Tips on How to Prevent Your Teen From Running Away

Pay Attention. When your child talks to you, LISTEN. Do not just nod your head while you watch TV. Clarify statements you don't understand or which concern you.

Give Respect. Where It's Due. Acknowledge and support your child's struggle to grow to maturity.

Understand. Try to understand what your child is going through. Think back to your own childhood; your ideas made sense to you. Look at life from their point of view. Teenagers live in the present; it doesn't help them to know they may feel differently soon.

Don't Lecture. Everyone hates to be lectured, especially teenagers. Save your lectures for when they truly need them.

Don't Label. Calling your teenager names will only upset them and confuse any real issues that you want to discuss.

Discuss Feelings. Talk about what you feel and what you need. Allow your child to talk about his/her feelings.

Create Responsibility. Give your child choices, not orders, whenever possible. Help them to understand.

Praise. Describe your child's positive and negative behaviour and how it affects others. Focus on the positive behaviour as much as possible.

Stop Hassling. Don't nag your child about his/her appearance. As long as they are not obscene or indecent, they will not harm anyone. It is important that your child has your good values, but it is not important if they have your sense of fashion.

Don't Always Give The Answer. Teach your child to be independent. Allow your child to solve his/her own problems. Sound problem-solving skills are essential for their future.

Co-operation. Work with your child to identify the problems and find a mutually agreeable solution.

Apologize. Teach your child it is important to apologize when there has been an error in judgement. Be sure that you are also willing to apologize for your errors.

Unconditional Love. Tell your child you will always love them, no matter what. Teenagers who have a sense of belonging are less likely to run away.

Have Fun. Take time to share funny stories, jokes and activities together. Invite them to spend quality time with you, doing something you both enjoy.

Be There. The most important job you have is to be a parent; your children are your priority. They need to see and hear that you are always there for them, no matter what.

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