22/01/2026
I decided to leave because I was tired.
Everything felt too stressful.
I often asked myself, “Why is my own like this?”
That day, I made up my mind to leave. I picked up my bag and prepared to go.
I felt they did not care about me, so I wondered why I should stay.
I did not run away. I simply took my bag and told them I was leaving.
They looked at each other in surprise and continued their discussion on the balcony.
After a few minutes, my mum looked at my dad, then at me, and asked me to at least eat and pray Zuhr before leaving, saying the journey ahead was long 🤣🤣.
Even though I was upset, I followed her advice. I ate and prayed. I cannot remember most of what they said after that, but I clearly remember they did not beg me to stay 🤣.
Later, I realised what had truly been bothering me.
My elder brothers and sisters were boarders, while my immediate elder brother and I were day students.
Over time, most of the house chores fell on me.
I envied my older siblings when they returned from school and were warmly welcomed.
I felt I had less time to play and rest. Sometimes, I even felt my dad was wicked.
So I decided to leave with no money in my bag.
I had no idea where I was going or how I would survive.
I did not think that far.
This is how teenagers think.
They do not see beyond the moment. They do not understand that after 6 comes 7, then 8, and many more steps ahead. They act on impulse, just as I did when I wanted to leave without a single kobo.
Some of us once felt unseen, misunderstood, and overwhelmed at home. As we grew older, we began to understand the sacrifices our parent made, the silent struggles they carried, and the hard work they put in out of love. With time, our perspective changed, and we loved them even more for it.
Teenagers do not yet have that wider view. They feel deeply, but they do not always understand fully.
What feels like neglect may actually be exhaustion. What feels like wickedness may be discipline mixed with responsibility.
That is why empathy matters.
This is not the time to tell them how ungrateful they are. Instead of criticising teenagers or comparing them to siblings and peers, a little empathy and understanding from their limited perspective can make a big difference.
This is not the time for long lectures. Sometimes, a hug, reassurance, and love are more effective than words.
Safezone Counselling