10:00 PM curfew at 18??

Question

I have a curfew of 10PM and I am 18 years old. At first I just disregarded the rule because I thought it was ridiculous considering I'm an adult, but then my parents took the car away (which is legally theirs). I completely understand that because they are allowing me to live in their house and use their car, I should obey the rules. I don't have the money to move out, so how should I explain to my parents that 10PM is....well, f*cked up.

P.S. I've never had any problems with being irresponsible, or putting my health or safety at risk. During the time that I completely ignored their rule I was usually home by 12AM, but at least before 2AM.

Ok so I know I need to save up and move out. Already working on that one. The issue here is how to approach the parentals with my humble request of moving my curfew just a TAD bit later until I have the money. BTW I don't want to ruin my relationship with my parents. I still like them (even with their dumba** rules)

P.S.S. Yes I have a job ;) It just doesn't pay very well...however, I'm looking for a better paying one, I just havent come across it yet.

Answer 1

I don't think your parents are being mean, I think they are trying to be protective. We never stop worrying about our "kids," no matter the age! When my kids were your age, it was pretty much understood they were able to make their own decisions legally.

If you are not doing anything illegal or dangerous, I think your "curfew" could be extended. I hope you would never drive after drinking.

You should always be reachable by cellphone also if you are out and about. Young women need to be especially careful wherever they go.

Also, you can't beat free rent & utilities. If you are graduated and you can pick up more hours, this is a great time to start putting away the bucks.

Answer 2

First thing: If it is their car and they want it home by 10:00pm, then you should be back if you're using it.

Second thing: Talking with them may not be a bad idea to find out why they think 10pm is the best curfew. Also, you could try to discuss other alternatives of the curfew. For examplem will it be extended if you have a different ride? Also, if this is being imposed on the weekend, it is kind of unfair, because there is no school or anything like that.

Third thing: I agree with all the others who suggested being responsible and getting a job. You could save enough money for a car, and then if you want, you could even move out!

Answer 3

While I was in high school I had the same curfew. Are you in high school? They could change once you are finished with high school. As an adult, you have to make your own judgements about how late is too late to stay out, considering when you have to get to work the next day and whether you are prepared to go.
Talk to them honestly. If you are still in school, they might change the rules once you are out. That is more an official rite of passage than just turning 18. You are not considered adult until you have finished high school and are able to obtain employment tthat allows you to support yourself. But don't stop your education at high school. Get some further education at community college or classes that will give you more skills in a field you want to go into. You can not get a good job with just a high school diploma anymore.
Talk to your parents and ask them if they could extend the curfew to 12 on non-school nights. If you want to be a responsible citizen and gainfully employed, you should try to limit your late nights anyway. You might not want to believe it, but they really have your best interests at heart.

Answer 4

YOu said: I completely understand that because they are allowing me to live in their house and use their car, I should obey the rules. I don't have the money to move out..."

You just answered your own question.... just obey their rules EXACTLY and show some responsibility that an "adult" would show and maybe in about two or three months, have an adult conversation with your parents. If they don't budge, get a job, move out.

Answer 5

yes you maybe legally an adult but you live with your parents, have no job (im assuming), have no possessions of value that you got for yourself. adults dont go and stay out everynight. if you want to be an adult, get a job, pay your own bills, buy your own car or buy the one you have from you parents, pay your own insurance, and move out. its not all fun and games being and adult. i was like you when i was 18 and moved out the first chance i got. i got married, in an abusive relationship with a child molester, had a baby and now i'm living with my parents again. i'm almost 20. you can be hard headed and want your way, but people who rush it like me and you usually end up right back underneath your parents. the curfew is for you own good. if you were and adult, you would understand that

Answer 6

Okay look at it this way... Your 18 and an adult but nowadays your parents are responsible for you till you turn 21 i think. If your in college and they are paying for it or still in high school (i graduated when i was 18) then they can still give you a curfew but 10 is a bit nuts if you ask me. But if you are paying rent then i don't think they should have a say. Just to let you know i totally feel for you. I had a curfew till i turned 21 and i payed rent too. My parents tryed to give me a curfew but i told them that i wasn't going to fallow it and i followed through on it. Fight for it

Answer 7

I will agree with you that 10 pm is completely f*cked up.

Unfortunitly, they do have you on the whole car/living quarters thing. So technically, you have to follow their rules.

Ask them why they prefer you to be home at 10pm as opposed to 11 or even 12. Argue that most states have driving laws that only allow people who are 18 and older to be out driving after 12. If the state believes you are responsible enough to be out, let them know that you expect them to trust you that much.

Is there anything you might've done in the past to betray their trust? Consider this in the discussion.

Good luck!

Answer 8

You live in their house and pay no bills... you have to obey their rules. You can calmly ask for a later curfew but 2 am is kind of ridiculous. If you talk to them they might give you 2 more hours.

Answer 9

I'm rarely at home (I live abroad), but when I am, my parents give me a bunch of rules and a curfew too, and I'm 23! I try to obey them the best as possible but at the same time not let myself get trampled on. Basically though, when I'm in their home, I have to conform to their rules, and the best thing is just to do as they ask and not argue--arguing with them alwaus leads to more problems and more curfews and restrictions.

Answer 10

Depends on where you live. I live in the middle of Kansas, and there's not a lot of crime out here so being out later never was a problem for me or my parents. If I was going to be out past 11 though, I had to call and tell them where I was and when I was coming home and promise them I would be there.

I was always true to my word, never stayed out later than what I promised, without calling and explaining why I was still out.

Then it didn't seem far but now that I'm slightly older I know they're just looking out for me. If something were to happen because you stayed out later, they'd never forgive themselves for it.