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Early adolescents and teenagers are exposed to a variety of things that any ordinary parent would want to keep there children away from. Between drug abuse, alcohol, gangs, promiscuity, and violence, it’s no wonder that some children become overloaded. There’s a difference between normal teenage angst and true depression, and the key is learning to differentiate between the two. Unfortunately for some teenagers, parents realize too late there’s a problem and the child ends up a runaway on the streets.
Children who run away from home are typically fueled by an overload of depression, anxiety, and a sense of loneliness and deep alienation from anyone or anything. These kids often feel as if they have little support in times of trouble and no where to run when things get tough - except to street life, where they turn their back on parental support and authority figures and seek comfort instead from other people on the streets. Most children who end up in this predicament aren’t forgoing a bad situation for something better. Instead, they quickly learn that their suffering has only begun and that they are easy prey for unscrupulous people and victimization.
If a child returns home after some time on the streets, parents should be ready to deal with the emotional damage that will undoubtedly be present in their child. Individual cases are different, but parents should expect their child will need supervision, structure, and therapy to help them not only deal with pre-existing issues but also with the mental scars left from their time on the street. Of course, this includes putting your child under strict rules and supervision that will likely be met with resistance, volatility and extreme anger. However, the safety and well being of your child should be of the utmost importance in ensuring they will never leave home again.
Attend therapy sessions with your child, but also allow them to attend their own private sessions so they will be able to talk about their feelings without fear of embarrassment or being judged. Strict supervision will be required, which means monitoring your child’s activities (in-home activities, outside activities and any time they spend on the internet). Establish a firm set of household rules and guidelines, and make sure there is an adequate incentive/sanction system in place for when rules are adhered to or broken.
Unfortunately, depending on the severity of the case, some children are not able to respond well to home care. In these instances, if you have tried everything to no avail, it may be best to send your child to a boarding school, military school, or boot camp program for troubled teens. Granted, choosing to send your child away will be a difficult decision, but you have to know when that might be the only choice that will save your child’s life. If you simply cannot handle your child and they are hostile at every turn, it’s time to act before your child runs away again.
Behavior modification programs are generally quite successful, even with the most difficult cases, and it’s up to you as a parent to be honest with yourself and your child if you simply cannot provide the support and structure they need. Browse the other articles on this site for a brief look into therapeutic behavior modification programs to gain an understanding of what method may be best for your child. Remember, failing to act will not help your child and they will continue to put themselves at risk until you do something to prevent it.
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