Happy Holiday’s and AWOL Teens Don’t Mix Well Together
It is almost Christmas and families with teens in residential treatment may be preparing for a home visit. The feelings of both excitement to have the family together and the anxiety that goes with it can be over whelming. The worst parent fear – “will my teen run?” Oh my, have I dealt with a running teen. I have learned they usually run at the end of the home visit when you think they are getting ready to go back. There have also been those that have not gotten off the plane upon arrival. Sorry to add to your anxiety but the truth is if they are going to run there is usually nothing you can do about it.
On a positive note in all of my years living with a troubled teen and experiencing residential treatment I don’t know of one teen that was not found. They may have been out for weeks or months at a time but they have all been found and returned in my sphere. That is also a reminder for myself even though my son is not in treatment I feel he continues to run.
Now for the gift an inspirational blog post and pearls of wisdom from another family that is experiencing a troubled teenager. Click on the link below
Parent’s Handbook To Stop Home Visit AWOLs: Part I
Hopefully Part II is right behind Part I – nudge-nudge. Doing nothing is not in my DNA but sometimes it is the best solution. I am working on it to this day.
Hugs to all of you – we can do this together.
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