|
Running away can be a frightening experience—both for you
and your teenager. A runaway becomes vulnerable as soon as he or
she leaves home—potentially falling victim to drugs, drinking,
crime, sexual exploitation, pornography, and/or prostitutuion. The
streets are full of people who seek to profit from a child's vulnerability.
Most runaways find problems in locating food, clothing, shelter,
and money.
Teach your teens that if they are thinking about running away, don't.
Help them identify people who can assist them. Encourage them to
talk about their problems and concerns with you, their friends, teachers,
a mental-health professional, a clergy member, or other trusted adult.
Help them seek the assistance of a trained counselor or professional.
To identify qualified professionals in your area, contact the Florida
Department of Children and Families or other public or private agencies
that help families. Also, members of the clergy, school personnel,
or the law enforcement community can direct you to available services
and resources.
Once your teen returns home, work together to resolve the problems
that prompted him or her to leave in the first place. If you are
unable to deal with family or personal problems effectively, seek
the assistance of a trained counselor or professional.
- Pay attention when your teenagers are talking
to you.
- Be open and honest with your teens. Let them
know when you are pleased or displeased with their behavior.
- Provide
accurate information about drugs, sex, and alcohol. Answer your
teenagers' questions, but don't lecture them.
- Help your teens to
see all the possible consequences of a particular decision. Encourage
responsible decision-making.
- Help build your teen's self-esteem.
Make them feel important by praising them for their effort and
accomplishments.
- Encourage your teens to explore their interests
before making a decision about college or work. Taking an interest
in schoolwork promotes a positive learning experience.
- If necessary,
seek professional help.
- Changes in behavior
or patterns of daily life – not eating
or overeating; sleeping frequently or not sleeping; increased isolation
from family members and/or friends; sudden change of friends or
companions; mood swings.
- Rebellious behavior – drop in grades,
truancy, breaking rules at home and/or school, argumentative.
- Disclosure
of intentions to run away – hinting, threatening,
telling friends, or other adults.
- Accumulation of money and possessions – savings
or checking account withdrawal (over time or all at once); keeping
clothing in a bag or backpack.
- Family Crisis – Divorce, separation,
drug or alcohol abuse, a death or physical, mental, or sexual abuse.
- Freedom – Some young people think that
life without their parents would be easier or “hassle-free.”
- Fear
of Punishment – Young people may fear the response of
a parent to a bad mistake or the response of law enforcement to
a crime.
- Unreasonable Demands – A child may
feel that a parent expects too much or is too strict.
- Series of
Problems – Running away is often viewed as a last
resort to a series of problems at home, school, or even with the
law.
- Being Thrown Out – Leaving home may not be the young
person's choice, as a parent may force them to leave.
 back
to the top |
