Runaways
by John Waddey(89)firstcenturychristian
The problem of runaway children has reached epidemic proportions in our society. Each year thousands of kids hit the road without parental knowledge or approval. The results are always painful for the parents, but they can be disastrous for the teenager. We will survey the dangers and cause and propose some preventive cures.
On the streets of a big city with little or no money in their pockets, runaways are almost certain to encounter some frightful dangers. Vice and violence are always lurking in the underground world of runaways. Hunger drives a person to desperate measures such as stealing, robbing or prostitution. A kid hitchhiking alone, or seeking refuge may fall victim to the violence of rapists, perverts or even murderers. Drug pushers look for easy targets. Homosexuals and pimps prowl the streets, looking for those naive, runaway drifters. Members of far-out religious cults make " lost kids " a special target for their outreach. In their desperation, thousands of kids have been " won " to a cult of religious slavery. But even should a youngster escape the dire problems cited, he finds himself adrift on a lonely sea of lostness. Such has the tendency to leave a soul depressed and despondent…for some, suicide is the only way out. Truly the way of a transgressor is hard (Prov. 13:15). Lots of kids think their problems at home are unbearable. But where is the returned runaway who would recommend that approach to dealing with ones problems?
Why Do Kids Run Away?
Surely every case is different, but we can spot some obvious reasons that provoke some kids to flee. Heading the list would be unhappy homes. Children whose home life is plagued with continual quarreling or drunkenness or lovelessness find very little to make them want to stick around. If they detect parental favoritism toward brothers or sisters, while they routinely get no consideration, they find it easy to run. When discipline is too harsh or without proper love and forgiveness, they may feel they are unloved and unwanted. Lack of communication with parents prompts many teens to bail out. These are frequent provocations that drive some kids to the streets.
Involvement in drugs or alcohol
Problems at school
A crisis such as pregnancy out of wedlock
Preventing the Best Medicine
Adolescent years are turbulent and confusing for youngsters in our 21 st century society. Even good kids in solid Christian homes have their moments of stress and disorientation. To steer our young people around the temptation to run away, we can do the following:
Treat each child with a high degree of personal respect and dignity. No one enjoys being just part of the herd. Love him and treat him as you want to be treated (Matt. 7:12; 22:39). Be loving and kind. Provoke them not to wrath (Eph. 6:4). It’s a rare person, young or old, who will run away from genuine love and affection. The cords of love draw us close and bind us together (Hos. 11:4).
Strive for a happy, joyful home environment. That everyone loves. No one enjoys a lodging place in a verbal war zone. Rash speaking pierces like a sword (Prov. 12:18). " A soft answer turns away wrath; but a grievous word stirreth up anger " (Prov. 15:1). A child, like an adult, may conclude it is better to dwell outside the home than with constant contention. (Prov. 21:19).
Have open lines of communications with your children. Don’t do all the talking. Learn to listen to their problem, their ideas, their needs. " Come let us reason together " is good for all human relationships, even parents and children. How else can you know when a crisis is brewing? Parents must build these lines early. It is extremely difficult to begin communication at 16.
Help your children feel that they have a meaningful stake in their home and family. Invite their input and opinions. Include them in your daily routine and activities. Many young people complain that they are alienated from their folks. They hardly know their parents. Mom and Dad, it takes time to nurture kids in the chastening and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Time spent together in meaningful activity will promote family loyalty and prevent alienation.
Be firm in your discipline but always be fair and consistent. Few children resent fair discipline. Proper discipline demonstrates parental love (Prov. 13:24). But, " he that is soon angry will feel foolishly " (Prov. 15:17). Never be a respecter of persons with your kids (Jas. 2:9). By all means, be loving and forgiving after the discipline is administered. Holding the child’s mistake against him may well drive him away.
Maintain a strong spiritual atmosphere in your home. It is no idle saw that says, " A family that prays together stays together. " It is a rare thing to hear of a runaway child from a truly devout, Christian home. Prayer, Bible study, full involvement in the local church, a Christ-like spirit: these are the best medicine for a healthy home relationship.
Keep your eyes and ears open. Know who your offspring’s friends are and what they are like. Guide them in their choice of friends. You know that evil companions can corrupt good manners, even if they don’t (1 Cor. 15:33). Know where they are. Don’t be naive, thinking your children won’t get into any trouble (1 Pet. 5:8). Kids are human. Satan is constantly at work for their souls (1 Pet. 5:8).
Be alert for teen crises such as school problems, romantic conflicts, drug abuse, lingering depression. Prevention is the key word. Meet your children’s needs before they break your heart.
When It Happens
Parents, if you have the misfortune of a runaway experience, don’t be too proud to admit the reality. Don’t think, " My kid would never do that! Get in touch with the police (immediately). Check every available source for information. Try to contact your child. Let them know you love them and are anxious to have them home. Don’t threaten and rage against them lest you drive them further away. Don’t be too stubborn or proud to give them a second chance. There’s no motivation to return to an unforgiving home. If a child is underage, of course, you must insist on their return, but if they are older you can only rely on persuasion. They must be convinced you want them back.
One word of admonition. We must not be so overwhelmed that we welcome a child back on just any terms. A decent parent is obligated to say " no drugs or no booze. " Some conduct is so outrageous it cannot be tolerated. Most kids will appreciate your firm stand for righteousness. Parentally integrity and respect are essential ingredients to a stable family (Prov. 20:7).
When The Prodigal Comes Home
God’s word paints a beautiful picture of just such a joyful occasion in (Luke 15:11-24). From this lesson which Jesus taught, any parent with a runaway child can learn the proper response when the crisis is over. The father was always waiting, watching and hoping for the return. He did not have to be begged or prodded to forgive. He not only welcomed his son, he was anxious and ready to restore him to his place of honor and dignity in the family. He was not ashamed to invite his friends and family to share in the joyful occasion celebrating the prodigal’s return. May we learn that lesson well and be able so to treat the prodigals of our family should occasion ever demand it. May God give us the grace to do so.
has been the occasion for thousands of runaways; some to marry in haste, others to avoid facing their parents.may provoke such a flight. Especially if the child finds it difficult to communicate with his parents at home. Problems involving scrapes with the law might evoke a similar response.is a common cause for children leaving their homes. Awareness of their parent’s strong disapproval makes many flee rather than face the consequences. Addiction may drive them away from home to fulfill their bodies’ craving and to get the funds for their expensive habit.
Article submitted Wednesday, November 11, 2009 & read 1222 times.
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