I had very strict, 'because I said so' parents. I was not allowed to do a lot of things, and consequently, literally grew up in my room with the door closed, stereo going. At 18, my best friend asked me to move in with her so she could work and I could take care of her baby-I jumped at it. No job, no education, but I was out. Lasted a year and I had to move back home-this time to the basement.
I swore if I ever had kids, I would never ever treat them as I was and I have tried to live up to that, although at times I hear my mom talking out of my mouth.
The Golden Rule applies to an extent. My kids will be 13 next month-this is my house so my rules, but I'm pretty lenient. Daughter wants blue hair-I'll dye it for her and did. But she buys the color.
The ultimate goal of raising your kids should be to show them how the world works, give them the mental tools to work with it and send them on their way. Seems your folks treated their kids as possessions instead of people.
But you're not a child anymore. Despite of or because of your upbringing, you know what has to be done. Your parents didn't give you the tools needed so now you have to find them yourself. Do it, without excuses. Even runaways find a place to go-some even rise above it all. You give your folks more power each time you acquiesce to their will. Take your own power and live a life you're worthy of.
Good luck.
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