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Teenagers Running Away
- Running away may be the
first time you notice that something is wrong with your child.
- Many parents will have
had warning signals - arguments, trouble with authority, anger and
resentment.
- Children rarely stay
away long or go far from home. Most return of their own accord.
- Usually running away is
a desperate plea for help because there seems to be no answer to their
problem.
- Your child may feel
unable to talk about what has happened.
- They may feel you will
be angry, hurt or unable to understand.
- Parents are strongly
urged to treat these situations seriously and seek professional advice or
help.
- There are many reasons
for running away.
- They think there are
too many rules and regulations - at home and at school.
- There are frequent
family rows and arguments, perhaps about the teenagers behaviour.
- They may be escaping
sexual, physical or verbal abuse.
- They fear punishment.
- They feel they can't
talk about their worries with you.
- There is something
wrong with their lives or they have done something wrong.
- There is trouble at
school such as exams, heavy work loads, or bullying.
- They are worried about
drugs, alcohol, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy.
- They have had a brush
with the law.
- It may be a cry for
help because they can't handle a situation
- They can't get on with
a parent/step parent or feel their parents don't care about them.
- If your teenager runs
away stay calm.
- Check to see whether
they are with relatives or friends.
- Try to find out if
they are safe.
- If you are not certain
they are safe, call the police.
- Find out whether
running away was planned or an impulse.
- Try and find out why
they left.
- When they return:
- The fact you are
looking for them means you care.
- Make them feel welcome
when they return.
- Let them know you are
upset because you love them and were worried about them.
- Make time to listen.
- Try to work out ways
the whole family can work together and feel better, rather than blaming
it all on the teenager.
- Try to work out rules
together that you both feel will work.
- If your teenager won't
talk to you or you feel you are getting nowhere, find outside help.
Teenagers often find it easier to talk to someone in confidence who is not
involved.
- Professional counselling
may help. There are also organisations which can help.
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