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Expert Voices - National Runaway Switchboard

What can I do to prevent my child from running away from home?

What are the signs my teen might be thinking about running away from home?

What should I do if my child runs away from home?

What should I do when my child returns home?

What can I do to prevent my child from running away from home?

Running away impacts the entire family. That's why prevention is key. Here are some tips that may help your family anticipate potential problems and deal effectively with them.

	Pay attention. Don't just pretend -- really listen when your children are talking with you. They know the difference.
	Give respect. Acknowledge and support her struggle to grow to maturity. Let her know that her questions will be respected and answered.
	Understand your child. Look at life from his point of view. Remember your ideas seemed to make sense to you at that age.
	Don't lecture. Be clear and concise when you talk. None of us likes being lectured to. We all respond better to constructive feedback.
	Discuss feelings. Talk about what it feels like to be a parent. When parents share their feelings, children know it's safe to share their own.
	Create responsibility. Give your child choices, not orders. Help her to understand the consequences of her actions.
	Administer positive praise. Explain the effects his positive and negative behavior has on others. Be specific and praise good behavior.
	Don't always give the answers. Play "what if" to help them develop problem-solving skills.
	Use team work. Work together with your child to lay out the problems and find mutually agreeable solutions.

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