What to do about a run away teen?

Question

I am away at college but almost every weekend my mother calls me telling me that my younger sister has snuck out the house or that she has refused to come home. I do not understand this because she has a 4.2 grade point average and she has offers from ivy schools and it just seems like she is trying to ruin her life.

There seems to be nothing my mother can do to control her terrible behavior. She can't lock her up in her room or use physical force. And grounding her is pointless because she just sneaks out as soon as my mother goes to work. Does anyone know what kind of programs there are in place or what steps she can take to let my sister know the seriousness of her actions? What can the police do?

Answer 1

If she has good grades, why is she always sneaking out of the house? Is there a certain problem she is facing right now? She could be missing you or doing things that she isn't supposed to. Tell ur mom when she calls again to look for a counsel group for kids that are facing the same problem like her. I hope this helps, good luck

Answer 2

When I was a teen and did that my mother would call the police and report me as a runaway. It is a godd thing to do, it won't actually get your sis into legal trouble or show up on her record or anything, and anything 'stupid' she may do while out your mother cannot be held responsible for her actions or blamed for them. The police will keep an eye out for her, if she is picked up she is just dropped off at home. Even if she is only gone for a night, your mom should do this. It is an excellent scare tactic!!! Which may be what she needs to at least think twice before doing it again. It makes it very clear that your mom is not tolerating her behavior.

Answer 3

I don’t know the laws in your state but typically to report a child as a runaway some time must elapse. The other thing is check these links in the resources you should consider if this will help your parents and sibling. I start off with a good sibling to sibling talk and listen to her be a bigger sister. Tell her she may need help with this part of life and you’re here for her and there are people train to help.

I seen my kids do this too and I done when I was yon. Running off for a few hours is fine but past that it’s time to get your sleeves rolled up. This should never happen past family curfew if they need time alone and space your parents should let the child have time alone. Her room should be a place safe from parents confronting them. If the parents want to confront a child do it outside their room or ask permission in the room.

You have so many resources out there I hope I been of help. You’re a great sister to be concern and talking and listen, listen and than listen to her and than do more listening to her. She does not need you to solve her problems help her by listening to her. Share that with parents too often parents want to fix the child but what often they need is to have some one interested enough to listen to them. It is threw good listening you both can discover what path to take, and often they will know what they need threw you just listening.

Answer 4

A couple of my kids were acting out like this, and I called the cops. My kids were put on probabtion, for breaking curfew.

Two of my son's were really hard to handle, so I called the police, and they were put in the juvy hall for about 1 to 2 weeks.

They didn't like that what so ever, but you know what? BOTH of them have told me, that they are glad now that I did have that done.
It broke my heart at the time to do it, but it sure helped my boys.

Answer 5

she could hire a babysitter even though your sister is a teenager. just make sure that the babysitter is not in that age group too. after a while your sister will get the message and stop sneaking out.