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WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MY CHILD FROM RUNNING AWAY?
Pay attention. Your child can tell whether you are just pretending to listen or you are really paying attention.
Show respect. Let your child know that any questions will be respected and answered honestly.
Seek to understand your child. Try to look at life through your child’s point of view and think about what you experienced at that age.
Don’t lecture. Offer constructive feedback instead of lecturing or pointing out fault. Be clear and concise when you talk.
Discuss feelings. When parents are open and honest about their feelings, kids know it is safe to share their own. Let them know what it feels like to be a parent.
Create responsibility. Give your child choices instead of orders and help them understand that actions carry consequences.
Administer praise. Be specific when you praise good behavior and explain how each person’s positive behavior affects others.
Don’t always give answers. Play “what if” to help develop problem-solving skills.
Use team work. Work together to discuss problems and explore mutually-acceptable solutions.
Get to know those who are close to your child. Establish a relationship with your child’s friends. Talk with them and get to know their parents, too.
Talk to your child about the Teen Center. Give them our number. Assure them that you would never encourage them to leave home, but that you want them to know where they can find help if they - or any of their friends - are ever faced with that situation.
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