- Services that can help prevent a runaway episode by discussing concerns or warning signs you have identified and by directing you to the appropriate services.
- A "time-out" or cooling off period to reduce tensions when family conflicts reach a boiling point.
- Local and national resources that can help you contact those that could be of most assistance if your teen leaves home.
- Family counseling directly or through referrals to other professionals when the youth returns home.
Things Parents can Do to Help
- Remember what it was like to be a teenager and acknowledge that you and your teen are in this together.
- When your teen needs to talk, give your full attention. Turn off or put away any distractions.
- Listen to what they have to say, repeating or restating what they say so that they know that you heard them.
- Speak in a calm voice and try not to interrupt.
- Avoid yelling, sarcasm, threats and whining.
- Do not think that your answer is the only answer.
- If things get heated, take a break and return to the discussion when you both have calmed down.
- Do not try to get "the last word".
No comments:
Post a Comment