How to Discipline a Runaway

Parenting a teenager is a struggle for most parents, but especially when they runaway from home. The processing center in the human brain changes during puberty, moving to the frontal lobe. On top of that, their hormones are raging, and their peers influence a significant part of their lives. Add into that mix, moving in with a new family by adoption or foster care, well things can get out of hand. Remember that moving involves changing schools, losing friends, breaking significant relationships, and sometimes even learning a new language. Some teenagers handle stress by writing in a diary, others chat on the Internet or telephone, and some runaway. Should you discipline or punish the runaway?

Things You'll Need

  • Teen or preteen
  • Journal, notebook
  • Runaway

Instructions

    • 1

      Share the concern you felt for your runaway child's wellbeing and your relief at your child's safe return, first. Keep in mind that running away is how some teenagers deal with stress. If you just adopted your child or just began fostering remember that moving is very stressful in the best of situations.

    • 2

      Make an appointment for counseling right away. Also, give your child a notebook or diary to write in daily especially whenever feelings of anger, stress, and hopelessness occur. Ask the school counselor for an appointment as well the more support the better.

    • 3

      Remove the means of communication if you feel discipline is necessary. Confiscate the cell phone to end the means of contacting friends for rides and shelter. Remove Internet and house telephone privileges for several days or a week. Discipline is necessary for teenagers who have been in your care for years or their entire life. Especially if your child ran away to sneak out to meet significant others after you said, "No."

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