Keep this in mind -

• Your parents love you, even if they’re overbearing. I don’t think anyone understands how to be a perfect parent to a 17 year old so they are just trying.

• At age 17, you’re not at the age to find furry cons as good as they will be a little later. Don’t rush it. You won’t miss out by doing college. College is where tons of furries are. You will likely meet them there. Don’t worry about time or money with that.

• It’s only a year to wait, and keeping things good with your parents is as important as heading out for all the fun times with furries. A lot of them are just people and not as mind blowing as meeting real talking dogs and ocelots and things, so don’t build it up in your mind to beyond real. Save that for writing or drawing furries in private.

• Your mom is kinda right that there’s a kinky side even if it’s only one of many sides. The thing that’s getting lost is, that can be healthy. But don’t rush it. Eventually you will figure out personal tastes and sharing them, and when you don’t live with parents any more you don’t even have to talk about it with them. Take it easy, rushing can lead to regrets, waiting makes it all better.

• Your father talking about social backlash is kinda right too, but I think the best cure is getting out and making lots of friends, not having a parent holding a kid back and being the social backlash. Try impressing your parents and then ask for a little approval about your interests. But use finesse if you do, be subtle, don’t try to “convert” them.

• Don’t let secret furry social media be a huge obsession because it’s secret. Do lots of other things and keep it casual until you aren’t with your parents and have a little more freedom.

Look forward to seeing your fursona around later. :)