I treated me parents like shit from ages 14-16 and I'm amazed and grateful that they still talk to me like I'm a human being. Sometimes I feel I don't deserve it from them.

As a unit, my family has a far from perfect history. Others have critisced my parents for what happened in our family as my brother and I grew up. My parents' relationship was not a happy one, and the way that played out allowed me to realise from the age of about 8/9 that your parent's marriage is about their happiness, not yours. I suppose that about sums it up. It's a long, long horrible story with a very happy ending.

Just now, my relationship with both of my parents is the best it's ever been. I see my mum once a week when I'm home as she lives in Glasgow, and I live with my dad and brother during these summer months. The rest of the time I hardly see them at all, as they've both got jobs and I've got uni. I sometimes wish they'd call me more when I'm away, seeing as I've gone for over six weeks not hearing a peep from any of them before, but I've learned to take it as a compliment; I could have become a crack whore and dropped out in that time, but they trust enough that I haven't to leave me alone. Also, the concept of a child wishing to be in contact with its parents after it leaves home is alien to them - they both ran away, and that's I think why they don't quite get it, and could probably be classed as among the least attentive parents after the kid's left home. Other people's parents call them every day to check up - not so mine, and if I call them they ask quickly why I'm calling, what's wrong, what I might need. They're the best.