17 Yr Old Daughter Moved Out and Doesnt Want to Come Home.

If she's still feeling that the argument is unresolved, and if she's feeling accepted and more independent in her new living situation, then I can see that as being more attractive for her than coming home. (Hint: She's 17!)

As heart-rending as this is for you, keep in mind it really isn't all about you. Your daughter is reaching into her future, which means she's breaking away from your control. And it's really, really common for kids who are reaching the age of emancipation to find fault with their parents and their home life. It's part of what allows them to break away.

My daughter, just after high school, moved in with my sister and her partner for a few months. It was a wonderful experience for her, in which she had to get a job, pay rent and learn about the obligations and costs of being independent, all while being overseen by a caring relative. From there, she went on to college. All of this gave her a new appreciation of her life with me and her stepdad. When I saw that her primary need was to be independent, I was actually happy that this "halfway house" situation was available to her.

Your daughter knows you love her and are concerned for her. That may be the only thing she really needs from you at this moment. You raised her, taught her everything you know about life, in preparation for the moment she'd fly away. Some kids do this early, some stick around into their 20's. Both approaches are hard on their parent in one way or another. It's hard to get away from the inevitable pains of launching our kids.

If I were you, I would just let her know you love her dearly, want her happiness and success, and are willing to support her in whatever way she finds most positive.

I was on the opposite side of the fence. At 17 I moved out, not by going to gramma's... but by joining the USMC. I even, very deliberately, manipulated them into signing the waiver by laying our relationship on the line. "If you won't sign, fine. I'll wait until I'm 18 and then I'm gone for good. If you want to do that to our relationship.... go ahead." The ink was barely dry before I was out the door.

I had a *brilliant* childhood. Warm, loving, amazing family. But my mum & I were too alike and we fought like cats and dogs. Worse.

It took months and months before I was even able to call her without getting ticked and hanging up. And that was with 3000+ miles of distance between us.

Flash forward to several years ago/ today: My mum is one of my best friends. I talk with her every day, sometimes for hours. I see her several times a week. She has watched my son for me since he was an infant twice a week... and for the past year has him every monday for a "nana-play-date" and once a month he has a nana & papa sleepover. When I say best friends... I really mean it. We talk just to talk, love on each other, help each other out.

But we needed time and space for ME to grow up, and for her to relate to me at a different level.

Give her time and space to figure it out on her own. I had the same problem with my daughter except she was 12 years old when she insisted on moving in with her dad. At first, it broke my heart that she didn't want to live with me. As time went on (it's been 3 years now), it was the best decision that I ever made. There were times when my daughter asked to move back home, but I told her no. She had to learn to work things out with her dad. In the last year, she has matured into a well-adjusted young woman. She has made some very tough decisions on her own and I'm proud of her. We have also become closer and the wounds have mended. My advice to you is to back off. Every time you hear from her ask her how she is, listen to her, and most of all, tell you will always be there for her and that you love her unconditionally. The rest is up to her. Don't worry, she will come to you. When I was growing up my mom used to tell me and this so true: you need me more than I need you. Your daughter will come around--she will need you. Just let her know that you love her and are there for her.

M.

This is extremely hard on you as a parent but I think that you also need to look at the benefits. My daughter is 19 now and away at college in a whole different state. Oh I miss her terribly but I also realize that I raised a very productive and well adjusted individual. She is doing great and loves her new place.

I would suggest that you don't pressure her but support her. If you make demands on her it will just damage your future relationship. She knows you love her and I can guarantee that she loves you. Let her have her space.

I was smothered by my mom and our relationship never really repaired. She still wants to live my life. Let her experience life and remember she is with the people that raised you!

Just let her stay with them for a while. She's on the verge of living on her own as an adult anyway. At 17, just because they don't want to live with you doesn't mean that your relationship is ruined. I have a great relationship with my 17 year old daughter, and she can't wait to leave home.

Peg says it perfectly.

This is always tough........Go with her to therapy as often as you can if she doesn't mind. Continue to tell her that you love her. Have you ask her to move home again?
You don't say what this was about, so has the situation been fixed, or handled? If she is 17, she is not legally an adult and you can make her come home..........with that said, if your parents are doing well with her, you might not want to do that...........are they on your side or hers? Are they helping or hurting the issue?
You know you and your daughter best, just keep in touch, let her know you love her and you would like her to come back home........might have her sis talk to her too.....depending on what she thinks..........
Take care and hang in there.

She's 17... I don't know of many 17 year olds who would consider moving back with their parents once they've left if they have a choice.

I think your parents should be the ones to tell her to go home, for the sake of mending bridges and because she belongs with her mother, but then I don't know the whole story.

I think you have to brace yourself for the fact that she's basically an adult and forcing her to come home if gparents are welcoming her might put a wall between you for many years to come. She might not come home again. This might be it, but you can still grow closer to her. Therapy is a great start.

I know it's no great comfort to hear that, but sometimes just facing things for what they are is a better tactic in the long run.

Hugs to you, mama, I know this hurts.

Such a fun age!!! Oh boy......When my daughter moved out we got along so well!! When she was at home we butt heads a lot because I am sort of controlling when I want something done. I do not like to wait and I usually would nag until it was done. So she moved : ( But.......I have to say we get along so well!!! We actually talk all the time and go to lunch. I love her with all my heart. Sometimes two women just cannot live in the same house. Doesnt mean you do not love each other, just means a brake is ok. If she is happy at your parents house and your getting along with her better while she is there. Just call and talk every day.....meet for lunch.......have her over for dinner. She will come around, dont worry.....they always do. At least she is with family that you trust.

I would take a step back. Let her know that you love her and support her decision. Let her know that your door is always open to her if and when she feels ready to come home. Do NOT support her financially (directly anyway). Talk to your parents and make sure they are not spoiling her in anyway. She should be doing chores, her own laundry and paying to live there while finishing school. If she wants to be an adult let her with all the good and bad that goes with it.

I moved out at 15. I didn't have anywhere to go for free. I rented an apartment from a friend of mine's mom. I continued school and working full-time at a store and babysat a lot. I received no help from either of my parents. We now have a relationship that works for us. Close 25 years later? Far from it because they have chosen to continue their irresponsible, selfish, self-centered ways (i.e. "I can't buy you school supplies and clothes because we can't afford it...by the way look at my brand new $400 gun! And mom just sent $100 to Oral Roberts!".
If you had a good relationship before it will probably come back around in time. Good luck!

Hello,

My name is A., I have ran across that problem with my son's girlfriend. I always tell them that being a parent is a hard job. talk to your daughter and keep the communication line open. I know that your heart is breaking and you feel really low, but sometimes things have a way of working themselves out. Just be patient and be there for her. Please keep us posted.