My eldest brother was a horror at that age too. Damned near killed my mother with the stress. He didn't improve until he joined the army at 21. It was a shocking time for all of us. Once he moved out, he wasn't allowed back and couldn't have keys to the house either. That was to protect the rest of us. He finally grew up when he got to his late 30s.

If he's serious about doing this on his own, then make sure he has to. How about he stays at a backpackers and looks for work from there? It's a good way to meet other people his own age, he can see how much it costs while he's looking for shared accommodation. I did that when I moved to Sydney years ago. I was in backpackers for a couple of weeks while I found temp work and a place to stay.

Moving back with Mum is too easy. I did it. It was supposed to be a month. 13 months later she tearily kicked me out and fair enough too. I was taking advantage. The last time I stayed was when I moved back to Melb and by then I couldn't find my own place fast enough that's what a few extra years and maturity does.

Btw - has he thought of going to work in the mines? I'm sure they could do with cooks and he may be able to find other work while he's there.

It's not the end of the world if he's running away. He may have to learn the hard way. It's part of growing up to learn to work through your problems. Just don't let that mean he dumps on you.