Switched-On Magazine

Some of us are not so fortunate with a happy family.  Some of us might have abusive alcoholic parents, or simply those with serious financial difficulties. While parents are the main influences in our lives, when it comes to our teenage years, it is important for us to not be too affected by their negative behaviors. Although at times it is very difficult to deal with the abuses - verbally or emotionally - at home, you must remember that this world does not only limit within your own family. Life has so much more to offer!

When your parents are not providing enough emotional support for you, it is very crucial that you seek out help and support from others, especially adults - teachers, school counselors, or a close relative. Although you might not feel comfortable sharing your personal stories with them, adults are people who have had life experiences and are educated enough to guide you to the right decisions. They can look at the problems with the bigger pictures in mind, while you, given the situation, are too affected and caught up with what happen at your home. 

Having a plan is important. Many people, due to their life at home, lose sight on college and their own future. Putting up a plan for yourself will help you stay sane and on track when you do not feel well. Despite the rising cost of college, there are many scholarships and college programs that offer specifically to your racial group or your major. It is even better to look for options to go away for colleges because some time away can help reduce the tension between you and your parents. It allows both sides to take some time off to reflect. More importantly, as a result, you will have some time to grow and to heal so that you can deal with those problems maturely. 

Two years ago, my life at home was almost unbearable. I got in arguments often with my mother and felt numb half of the time. But I went away, met new people who share with me their life stories and experiences. My mother and I have finally talked it out. Sometimes, it might be so suffocating that all you want to do is finding a place to hide. But when situations like that happen, you must take in account of your own future. At the same time, be open to different possibilities and understand that your parents might be in a very different pair of shoes that dictate them to have other concerns. Nothing lasts forever. Neither does abuse.