I never thought I’d be out on my own at 13.
It started a month ago—an argument with my mom that went too far. I don’t even remember what it was about exactly. Maybe it was the buildup of months of tension, or maybe she just had enough. All I know is that she told me to leave. And she meant it.
I didn’t have anywhere to go. I didn’t even have time to pack properly—just threw what I could into a backpack and walked out. I told myself I’d be okay, but I had no clue what I was doing.
My best friend’s family took me in without hesitation. They gave me a place to sleep, warm meals, and safety when I needed it most. I’ll never forget how kind they were during those first few nights. I made sure to thank them every single day—helping around the house, being polite, and letting them know just how much it meant to me. I don’t think I could’ve made it through that first week without them.
By the second week, I found a small boarding house that would take me in. It wasn’t much, but it was mine. A single bed, a shared kitchen, and a key I could call my own. It felt like a step toward something—freedom maybe, or just some stability.
My parents haven’t said much. When they do talk to me, they say things like, “This will make you stronger,” or “We want you to learn independence.” I’m trying to believe them. I’m trying to believe this is for the best.
But I’m 13. I still don’t know how to do this on my own. I go to school pretending like things are normal, but every day I wake up wondering,
What should I do?
It’s only been a month. But it already feels like a lifetime.
Comments
Your parents should be reported to Family services for child endangerment
Who rents a room to a 13 year old with no income? I’m finding this hard to believe.
If your in the the USA tell your school nurse or teacher you been kicked out and you get housing
How are you able to have your own room?
Report it to CPS. They will get you housing, make your parents pay you and potentially punish them. This is no way to treat a child of your age.
If you need guidance or assistance on how to get facilities or go about reporting to CPS or even school officials please do not hesitant to DM me.
13 was my first time staying over at a friend’s house for the first time away from my parents over night
to be never be picked up or checked on for my entire 6th 7th 8th 9th grade years
moving in with dad step mom in 10th grade 11th grade was back on the streets by 12th
I quit school and thought I was grown spent next 25 yrs doing nothing with my life but try to get my mother’s love since Dad died in 15 she only gets. Meaner …
Some people are meant for kids some people are not
Sounds like we have those kind of people as parents
Find guidance in the Lord or a better mentor then adbanonin your child
Be better then they are
This is outrageous and morally wrong. Im sorry you are dealing w this. Yes call CPS. BUT they may force you into foster care. There goof ones and bad ones. I hope you well. One day you’ll be ok.
I would call the police and report child abandonment and neglect.
Please talk to a teacher or guidance counselor and explain what has happened. This isn’t right, you are still a child and your parents should be protecting you.
This is child abuse and I’m so sorry your parents are acting like that. Your friends parents wouldn’t let you stay any longer? Why did they not call child protection services?
Oh honey. I am so sorry.
I went through this, but not when I was as young as you are. I cannot imagine how alone you feel and how scared you must be right now.
Please, report this to family services. You are young, but at this moment you are going to be your best advocate. No child deserves to be out on the streets and it is disgusting that your parents have done this to you.
The other advice I can offer you is to take this personal. Personal in the sense that you are so much more than those people and whatever they’ve done to you. You deserve better. Live your life knowing that you deserve better and that it’s going to be okay. Study, work hard, keep trying despite what your life will inevitably throw at you, and you WILL be better. Don’t seek out the love you feel like you’re lacking in others. Seek it from yourself and how you care for yourself going forward.
I hope you are safe and find the love and happiness you deserve kiddo. It will get better 🩷
This is child abuse and I’m so sorry your parents are acting like that. Your friends parents wouldn’t let you stay any longer? Why did they not call child protection services?
Yeah, parents shouldn’t do that, especially to someone your age. CPS sounds like the right call to start with since it’s been so long and they’re not asking you to come home. You’re not old enough to adult right now, and shouldn’t have to.
Sweetheart that is not ok. This goes against every fibre of my body. You are a child. As a parent it is our job to love, shelter, protect and provide for you. Please report your parents to a teacher and they will know what the next steps will be. I’m so sorry that your experience of family has to be this. Arguments are a way of life but an adult has to have some self control. We can’t lose our minds to the point where we abandon our kids. This is so wrong. Please take my advice and disclose this to your teacher or school counsellor. The rest of your life will depend on how this goes. You are a kid at risk. You need protection and guidance from a responsible adult.
First I’m so sorry this is happening to you. Second you write extraordinarily well, I actually thought this was a grown-up writing about when they were a kid, I don’t know what school you go to but where I went to school kids we’re not writing this well at age 13.
Third, what country do you live in? In the United States you need to tell someone at your school and they will help you find resources.
This is child abuse. Your parents suck. Call the police.
Tell a trusted teacher what is going on and ask for help. Why did the family who helped not call the police? What they did is 100% illegal, and they can spend some time in jail. God, you are still a child, this boarding house sound sketchy.
Tell a trusted teacher what is going on and ask for help. Why did the family who helped not call the police? What they did is 100% illegal, and they can spend some time in jail. God, you are still a child, this boarding house sound sketchy.