Seeing one’s child run away is one of the biggest nightmares for any parent. The fact that virtually all teenagers have at least occasionally considered running away is even more astonishing. Remembering that runaway kids are just like any other good teens.
- They are good children.
- Because of their age, they might have made a poor choice.
- They might be under pressure from which they felt the urge to run away.
- Or they might have decided to run away from their issues rather than confront them and find solutions.
Why Do Teens Run away?
Due to various drug and alcohol misuse, most teenagers run away. As adolescents become older, they frequently abuse drugs and attempt to hide this from their parents. They believe that the only way to avoid shame is to go.
Teenagers run away from their homes for other reasons, such as fear, failure, or rage. Some kids find it difficult to deal with family members or challenging circumstances at home, and they consider leaving. Some teenagers may run away from abusive situations at home.
Prevention
Educating teenagers on problem-solving skills is crucial if you want to stop them from running away. There is no longer a need for kids to run away when parents make a conscious effort to ensure they have the resources necessary to address some of the issues in their life.
The first step in doing this is to support their problem-solving abilities that, include:
- Empathizing with them rather than just scolding and leading them.
- Get involved in a conversation over a meal, hear about their concerns and annoyances, and suggest solutions.
- Also, give them the tools they need to overcome obstacles.
All you have to do is do your best to convey to them that nothing they could ever do could cause you to stop loving them. Reiterate that you are there to support them in making the right decisions, regardless of their choices. Perhaps if they are aware of this, leaving won’t seem like a desirable alternative.
When I Run Away, where can I go?
If you genuinely must go, you should proceed to a secure area. It is a good idea to phone any friend or family you understand you can stay with if you need a place to stay, especially if they are far away.
If you decide to see a friend, be sure it is someone you have known for a long time and who you trust. People will occasionally give you a lot of promises, but you should stay away from anyone who demands something of you in exchange for what they claim to be a favourite.
Common Reasons Why People Run Away from Home
Even though it can seem like a good decision at the moment, running away can frequently put you in danger. Here are just a few causes for someone to consider leaving their house. You must talk to someone about any of these if they sound like how you’ve been feeling lately.
1. Harassing
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the well-known rhyme is false! Words may occasionally be as painful as rocks and sticks. We may begin to believe things about ourselves after hearing them from enough others. Bullies typically have complex personal circumstances; despite what they claim, it is never your fault.
Perhaps if they are focusing on anything special about you, keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with you and that you do not need to change. Sometimes you feel like running away and not looking back, but consider talking to someone you trust first and sharing your situation with them.
2. Experiencing harm, abuse, or threat
You would reasonably want to leave the situation if you were injured or threatened. It’s possible that you first believed that this person or persons cared about you, but the fact is that they shouldn’t be causing you harm.
Although calling the police is an excellent choice, you should inform someone you can trust, such as a social worker, teacher, friend, or family member, if you feel you can’t talk to the police. The police can assist you by being on the line when you speak to them if you’ve already fled and feel you can’t call them directly.
3. Unhappiness At Home
Home is supposed to be where you feel comfortable and content, whether you live with family, friends, a partner, by yourself, or in care. It might be tempting to physically distance oneself from the situation when things at home get difficult.
Perhaps you want to go because you are being miserable or being wounded by someone. There are many causes of domestic unhappiness. Written down, some of them appear to be more severe than others, but the reality is that you’re unhappy, and that’s what’s making you consider leaving. Even little problems can grow over time to become major ones. Keep in mind that going is rarely a wise course of action.
4. Monetary concerns for the family
The family occasionally experiences financial difficulties. Numerous factors, such as abrupt unemployment, significant company losses, a family member with a chronic condition, and many more, can cause it.
Your teen’s lifestyle is affected by their inability to afford all the comforts and purchase pricey items due to their family’s financial problems. Your teen experiences acute depression and panic attacks and wants to run away at these times.
How should one be ready to run away from home?
You need to at least complete the following tasks to get ready to run away from your house.
1. Money
If you want to work legally, it may be possible for authorities to find out where you are and send you back home. Hence illegal employment can be trouble for you as you are a runaway kid. When you decide to go, money is usually the biggest concern, so you should start saving early and consider how you will make money once you have fled.
2. Keeping quiet
Teenagers may find it simpler to conceal their identity as minors. Therefore, attempt to conduct yourself as quietly as possible and avoid drawing attention. Additionally, it will keep you focused so you can accomplish your obligations in your new, unsheltered existence without becoming sidetracked.
Conclusion
Every parent’s biggest nightmare is having a child run away from home. The fact that virtually all teenagers have at least occasionally considered running away is even more astonishing. Remembering that runaway kids are just like any other good teens.
- They are good children.
- Because of their age, they might have made a poor choice.
- They were entangled in something or were under pressure from which they felt the urge to run away.
- Or they might have decided to run away from their issues rather than confront them and find solutions.
Also read: A Psychologist’s Guide to Parenting a Teenager: What You Need to Know