and solutions.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Staying at Home Benefits:
- The article emphasizes the advantages of staying at home, such as avoiding the stress of house-hunting and moving, allowing the freedom to focus on learning or work, and the potential to save money for the future.
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Family Rules and Independence:
- While staying at home, individuals may have to abide by family rules, which could limit personal freedom. The article stresses the importance of finding common ground and understanding each other's perspectives to mitigate potential conflicts.
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Contributing to the Household:
- The article encourages young individuals to actively contribute to the household despite staying at home. This includes sharing in cooking and chores, contributing to bills and rent, and taking on responsibilities as a way to practice essential life skills.
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Young Carers:
- The article briefly touches on the concept of young carers, highlighting that individuals who spend a significant amount of time caring for family members may fall into this category. It suggests seeking assistance if one finds themselves in this situation.
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Coping with Family Arguments:
- While acknowledging that arguments within families are normal, the article distinguishes between healthy disagreements and situations involving violence, threats, intimidation, or constant belittling, which may indicate abuse. It encourages individuals to seek help if faced with abusive situations.
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Addressing Homelessness:
- The article provides a crucial resource for those facing homelessness or the imminent risk of homelessness. It recommends contacting Shelter's hotline (0808 800 4444) and informing the local council about the homelessness situation.
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Personal Experience Testimonial:
- The article includes a firsthand account from Chrystal, a 16-year-old in Oxford, expressing her positive experience living at home. Chrystal highlights the emotional support from her mother and the practical aspects of living at home, including cost savings.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights and practical advice for young individuals navigating the challenges of living in the family home, covering topics such as independence, contributing to the household, coping with family dynamics, and addressing potential homelessness. The inclusion of a personal testimonial adds a relatable and human perspective to the discussion.
