Teen Runaways

No parent wants to admit that there is a chance that their teenager will run away from home. Yet it happens daily. Whether the child runs to a friend's house or runs off with a complete stranger, the effect on the parent is devastating. Most parents haven't a clue what to do and there is very little information out there to help them.


Four years ago, we never imagined our daughter would run away either. Yet she did, three times over a period of six months. Her reason was that we didn't like her boyfriend. Not that we said she couldn't date him, only that we didn't like him and thought she could do better. Eventually she discovered we were right. Today, four years later, we look back on that time period and can laugh.


What follows is a list of steps you can use to find your child. The first few paragraphs cover the basics of what you need before your child runs, even if you don't think they will. You should have this anyway, just so you can be prepared for anything that might happen.


If you haven't already done so, take your teenager to the local Department of Motor Vehicles (or where ever driver's licenses are issued) and get a photo ID of your teen. Make photocopies of this ID immediately and put them away in a safe place.


Get digital pictures of your child. If you don't have a digital camera or a scanner, most photo development places offer pictures on disk. Get Them. Update these pictures often, making sure to have them dressed in seasonal clothing.


Make your teenager fill out a phone list of their friends. Tell them you need phone numbers, cell phone numbers, email addy's and even screen names for online chatting. If you've heard a name mentioned by your child, make sure that name is on the list.


In this age of Internet predators, know what your child is doing online. No teenager should have Internet access in the privacy of their bedroom. Have your Internet access available only on a computer in a busy part of the house.


IF THEY RUN