When my teen left:
I don't have the experience of my teen running away. Fortunately, he told me what he had wanted to do when I was going through difficult times.
He skipped school during that time but because we have an open line of communication, where nothing is taboo, no matter how difficult it may be, he was able to tell me, knowing that I was not in a position to do anything, should he choose to stay or go!
If your child feels that you are handling things, no matter how difficult they are, they will feel safe to call and keep in touch when things get rough. Wishing you all the best.
How my teen came home:
He didn't run away because he realized that all of us around him were there for him. He did not fully understand what had happened, but I was in hospital for 5 months and I explained what I could as truthfully as possible.
I explained that his only duty was to continue with his studies and play with his friends since I had no idea what the end outcome was. His only duty was to himself for his future.
He is now making huge progress, after almost a year of total disinterest in anything because he was too worried about me.
Lessons Learned
- The greatest gift we can give to a child as a parent is to allow them to think for themselves.
- Never underestimate how much your child understands or misunderstands about your situation.
- Remember, when things go wrong our children will always blame themselves.
- Give your child all the family, social, educational and psychological help you can, when you are going through your own problems. The "professional" teams will lessen your burden.
- Know when it is time to let go. Perfection for our children is being present and listening to their needs at that time!
