Running away in MD

[Mike]

I'm 16 years old, I have about $865 to my name (debit card), and I am an avid biker. I have done 55 miles in 7 hours, but I have been building up endurance and speed for 2 years since. Home is hell. My sister goes to college and I live 150 miles away (just straight line - not driving). She can be a jerk, but shes always there to help me up. My father has a great job and is fun and can be a great guy, but sometimes (actually, anytime he comes home from work, or in general 90% of the time, or any time he's under any stress) he can be a serious jerk. We're talking criticism, irritability, overreacting to everything, bla bla bla, general verbal abuse. My mother is somewhat similar, but she's usually just irritable. She has meltdowns all the time, and she gets screaming about her various disabilities and how she can't have a clean house, bla bla bla, general crap. The two of them together is like a bipolar biker dude: cool, fun, nice guy one minute, asshole the next. The stress is killing me. Plus, I'm killing myself because I am trying to excell at everything JUST SO THEY WILL NOTICE. I kick ass at guitar, and I've never had a lesson. The only thing they say is "turn it down, why do you have to play it all the time, bla bla bla". They sarcastically say nice things when I prompt them. My father always tells me to be succinct, and clearly I can't be.

So now to the running away. So, avid bicycler, sister's college 150miles away, parents suck, stress killing me. And not to mention I go on boy scout outings for 10 days at a time away from family. Right now home is bearable. But if it gets as bad as it did last winter break, when I had my first and only shots of rum, I am going to run away. I plan on doing it in 4 to 5 days.

My question is, does anyone have any advice for me? I have bountiful experience with biking and camping, and I have money to spare, and I have no qualms against being alone in the deep dark woods. I want to know (since it is not a permanent thing, just a healing retreat) if this would be a good idea (relatively, since running away is kind of a bad idea by itself). ** edited for confidential**

[ccsmod6]

RE: Running away in MD

Thanks for contacting the National Runaway Switchboard. We are sorry to hear about the way things are going for you at home. It sounds like your parents care but when they become frustrated they can take things out on you. Have family counseling ever been explored? It seems that you have some pretty extraordinary talent and it must be a little disappointing that your parents don’t recognize it.

Unfortunately we don’t provide advice here at the Switchboard. We try to remain none direct; however we can try to explore different options. It seems that you are interested in leaving for a couple of days to clear your mind and ultimately will return back home afterwards. Have you thought of any alternatives to biking to your sister’s campus? Is your sister aware that you have plans on visiting her? Unfortunately we cannot tell you whether this would be a good or bad idea. Since is safety is our primary concern for youth, how safe do you think this trip would be? You sound like a brave young man but traveling alone especially for such long distances can still be dangerous for anyone. Is there a friend or another relative closer to your house that you could possibly stay with for a couple of days? If you don’t have any close safe housing alternatives, we can always try to locate a nearby youth shelter.

You can always give us a call as well if you have any other questions. Our hotline is confidential, anonymous, toll-free and available 24 hours 7 days. Remember we can be reached at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); we are here to provide a listening ear as well as here to discuss options and provide resources.

We look forward to hearing from you and we wish you the best of luck.

~NRS