Knowing that your teen sneaks out can put you in a panic. At our behavioural treatment centre, we help teens understand how their behaviours, including sneaking out, impact themselves and others. Learn more about how to communicate with your teen by calling Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 or connecting with us online.
How to Communicate With Your Teen About Sneaking Out
If you know your teen is sneaking out, the first step you have to take is to have a conversation about it. This may sound easier than it is because your teen may be reluctant to talk about what they’ve been doing, let alone about something they have done that is wrong.
It’s important to listen to them without interrupting. No matter what they tell you, don’t have outbursts of anger or react in an exaggerated way. Allow them to say what they need to say before you respond.
Instead of jumping right into blaming them for misbehaving, validate their feelings and their reasons for doing what they did. Even if you don’t agree with what they’re saying, you’ll be showing them respect. They’ll feel more comfortable speaking about any issues they have in the future if they know you’ll make an effort to be open-minded.
When speaking with your teen, always control your emotions, especially about issues like sneaking out. Overreacting when they don’t see the problem with what they just did won’t solve anything. Instead, have a calm discussion about why they snuck out and why you’re concerned about it.
Ways to Prevent Sneaking Out
When you speak with your child, communicate the dangers of sneaking out at night. They may have dismissed these dangers or not have thought of all of them, so hearing them from someone who loves them can put the dangers in perspective.
You also want to let them know what the consequences of sneaking out will be. If they know they’ll be grounded or they won’t have access to their electronics, that may deter them.
If speaking with them about the dangers of sneaking out at night doesn’t have the necessary effect, you can turn to other strategies.
Ask your teen why they want to sneak out. Have an honest conversation about it, and don’t just move to punishing them. Once you know why they feel the need to sneak out, such as wanting more time with their friends, you can make the necessary adjustments to help them achieve what they want without putting themselves in danger.
Another of the most important ways to prevent sneaking out is to reduce the time they have available to use their electronics at night. Teens who see others on social media having fun or get texts from friends who are planning on heading out to a party might feel left out. This might lead them to sneak out.
If these steps don’t work, you can resort to more extreme measures, including:
- Installing cameras
- Installing alarms
- Changing pre-existing alarm codes
Both of those things will deter your teen from sneaking out.
You also want to consider checking on your teen multiple times a night. If they know you’ll be checking on them at random times, they won’t take the chance of getting caught.
If your teen drives, control the keys. Take them with you at night so that they won’t be able to leave.
Turn to Venture Academy for Personalised Behavioural Treatment Programs
If you’re struggling with a teen who has behavioural issues, you may feel alone and unsure of what to do. At Venture Academy, we offer the assistance that your teen needs to find stability and happiness. With personalised treatment programs, your teen will receive the support and guidance they deserve.
Contact Venture Academy today by calling 866.762.2211 or reaching out to us online.
