<p>I asked my dad if I could go to the movies later today, and the answer was no. That itself is not so bad. But when I asked why, he said movies are bad; I can just watch TV instead. Which is funny because he almost yells when someone turns on the TV, and calls everyone dumb for wanting to watch anything but news, and he knows that I dont watch much television anyway. When I pointed this out he said that it was better this way, I should only study all day. That I should just sit with my books all day.
When I asked if he was serious, he responded with, Well you can take a walk in front of the house sometimes. I asked him if he has any friends and whether or not he ever wants to spend time with them....he just laughed. This went on for a while.
Im sure he was not joking about what he said. I find this completely unfair. Im afraid he is becoming a bit unreasonable these days. Can I do anything to help this case, before I become an antisocial hermit?</p>
<p>If you dont want to read all that:
My dad does not want me to have a life and literally wants me locked in my room studying all day. How do I get him to realize how unhealthy that is?</p>
<p>You do well in school and then get into a good college so that when you go do stuff that you like, your Dad can't stop you or get mad at you. Sometimes you just have to pick your battles. Don't blow up TV or a movie into something more than it is. Unfortunately your Dad isn't very understanding, but you'll be out of the house forever in a few years. At least you'll have good grades.</p>
<p>Oh man, and I thought I had it hard 'cause my parents flip whenever I go out with my friends (it gives them time to mull over how un-ideal I am).</p>
<p>And yeah. You'll be out of the house soon enough. Stick with it until then, and do what I'm doing - apply to schools on the opposite coast.</p>
<p>Are you allowed on AIM? You are socializing right now. But, is your dad the one who makes every decision? Your mom is another option. Try to prove to him. WIll your dad let you do anything on vacations? or weekends?</p>
<p>Find out if you can have some friends over to "study". It will give you some time with friends as well as please your dad. Basically you have got to just deal with it for now. Try to make a deal with him that if you study for blank amount of time that he allow you to have x amount of time to do what you want. If he says no... don't blow up... l've learned that... it gets you nowhere except possibly back ten steps from where you began.</p>
<p>jeez i thought i had a strict stepdad when he took my computer away for 7 months because he thought i needed a lot of time to study for sat/APs/finals at school. thank god my parents are not like that, they punish me only if my report card looks "bad"(meaning it has a B on it. and we're not even asian, no offence to anybody, i just read the topic about asian parents).
my version is that your dad was in a bad mood when you asked him about the movies. talk to your mom about this, get her on your side, have a three-way talks with your parents. i'm sure your dad doesnt mean every single thing he said and he'll be willing to negotiate</p>
<p>Suck it up for the rest of these 4 yrs, I find that it's easier to spare myparents/me the pain and stress of fighting and just wait to control my own life in college.</p>
<p>I can kind of relate. Take public transit... my mom does some youth criminal defense, and her clients hang out on transit, so obviously I can't use it. Yet, I don't have "enough practice" to take my drivers test. No car, no transit (unless I'm with my 6'1'' bf and his friends who are equally tall and intimidating). Oh dear.</p>
<p>LoL, yea I used to have this problem with my parents, the thing is to try and play the good kid for a little while, get good grades,study,chores, etc. Then ask to go out and other stuff, if that doesn't work be the rebel kid and argue until you win .If that doesn't work chances are that you'll be grounded And have tons of time to think about how great it's going too be when you turn 18 and move out.</p>
<p>My dad was like that too, and still is. how does your mom react to this? unfortunately for me, both my parents felt that i should also study all day. I wan't allowed to go out until my sophomore year, so i can understand your frustration. We all know that parenting technique doesn't work, not only does it make kids miserable but often times, rebellious. I suggest you sit down and have a conversation with your dad. Tell him this isn't the life you want to lead. You know the importance of getting a good education but school's not everything. You want a social life too. If you can't reach a compromise with him, then just bare with it until you can graduate. You can socalize during breaks and while having lunch. It's really hard to see your friends make hang out arrangements and you're stuck at home, but it's really not that bad, plus if you take a lot of challenging classes, you won't have much time to socalize much anyway. When you finally hit graduation, you can move away and live your own life =D Give yourself something to look forward to. So make sure to apply to colleges not so close to home, because you wouldn't want your dad to be like " i want you to come home for the weekends"</p>
<p>I had similar experiences as a kid ... not quite as bad but similar. My suggestion, if you think you have a chance of discussing this with your dad try talking through his position. Why is going to movies bad? The content? The cost? Kids driving? Not knowing who you are going with? Then given his objections see if you can find a mutually agreeable solution. Doesn't know the kids ... great suggestion already given; invite your friends over so he can meet them and realize they are OK. Doesn't want kids to drive ... get a parent to give rides both ways. Cost ... offer to pay. Content ... discuss movies that would be OK ... perhaps IMAX National Geographic type movies (both fun and educational) or G or PG movies he is OK with (Shrek or Harry Potter). </p>
<p>The punch line is try to move beyond black and white arguments over good / bad to discussions on concerns and how to mitigate those concerns. Good luck!</p>
<p>Actually, I'm pretty ok with it.
I've learned to adapt to an antisocial environment. Its even better because I'm not even in high school yet :D
And I think a dark room with a light in a corner and a desk, all alone at night with your precious books is awesome :) </p>