Teenage Runaways
To avoid an emotional experience or consequence that they are expecting in some future encounter or situation.
To escape a recurrent or ongoing unpleasant, painful or difficult experience in their life.
Attempts to communicate result in arguments, raised voices, interruptions, name calling, hurt feelings and failure to reach an acceptable agreement.
The child has a network of friends who are largely unsupervised, oppositional, defiant, involved with drugs and other antisocial behaviors.
An increasing pattern of impulsive, irrational and emotionally abusive behavior by either the parent(s) or teenager.
The following is a brief list of suggestions that can help reduce the risk of a runaway. Keep in mind that these are only suggestions than may help. If the risk is high, and your relationship is extremely poor, including the level of trust, then these suggestions may not help. Obtain the support and advice of a qualified profession if you feel there is a risk that your child may run away.
Never dare your child to run away because you think they may not.
Never use sarcasm or a negative attitude that demonstrates that you do not respect your teenager
Never raise your voice or yell - especially when your teenager is raising their voice or yelling.
Stay calm and quiet, make eye contact, and don't respond if your child is angry, shouting or in a rage. Waite until they are calm.
Never interrupt your teenager when they are talking or trying to explain something - even if you disagree. Waite until they are done.
Remind yourself that simply listening and telling your child that you understand does not mean you will agree when they are finished, nor does it mean you will do what they seem to want.
Develop a Crisis Intervention plan for your teenager if the situation involves a crisis or recurrent crises.
Seek an evaluation and advice from a qualified mental health professional or crisis intervention specialist if your child may be self-harming, suicidal, destructive or violent.
Quick Facts on Teenage Runways:
Teen had been physically or sexually abused at home in the year prior to the episode or was afraid of abuse upon return 350,400 21%
Teen was substance dependent 317,800 19%
Teen was 13 years old or younger 305,300 18%
Teen was in the company of someone known to be abusing drugs 302,100 18%
Teen was using hard drugs 292,000 17%
Teen spent time in a place where criminal activity was known to occur 256,900 12%
Teen engaged in criminal activity during the course of the episode 197,400 11%
Teen was with a violent person 125,400 7%
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Whitney Pearson
Created for FCS 2150: Adolescent Developement
April 17th, 2007