Teens not ready to live alone.

If confronted by a teenager who wants to strike out on his or her own, parents need to be prepared to present the strongest argument possible to prevent such a move. In many states, that action is illegal and parents are held liable for their children's actions, even if the youngster is living away from the family. The emotional and legal fallout of allowing offspring to slip out of the nest before their time is one which no mother or father should take lightly, even if the child is causing trouble at home, maintains Wanda Draper, a child development specialist at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Typically, the urge to Strike out" on one's own hits between 13 and 18, with 15-17 constituting the "peak" years of rebelliousness. While some youths that age have mature decision-making skills and probably could handle living alone, they are the exceptions. When a teen begins threatening to move out, he or she is sending a psychological message that's saying, |Hey, I'm growing up. I can think for myself and be responsible.' On one hand, that's what they really want. But on the other hand, they still need family support.

"Teens think about fleeing and having freedom, because it's important to them at that time in their lives. But they don't think about the practical things that accompany being on one's own. As a parent, you need to ask them how they--on a practical level--plan to support themselves. Ask them, What's your mode of transportation going to be? How are you going to pay for gasoline and the car's upkeep? How are you going to pay the...