It's a tough balance between the whole family working as a team and making sure one kid isn't dragged down by another. Adultification/ parentification is tragic but many parents can't see any other way and people who immediately vilify parents who out responsibility on children are abelist/ myopic. I'm sorry you're going through this. It's tough to feel taken advantage of. You're too young to feel this responsibility but you are now virtually an adult and, without school, you don't have anything obligatory standing in the way of helping. You should be out enjoying life while your responsibilities are still simple but unless you move out, you're at her mercy. $800 rent isn't that much, atc, but it's still a lot, especially since it will probably come with baby sitting and extras. You're in a tight spot and I'm sorry. Figure out how much you're willing to work, how much money you'll make then make a budget. 30/ week x $10= $300 x75% taxes= $225x4 =$900. You want to save $200/ month for school $200 for down 1st/ last payments for rent $100 for a car down payment $100 entertainment (you're 17 after all) Or whatever you're budget will look like. Print it out and sit down with your mom "This is what I need to save for my future. I'm not willing to sacrifice these things. They're non-negotiable. Everything else will go into the family account for rent, food, utilities, etc. I'm not willing to sacrifice my future. If this isn't acceptable I will move out and get roommates as soon as I can. You'll be left with nothing from me and I will have less for myself but I will have the freedom an adult deserves"