Is it legal for a parent to take away bare necessities from their child?

[utauchama]

...and yet you still have access to the Internet?

Hmmmm.

I apologize, I worded that wrong. When I said internet, I didn't mean the whole internet. I mean any website that I could get fun out of. Like facebook, youtube, itunes, etc. I can get on websites that don't exactly have the objective of entertaining for homework, work, etc.

 

[justalayman]

I apologize, I worded that wrong. When I said internet, I didn't mean the whole internet. I mean any website that I could get fun out of. Like facebook, youtube, itunes, etc. I can get on websites that don't exactly have the objective of entertaining for homework, work, etc.

You mean like this one? What homework are you working on at this site?

 

[utauchama]

You mean like this one? What homework are you working on at this site?

Homework was just an example. They just blocked all of the web addressees that I could get any enjoyment out of.

 

[Proserpina]

Homework was just an example. They just blocked all of the web addressees that I could get any enjoyment out of.

..and that is their right.


Seriously - if you are in immediate danger, you call the authorities.

However, I strongly suspect that you're exaggerating the situation. What your parents are doing is actually often recommended on this site, when parents are dealing with unruly, out-of-control teens.

Assuming that you're telling the truth to begin with...

 

[utauchama]

..and that is their right.


Seriously - if you are in immediate danger, you call the authorities.

However, I strongly suspect that you're exaggerating the situation. What your parents are doing is actually often recommended on this site, when parents are dealing with unruly, out-of-control teens.

Assuming that you're telling the truth to begin with...

I am not exaggerating, and I'm not out of control. I'm a pretty good kid, who does what shes told, and goes where shes supposed to, and I don't do bad things either. I'm not perfect either though, and I skipped some classes because I was stressed. I'm only feeling like my parents are unwilling to listen to why I was ditching class, or that I'm really wanting to stop doing it. Also, maybe my parents have gone a bit over board?

 

[CourtClerk]

Pretty good kids don't ditch school. Ditching school (or class) isn't a good thing, so let's cut out the "i'm a good kid" thing... because you're not.

I think your parents are awesome. However, if when you turn 18, you don't like your living conditions, then you are free to leave.

As to stacking your stuff on the floor, that's a good idea. They can confiscate all of their stuff, but they can't confiscate the floor. Make sure to keep your living space clean.

 

[Proserpina]

I am not exaggerating, and I'm not out of control. I'm a pretty good kid, who does what shes told, and goes where shes supposed to, and I don't do bad things either. I'm not perfect either though, and I skipped some classes because I was stressed. I'm only feeling like my parents are unwilling to listen to why I was ditching class, or that I'm really wanting to stop doing it. Also, maybe my parents have gone a bit over board?

I suggest you go here:

http://www.rosemond.com/~members/qanda_view.php?qid=1172&srch=&page=15


Your parents are actually - gasp - parenting.

Of course you don't like it - that's the whole point!

 

[Eekamouse]

It must be quite a shock to realize that your parents are the only reason you had so many things that made your life so enjoyable and that if you break the rules, they can take everything away from you. You're not entitled to have any of what they've taken from you. You had those things because they allowed you to have them. What a shock to find that out, huh? You're where you're at because of your own bad behavior. If you want to enjoy those things again someday, you better put all the effort you're putting into whining about the unfairness of things into meeting their expectations. Have lots of fun.

 

[mistoffolees]

I don't know how I am going to walk to school in pajamas and a thin t shirt while snow is outside. They're taking all my jackets and blankets, so that's not an option either. I tried negotiating to see if I could have at least some ugly sweater, or anything that'd keep me warm, but they weren't willing to listen.

While I agree with 99% of what was posted here, this one concerns me. Sending a child out with just pajamas and a thin t-shirt in cold weather is not right - and possibly abusive.

I'm not sure what to do about it - maybe a call from the school counselor saying "we're concerned because XXX showed up at school without a coat today" or something like that?

 

[Proserpina]

While I agree with 99% of what was posted here, this one concerns me. Sending a child out with just pajamas and a thin t-shirt in cold weather is not right - and possibly abusive.

I'm not sure what to do about it - maybe a call from the school counselor saying "we're concerned because XXX showed up at school without a coat today" or something like that?

Yes - I do see your point.

However, this very bright (evidently) 15 year old would also presumably have the wherewithall to initiate such contact with a counselor or even - as I suggested earlier should the situation be serious enough - the authorities.

I just get the feeling the situation as described may not be how it actually is.

 

[CreativeBlock]

While I agree with 99% of what was posted here, this one concerns me. Sending a child out with just pajamas and a thin t-shirt in cold weather is not right - and possibly abusive.

I think that since the situation is still unfolding, I think a lot of what she is hearing is threats and shall we say ... creative thinking out loud?

I really don't see a parent letting their child keep their internet access (by her own admission, only a few sites are blocked, which implies she still will have access) denying them warmth or warm clothing in inclement weather.

Essentially, I think it's a threat. And I think they're furious and exaggerating for full effect ~ perhaps emphasizing how much control they have over her and how she'd best remember that.

 

[CourtClerk]

While I agree with 99% of what was posted here, this one concerns me. Sending a child out with just pajamas and a thin t-shirt in cold weather is not right - and possibly abusive.

I'm not sure what to do about it - maybe a call from the school counselor saying "we're concerned because XXX showed up at school without a coat today" or something like that?

Come on... if the child was really going out in the virtual snow in pajamas and a t-shirt, you don't think SOME teacher/counselor/person in charge wouldn't notice?????

And I realize I don't live in Utah, but is there a school ANYWHERE that allows children to go to school in pajamas these days?

 

[stealth2]

I acknowledge that I really don't need a lot of what they're taking I just want it, so it should be totally reasonable to use that as punishment, but I don't know how I'm going to be able to walk to school in these conditions, or even sleep for that matter. If it were a few months later, I'd just sleep on the floor and walk to school, accepting my punishment. However because I'm in the basement, without blankets or heat, it can get to the point where I can see my breath.

How about going upstairs and sleeping on the sofa or floor where it's warmer? Walking to school in the cold? Ask them in the morning if you could wear something warmer for that walk.

I'm already trying to do things like extra chores and cleaning without being asked, taking care of my siblings, being all around extra nice to everyone, doing as I'm told without push back, etc.. but nothing is working. They told me I could have my things back if I didn't skip any classes during 3rd term.

Your parents know what you're doing - trying to soft-pedal them into backing down. They strike me as not stupid people.

 

[Rushia]

Come on... if the child was really going out in the virtual snow in pajamas and a t-shirt, you don't think SOME teacher/counselor/person in charge wouldn't notice?????

And I realize I don't live in Utah, but is there a school ANYWHERE that allows children to go to school in pajamas these days?

Actually yes, here in NY going out in your pajamas as this girl described is all the rage. I guess, it's cool but I just think it's lazy. I see grown women shopping in their pj's.

 

[Proserpina]

Actually yes, here in NY going out in your pajamas as this girl described is all the rage. I guess, it's cool but I just think it's lazy. I see grown women shopping in their pj's.

Aww I hate that!

And the worst part? 9 times out of 10, their hair and makeup are all done to Jersey Shore perfection!

I mean really - if you can spend 2 hours in front of the mirror, surely you can spend 10 minutes putting on a pair of jeans or something?!