What Should you do when your Only child runs away?

Answer 1

You haven't said anything about the circumstances - or the age of your child.

I am sorry this is happening, it sounds very distressing for you. You need to have as mnuch support as possible to help you through. Ask your family and friends for support.

Your doctor might be able to suggest counseling for you - eithetr for you as a parent, or for your child, or some family therapy for both of you.

My advice is, don't try to cope on your own - ask for help.

Most important of all - TALK to your child. Gently, kindly and firmly. Give your child space to talk with you.

I hope things will work out for the best.

Answer 2

This sounds very tough for you. If your child is very young you need help from your GP and your Health Visitor urgently. If your child is an adolescent, is this young person making a statement, are they going to a friend and being harboured? If so the parents of the friend have a responsibility to contact you, and you need support, this is too hard for you to to alone, go to your GP, find out what is available for you and for your child. If your only child has run away over the age of 18 then you still have all the agencies to contact, the police missing persons unit, there are 'missing' charities who work closely with the police and homelessness organisations. Your words sound far too harsh for you, 'should' is not a good word for me to answer, I do know that all you can do is your best, whatever has happened has, but, bridges can be built and doors opened for return. I hope this child returns soon, I hope you find support, that your child has run away is not your fault, by seeking help, not only will you have support in identifying difficulties, but you will be able to build on each positive thing for the future. I am sure there are many and I wish you well.

Answer 3

Phone the Police, everyone you know, the child's school and friends and then get looking. I wish you all the luck in the world in finding your child, nothing anyone says could help you at a time like this.

Once you do find your child, don't be mad at him/her. Sit him/her down, give him/her a hug, a kiss, and apologise (apologise for not listening to him/her, not understanding, not noticing...) - your child will need reassurance that you are willing to listen, support, and love him/her no matter what. Don't pressure your child in telling you why s/he ran away, tell him/her that you are here to listen when s/he is ready to tell you the reason. If your child does this regularly contact the Samaritans or Child-Line - they will offer support and advice.

Answer 4

how old is your child? I used to foster what the authrorities call 'challenging children' from age 9 to 16. The younger the child is, the more serious the problem and your reaction needs to reflect this. I.E. call the police and put out a search. Older (13 -16 year-old kids) seem to do this to try to get a reaction or attention seeking (not always though, you are the best person to gage whats happening) I always, always informed the police, and when the teanager came home, I would tell them what they missed out on, tell them why I missed them at tea time, what I was thinking while they were gone, and why I needed them to stay around. I always finished with 'I love you - why did you want to leave / hurt me?' and the truth would come out.

Good luck

Answer 5

Call the Guards? I think she means the Gardae. But unless you're in Ireland, there's not much point in doing that. The Police would be a far more sensible option.

I don't think you've given enough info in your question though - how old is the child, and why might they have run away?

Answer 6

Depends on the age of the child
Let it be known that its ok to return, that your door is open and all will be forgiven - talking to the childs friends etc
Call the police if under 16yrs.

see the website below, its quite helpful

options with you or the young person concerned. We can put you or the young person in touch 0808 800 5000 with local social services who should be able to offer help, including finding a place to stay if needed. Where requested or necessary we will ask the police to help in trying to make sure the young person is safe.

Answer 7

Make sure all his/her friends know that you respect his choice to leave because youve come to realise that he is growing into an adult with his own wants and needs . Let them know that your there for him regardless but you accept that every child will leave home eventually and you just want to enjoy watching him making a life for himself . Above all DONT seem desperate as you'll just push him further away , your frantic concern for him is what he calls nagging , your obvious care for him is what he calls smothered , give him space and you'll find he will miss the comfort he doesnt at the moment realise he gets from your care . Good Luck and sleep well he's probably not more than 2 streets away .

Answer 8

I have been in that position but I was the child not the parent! It depends on why the child ran away! Maybe they felt hurt or unloved! U could of done something to make them extremely mad, but dont worry they will realize how much they need u n they will come back! Try callin some of there friends and askin them...one of them will eventually talk! Cuz I kno that when I ran away my mom called my friends n non of them talked but u jus gotta hit the right 1! If one of their friends dont kno where they r then they will get worried n try to help u out1 But it all depends on the real reason they ran away!

Answer 9

Call the police and all friends and family that you know. ALL kids run away so dont feel like a bad parent, sometimes there is nothing you can do to stop it without pandering to thier every whim. I hope youre ok dear.

Answer 10

This sounds harsh but what use is that question without all the details...

Ie age, reasons, potential reason etc...


you clearly don't know your kid or you would have some idea where to look.


You have not said the age, if it a kid or a teenager, is it a you won't let them be with boy or girlfriend, possiblity there were kidnapped...


What?

You kid is likely to be in serious trouble if on the streets but how do we know you weren't abusing the kid...

So add every detail you can