Single Mothers Coping With a Teen Who Won't Come Home

Establish the Cause

• The first step is to understand the reasons behind his behavior. Teen rebellion can stem from a variety of reasons, including drug or alcohol use, peer influence or resentment toward people at home. Although your teen might not be willing to discuss his behavior, talk to him calmly and resist the urge to be judgmental. Focus on the Family, an online site that provides resources for parents to raise their children, advises that you focus on understanding what motivates the rebellion, then commit to a restoration process. Understanding the cause of his behavior allows you to identify the best course forward for both of you.

Find Support

• If your teen̵7;s other parent is involved in his life, enlisting his help is valuable. Ask him to talk to the child and contribute to any help programs you agree on. Other support programs include state and local institutions such as boot camps, counseling programs, churches and school-based teen behavior camps. Family counseling and personal therapy for you and your teen can help reintegrate the family unit, according to All About Counseling. Also, talk to friends and family and use any help they can offer, and join a group of single mothers or parents of runaway kids in your neighborhood.

Discipline

• Raising kids by yourself is hard, but stay in control as a parent. Establish ground rules and use praise when your teen behaves. If your teen only comes home to change his clothes when you are not in, change the locks so he only has access to the house through you. When you get an opportunity to talk to him, Super Nanny advises that you develop a firm and serious tone of voice. Your teen can rebel just to test your limits or to attract attention, and can get better when the tactics are no longer working.

Be Patient

• According to Empowering Parents, an online resource for parental advice, you cannot control your teen̵7;s behavior, but you can control yours. Realizing that rebellion is just a stage and your child will come around makes the circumstance more bearable. Be patient with him and recognize any efforts he makes to change his behavior. For example, if he calls to ask you for help, let him know that you appreciate the that he thought about you. Constantly reassure him of your love, and visit him if you know where he lives.