Living With High-School Girlfriend Is Last Resort

Dear Harlan,

My boyfriend and his mother have recently gotten into an argument. In my opinion, she is a horrible mother. She constantly tells him how much she hates him and how much she can't wait until he moves out. (He'll be 18 in six months.) She said she was going to lie to the police telling them that he hit her, even though he never did. She even told him and his other two siblings that she wishes that she'd gotten three abortions. How can I persuade my parents to let him live with us? What's the best way, and is it possible? My boyfriend's father wants him to stay, but I really don't think it's good for him or our relationship. His mother basically is keeping him away from me because she doesn't think that he deserves to be in a relationship that is as good as the one we have. What should I do?

Concerned Girlfriend

Dear Concerned,

You have the best intentions, but living with a high-school boyfriend (or girlfriend) is just not the best idea. It's one idea, but there are better ones. He can live with a close friend, a family friend, a relative or on his own (you don't always have to be 18 to be recognized as an adult). Living with you has the potential to create more problems for everyone involved. If he's in danger, he needs help. And that would mean getting professional support. This is where

high-school counselors and parents can be very helpful. Want to help? You or your parents can contact the school counselor, principal or state agency to get your boyfriend the help and support he needs. This is too big for you to fix alone.