Why are my parents so strict?

[Alex]

I am 17 and for the past years of my life my parents have driven me crazy. Here is a list of things i can't do...
1. text (though i have a phone)
2. have facebook
3. have more than 3 friends to go places with
4. watch family guy or any ''inappropriate shows''
5. call on my cell phone
6. get grades below a 90
7. have a boyfriend til after university (though ive had some before)
8. talk to boys
9. hang out with boys
10. have any boy contacts on any social media
11. wear black nailpolish
12. go to the mall/ movies by myself (without friends)
13. shave my pubes down there (though it helps with periods)
14. go anywhere except the mall or movies
15. see a 14A movie... and im 17...
this is just a short list of things I can't do. My friends are starting to ditch me when they hang out because its always an inconvenience for them to have to be sneaky cause of my parents. I am trapped. All i do everyday is study and that's all.... how can i get them to lighten up at least a little? I am so ashamed ... if anyone found out about this (except for my close 3 friends) i would be the loser of the school. Everone else's parents are so much nicer and ''chill''. And don't say that when i turn 18 i can do what i want cause in this house, i can't leave til im 22..... or they don'y pay for my university. Help me. Has anyone been in this situation before?

[Susan]

Well, it's just my opinion, but it sounds like your parents love you a lot and are just trying to protect you. Have you tried talking to them with love, to find out why they feel you need so much protection? Sometimes, when children start getting older, it is hard for some parents to know how to allow them the freedom they need to make some mistakes. They try to protect them from everything, but sometimes that doesn't really work very well. When you protect your children too much from the outside world, they often have difficulties when they finally do get on their own. So here's what I would suggest. Unless there is something you are not saying, try picking out just a couple of the things you want to do, like have a Facebook account or go to the mall or movies. Get them to give you specific reasons why they are afraid to let you do these things. Try to convince them that you really are old enough to be able to make good choices, that they did a great job raising you, and that it's time for them to give you a little room to try out what they have taught you. Tell them you know you might make mistakes, but you also know that they will be there to help you out if you do. Do not argue with them. Keep the lines of communication open and don't get angry. Everyone makes mistakes - they are just trying to keep you safe i think. Good luck, Alex.

[Pearl L]

theyre keeping you a prisoner, call cps