Leaving in a hurry

In certain circumstances it might not be possible to plan and prepare for a young person leaving the family home.

There is help and support available for young people who find themselves homeless or unsuitably housed - but ‘going homeless’ is certainly not a quick-fix way of a young person getting housed when they decide to move out.

Family Breakdown

All kinds of conflict occurs within families, and sometimes relationships between parents and young people break down completely. When young people are ‘kicked out’ of the family home they are vulnerable, and while the rest of the family might initially be relieved, there are better ways of trying to resolve the situation.

Prevention is better than cure, so seeking support when things first start to go wrong will pay dividends later on. Your child’s school, GP, Connexions adviser, or other professionals will all be able to help; and talking to your friends and family will give you invaluable support and advice.

If you feel there is no way your son or daughter can remain at home, help them as much as you can to prepare. This might mean helping them find accommodation, or simply providing details of organisations that can help them.

Domestic Violence

Nobody should have to live with violence or abuse in their home. There are people who can help you and your children into safe accommodation. Even if you aren’t ready or able to leave, but want to help a young person to get out, Broxtowe Borough Council, Women’s Aid, Broxtowe Women’s Project and Children and Young People’s Services will all be able to offer help and advice. They’ll also be able to help you if your son or daughter is the perpetrator of violence in the home.

Runaways

If your son or daughter runs away from home or doesn’t come home overnight when you are expecting them, it’s a frightening time. Young people run away for many different reasons - from depression to drugs to family problems. Don’t be afraid to seek support from professionals to help address whatever is causing the problem. Let your teen know that no problem is so great that they can’t come home, and talk to them about friends or family members they could safely go to if things break down at hom

Drugs & Alcohol

Use of illegal drugs and alcohol are one of the major causes of conflict between parents and their teenagers. Accept that as a parent, you are unlikely to see eye to eye with your child - but be prepared to listen to them as well as sharing your knowledge and opinions.

Knowledge is power - you can get lots of information about illegal drugs from www.talktofrank.com

Set clear boundaries at home, keep talking and let your child know they can always come to you, no matter what.