Do you know why the number of teenage runaways is rising? Unfortunately, troubled teenagers from different social class, race and religion run away from home. And this might be because they want to escape the rules and regulations at home, as a sign of rebellion or an inability to handle the pressure from the various aspects in their lives.

When your child leaves home, you worry that something bad might happen to him or her on the streets. Hence, as a parent, you need to recognize the signs that precede teenage runaways. These are warning signs of a problem and a call for help for you to pay attention to. Once you recognize the signals, discover ways you can help your teen in this situation.

Knowing Why They Runaway

The first thing that you need to do is to know the reason of your teen’s departure from home. For them, the rules you implement in the house may be too much that you step on the freedom that they long for, at least from their perspective. This can cause conflict between the two of you. And it leaves your child frustrated, unhappy and rebellious.

Confused and pressured, they may follow what the other teens are doing. Your child may leave home believing it’s possible to survive outside without you. They focus on living a life without parental rules and guidance without taking into consideration the dangers of having a teenage runaway’s lifestyle.

Your troubled teenager can be an easy target for violent crimes, rape, prostitution and drug addiction. But teens think their indestructible and don’t focus on the consequences. All they see are the pluses of an independent life.

Communicate About Teenage Runaways Issues and Get Help

Speak Calmly and Listen Intently

When you communicate with your son or daughter, you need to stop accusing and find ways to manage your own anger. Non-judgmental communication is essential but in a frank way. Also you need to ask calmly why your child ran away from home. It might not help if you yell and demand answers from your adolescent. Find a way to truly listen.

Discuss Your Fears and Possible Dangers to Teenage Runaways

You also need to rationally discuss the real dangers of teenage runaways. This may eliminate your teens idea of having a good life without parental guidance before actually having the capability of being independent. Your adequate and proper explanation that leaving home can’t solve the problem is important. And express an honest desire to work things out.

Offer Support and Understanding

Also, you need to state clearly that you are there to support your child and help them to get through any problems in school, with peers or with the family. After talking, you need to get professional help if the situation requires it. Your teen needs to be examined physically and emotionally to resolve any problems before the process repeats itself.

Teenage runaways are serious problems that needs to be dealt with properly. So, if you’re in this situation, work with your teen and overcome this difficult situation together. And continue to search for ways you can help your teen in order to keep him or her safe at home.