Dealing with Teenage Runaways

Teens that runaway are usually trying to get the parents attention. I know from experience how it feels to be a teen runaway. The best thing you can do when you find out your teen has runaway is to remain calm. This is vital so you can think clearly. The first thing you need to do is call your teen’s friends and their parents. Talk to them about where your child may have gone to. Explain to them if they tell you, it will be in confidence. A lot of kids don't want to rat their friends out. Most teens that runaway are close to home. When I runaway I was close to home.



If you cannot find your teen you need to call the police. While you’re waiting for the police to arrive you should look for a recent picture. The police usually will ask if the teen has ever runaway before and about any family problems. They'll ask for a detailed description of your child. It's important to remember any visible birth marks or scars. You’ll need a detailed description of shoes, or clothing. Be honest about any family problems. He or she may have some helpful suggestions on preventing the problem in the future.

Teens have a lot of reasons for running away. They're usually trying to get your attention. At this point, your attention is on finding your teen. Most parents are pretty angry at this point. The worst thing you can do is get in a screaming match. You need to get to the bottom of the problem. Teens have a lot of reasons for running away.




Here's a list of reasons:

• In love with a boy or girl

• Abuse going on in the home

• Trying to get your attention

• Angry at you for not doing something

• Being pregnant

• Drugs or Alcohol abuse

• Overwhelmed about something that's happening at home or school

• Peer pressure

• Divorce

• Break ups

• Angry or Jealousy of Sibling

• A parent is dating

• Parent has a new partner

• Parents abandoned teen

• Molestation

• Stress

• Depression

Once your teen is home you need to have a heart to heart with them. Solving the problem can be simple or complex. Don't start jumping on the teen about running away at first. Ask them why their so unhappy they feel the only way to solve the problem is leaving home. The problem may require a counselor talking with your child, especially if they won't tell you why they runaway. When you find out the reason remain calm. Remember, you don't want them to runaway again. Once you've talked to them about their behavior, ask them if they know the dangers of running away. If they don't know you need to explain them.




Dangers of running away:

• Being forced into prostitution

• Being forced into dealing drugs

• Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse

• Young girls being forced into sex slavery

• Rape

• Being beaten up

• Being robbed

• Being Kidnapped

• Murder

I'm sure I've missed a few of the reasons, but you get the idea.

You will need to set down some rules. Explain to your teen that you’re willing to work with them to solve the problem, but they've got to be willing to work with you. The best thing you can do for your family is to turn the running away into a positive. Another words, use it to get closer to your child and evaluate your parenting strategies. Sometimes it takes a crisis to see things clearly. Most of all show your child lots of love.

Resources for parents or teens:

National Runaway Switch Board

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children