[dropcap]Q: [/dropcap]I am 14-years-old and have to go off to boarding school next year. I don’t want to go, but all of my friends are going. My mother wants me to go to the school that she went to. I can’t tell anyone – my parents or my grandparents – I don’t want to go. They would be angry about it because they are more excited about it than I am.
[dropcap]A: [/dropcap]You are not alone. Youngsters are often forced to do things that go against their emotional sense. Sometimes the youngster’s intelligence may be up to the task, but the heart isn’t ready. Such children who leave home prematurely can fall prey to drugs or the influence of bad company. These children are still vulnerable and suggestible, and can end up participating in group behavior they normally would steer clear of if their parents were present. In extreme cases, drug abuse, unwanted pregnancy and depression can occur.
Some children still need to live within the security of their family. Tell your parents how you feel, and ask your grandparents to sit in on the discussion, if they can. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty because you don’t want to go to boarding school. Your parents should understand that your happiness is more important than their plans.
