PREVENTIONS: RUNAWAYS AND THROWAWAYS

The types of runaway behavior as "running from" or "running to" something. These include three categories:

1.                the youngster who runs away from family strain caused by a crisis;

2.               the youngster who runs away from excessive parental expectations and control;

3.               the youngster who runs away from a physically or sexually abusive situation.

The "thrown out" teen may have been forced to leave home, because of extreme family alienation or premature dissolution caused by chronic poverty, family conflict, substance abuse, or the death of caretakers.

a)    Never call your teenager names or label them with words like liar, a thief, a brat, a punk, childish, immature, untrustworthy, selfish, cruel, unkind, stupid, etc

b)     Never interrupt your teenager when they are talking or trying to explain something - even if you disagree. Waite until they are done.

c)      Never raise your voice or yell - especially when your teenager is raising their voice or yelling.

d)     Never use sarcasm or a negative attitude that demonstrates that you do not respect your teenager.

e)      When two moms and dads are speaking with a teenager, it is important to take turns, but be careful to let your teenagers speak as much as BOTH moms and dads speak. Both moms and dads should talk equally and use less words than their youngster.

f)      Parents and teen or children should join in activities that help them to have a better communication.

g)     Learn to be more expressive and affective in the difficult moments in the family

By: Angie Choez