Runaways

Engage others to help you

• Pay attention to your child’s relationships. Make sure you are aware of your child’s friends, friends’ parents, relationships, and places that he goes. During times of transition, it is especially important to know where they go and who they are with (e.g. have phone check-ins, friend’s parents’ contact information, etc.).

• Build a circle of support and share concerns with others close to your child. Engage other adults in your child’s life to support you and alert you should they notice your child is having difficulties. For example, your child’s teachers may have more information than you about new peer groups, or whether your child is struggling, being bullied, or isolated in any way. Let these adults know about your concerns and let them know that you are open to receiving their assistance. Be honest with them about family issues as well.

• Obtain professional help. Do not hesitate to seek the support or advice of a counsellor or therapist if you feel overwhelmed or are unsure about how best to help your child. Educate yourself about areas of concern to better understand and help sort through the differences between normal adolescent behaviour and signs of more serious problems.