Your defiant teenager may use his running away as a threat against your discipline. But in general, one may say that a teen runs when there is something disturbing them. It has been observed that a common reason for a troubled teenager’s running away is his feeling of being unwanted. 

Openness is an important key in discovering the truth behind a teenager’s urge to run away and an awareness of the triggers of these urges are necessary in order to keep your defiant teenager in check.

Initially, it would be important to find out what issues lie behind your teenager’s urge to run away. It is true, teens may get pleasure from leaving home; but their running still may involve family issues. In order to get to the bottom of these family issues, it would help to think about the following:

•  Think of all the different causes which may prompt your child to run away.

•  Think of all the family troubles or issues at home which may lead to him leaving.

•  Think of all the improvements you could make at home in order to keep your child from running away.

Common Issues which may trigger a Teen to Leave Home

•  If he is made to feel like he is inadequate and will never reach the standards which his parents set for him. His parents’ discipline style may be too strict and one or both parents may mention more of the teenager’s negative traits than the positive ones.

•  If home begins to feel like a battleground, as both teenager and parent get on each other’s nerves and stress each other out. This kind of negativity and strain on the parent-child relationship can lead to a hostile environment wherein the child may just run away.

•  If any form of sexual harassment occurs within the household. It may help to be observant of the atmosphere at home. The manner in which a teenager may not want to be left with another member of the family, accompanied with intense negativity directed towards him/her, can be clear sign of sexual abuse.

•  If your parent-child relationship cannot be described with warmth and care. Negative adjectives may be the prime words to describe you and your teenager’s line of communication. Be wary if your last sentimental moment together seems like nothing but a distant memory.

•  If one or both parents are suffering from substance abuse or struggling with an addiction. These kinds of parental issues can be the cause of physical or verbal abuse and violence in the home.

•  If you and your spouse are experiencing marital problems. Most of the time, in cases like these, your teen/s will get in the middle of conflicts between you and your spouse.