I have a child who has run away from home.

The first thing to do is pray. In the interim, notify the authorities. It is important that you do not “rescue” him/her from the consequences of his actions. His/her leaving is his/her ultimate act of rebellion by defiantly refusing to submit to your authority. However, this may well be the turning point that eventually brings restoration to your family. Let us share one young man’s story.

This young man’s mother and father were good, well-meaning people, but they did not know how to handle him when he became a teenager. He left home at age 16, determined to live on his own and get away from anybody telling him what to do. Basically, he slept on the side of the road, and to hear him tell it, “It was okay. You’d be surprised at the places you can sleep if you drink enough.” His life continued its downward spiral, as he stole for food. He explained, “Of course, I could have afforded food if I had quit buying dope with my money, but I didn’t want to do that. The only joy I had was being high.” Over the next two years, he was arrested eight times…for either DUIs or burglary. Once, he was placed in a prison cell with a sex offender. That experience frightened him so much that it played a significant part in his rehabilitation.

Although it is hard, be patient, your child will eventually hit bottom, and it is at this point that you will be able to help. While that does not immediately resolve the situation and may not provide comfort while you are hurting, pray that when the time comes, you will be able to find the appropriate place for him/her outside of the home. Like the young man above, it took time, but eventually, an opportunity came. Be prepared for his/her call or return to you.

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About the author

Drew Read
Drew Read graduated from the McCallie School before he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Denison University. He was a stockbroker in Cincinnati before relocating to Vidalia in 1994 where he accepted a position at the Paul Anderson Youth Home (PAYH). Since September of 1994 he has been a member of the PAYH staff where he has served as a teacher, headmaster, and Administrator. After completing his Master of Business Administration from Emory University in 2004, Drew was named the Chief Operating Officer. Drew has written numerous articles and a booklet entitled Dangerous Trends impacting your child. He has spoken at national conferences regarding the role of the family and has worked with teenagers and their families since 1994. Drew is married with two children.