i'm nearly 18. should i have a curfew and if so what should it be?

Question

Summer is basically over so its curfew during the school year, (my senior year at that). My mom has recently told me that I will only be allowed out til midnight on the weekends. As in I must be in the house at 12:00 am sharp or my dress will turn to rags and my carriage will turn into a pumpkin. I don’t like having a curfew set to midnight because often times I don’t go out until 9 or 9:30. That means, if I’m 45 min. away from my house I have to leave early to get home on time. That gives me just enough time to do absolutely nothing. Half of the time I hang out with my friends is devoted to driving. (There is nothing to do in this small town and everything to do is at the least 20 min away) I’m a good student. I don’t do drugs or go to keg parties. I let my parents know where I will be.

However, I know my mother doesn’t see “no curfew” as an option. And so, I’m just wondering, what the hell is the appropriate curfew for me, a 17 (nearly 18) year old senior in high school.

i live in a rural area with practically no crime what so ever. and i posted this question before but all the answers were the same and i'm looking for a variety.

i closed the answer too soon last time and didn't get enough of peoples oppions... i'm not looking for someone to say STAY OUT TIL 5:00!!! .. i just want to see how everyone looks at it.

Answer 1

Well, my brother when he was 18 he didn't really have a curfew, b/c like you he was good (no keg parties or anythng like that). He was allowed to stay out till 2 basically, as long as he called when he got there, when he was leaving, and when he was about to be home.

But 12 isn't really that unreasonable, but like you he'd go out at 9 or 9:30, except he'd go to his friends house and that'd be like 10-15 minutes away.

Answer 2

I had this same battle with my father until the day i turned 18 and my curfew was 10:00 on week nights and 11:00 on weekends. When I turned 18 he told me the curfew was still in effect. I packed my bags and left.

I lived about 20 min away from the people i hung out with however if i didnt have a ride (which was most nights) i had to walk about an hr.

I think it would have been a little bit easier to deal with had i had a midnight curfew.

Answer 3

I think it is pretty funny that all the answers were the same and you're disappointed because you were looking for a variety. It seems you should be honest with yourself...you were looking for someone to give the answer you wanted. The truth is, if everyone answered the same, it was probably a solid answer.

I don't know what that repetitive answer was but I have a 17 year old son and I don't see 12 as being unreasonable. She probably waits up to be sure you get home safely and doesn't want to be kept up until all hours. Perhaps, if you have something special going on, you can talk to her about exceptions to the rule. Otherwise, anything you want to do at 17, you can do before midnight. Why start out so late?

Answer 4

Yes, I believe you should have a curfew because your still under age and your still living under your parents roof and still attending high school. I understand that your almost 18 and a senior in high school. To me it's when your attending college or at least out of high school you shouldn't have a curfew. When I was your age I had to be home by ten o'clock and I never end up leaving till 8-8:30pm. I just would make the best of it. Just one more year and you'll be out of high school and an adult. Till then I just think you should just respect what your parents curfew is and make the best out of it. I believe that they care a lot about you, that's all. I hope this helped at least a little,and if not, sorry. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

It sucks but your under your mothers roof, so until you graduate comply or both your lives will be a living hell. However try bargaining with your mom. If you come in on time consistently ask for a couple of extra hours one night. (Just don't ask every night) Show up on time and make it easy for her to show that your responsible. She may consider a deal where you stay out later once a month. After a few months if you don't give her too much grief she may consider more. Basically approach it diplomaticly and try to strike a deal. But remember she's holding all the cards.

Answer 6

Since you are NOT 18, you need to listen to your parents.

Talk to them rationally about your curfew. Ask if you can have 1am as a curfew on weekends (Fri and Sat) and keep midnight for school nights.

IMO midnight is a very reasonable curfew. Is it the same time on school nights?

How are your grades? Good? Bad? Fair?

When you are 18, you should sit down with your parents and discuss things with them. If you plan on staying there you need to pick up more responsibilities like paying your own rent, car, groceries, etc. in order for them to realize how responsible you are.

Answer 7

Mine was ten on school nights and midnight otherwise when i was your age. Why do you have to wait to go out till 9-9:30. Just start your night earlier and you won't have a problem. The only things that need to happen late aren't things you should be doing, so just get together with your friends earlier in the evening, that's what I did anyway.

Answer 8

Please no swearing if you do not mind. Let me ask you a question, does your mother provide things for you? Basically are you independant from your mother finacially?
If not then yes that is an appropriate time since you are in her home. Let me tell you a story, I was 21 and lived with my father who was strict. I had to be in his house at 11pm and did not mind because he was providing for me. Yes it was uncomfortable but it did not kill me.
Ugly things happen after a certain time and your mother is just wanting you not to be a part of it. I don't think that it is a trust issue, just a safety issue.
Take the time to see it from her point of view this time. Believe me she loves you cherish her for as long as you have her. I lost my mother who was my bestfriend 5 years ago and I miss her with every breath that I take.
Now tell her you love her.

Answer 9

well seeing as you still are in highschool and live at hom eyou have to respect what your parents want maybe you can bargin and ask for 1am on Friday or Saturday night, Sunday I'd say you should be home no later than 10 because of school in the morning, when my sister lived with me for awhile I made her be home in the house (not in the driveway) no later than 1230 on Sat and 1am on Friday.

Answer 10

i think if your mature 1 am on the week ends and 10 pm during the week. when you turn 18 a whole new world opens up for you so hang in there.