i am a weck help

[Unregistered]

My 17 year old daughter won't come home . I was gone on a convention and she lied to her father about being where she said she was . She had went to see her 17 told boyfriend that we don't like . She won't come home the police can't do anything in are state of Missouri she can leave home and we don't have to make her come home . I am a wreak I can't sleep or eat . I cry i. get mad I scream . I just won't her home I don't know what to say to make it easy . I need help advice . On what not to say or what to say . People tell me its a waiting game . I hurt the pain is unbearable its like she dead and I can see her or touch her I can't talk to her she will text me but short message . I am her mom and I need her I don't know what to doppeople tell me not to chase her don't call don't message just let her be . I need advice please help me your only a mom once and o guess I lost my rights .

[ccsmod7]

Re: i am a weck help

Hello there,

Thank you for sharing your story on our online forum. We appreciate your openness to share with us the difficult issues that are going on between you and your daughter. We empathize with what you are going through because we hear how much your daughter leaving has upset you. It must be incredibly frustrating that the police cannot do much to bring her home. It’s understandable that you are concerned about her and want her back in your care.

Even if it’s just through text, it’s good that you are in communication with her. You mentioned in your post that you wanted help with what is appropriate to say to her during this difficult time. It never hurts to be supportive and to be open to listening to her when she reaches out.

Do you think your daughter may be open to calling us for support? We would be happy to talk to her about what she may be going through at home or since she has run away. You can let her know that we are confidential and that we don’t tell youth to return home nor run away, but we are able to talk with her about her specific situation and support her in being safe.
She can also call home through us. We offer a conference call service if the she feels more comfortable having a mediator on the line when talking with her parents. We try our best to facilitate a constructive conversation between the youth and the parent. We also offer message relay. You can leave a message for her with us that she can call in and pick up, and vice versa. We don’t make outgoing calls though, so you would somehow need to let her know that she has a message waiting for her at the National Runaway Safeline.

Throughout these difficult times, it is important to take care of yourself as well. You might want to consider contacting a support line for parents whose children are missing. You may find useful the helpline: Team H.O.P.E. (Help Offering Parents Empowerment) 1-866-305-4673.

You can also give us a call anytime if you need more support. Our hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Best,
NRS