Parents go through many changes with their children as they grow from babies to young adults. Most parents live with a fear that one day there will be a knock at the door and the news wont be good. An accident or perhaps an arrest? I think one of the hardest things to wake up to, or come home to, is the realization that your teen has simply run away.

There are many reasons for this. They maybe running away from something, or they maybe running to something. Often it is a mixture of both. Escaping authority to a land of freedom.

Once they realize that freedom isn't all it stacked up to be, mixed feelings of shame, fear and sense of not giving in prevent them from returning.

For parents, the long journey begins. Where do you start? The local police are an obvious choice. Friends and relatives are also worth checking. As the days become weeks and weeks months, worry turns to despair and the possible fear of not seeing them again. Many parents begin to worry whether their teen is even still alive.

These are difficult times for parents. They can often feel like they are in a vacuum. Who can they talk to who has had similar experiences? What other avenues can they take to find their teen?

Forums have been around for as long as computers. They are places where people with similar interests meet to discuss those interests; share ideas; and along the the way, help each other to cope and perhaps resolve the situation.

The Kids Search Network is one forum that I suggest you visit particularly if you have had any experience with runaway teens; are experiencing problems with a runaway teen; or if you have a fear that your teen may be at risk.

Sharing experiences, finding out how others have dealt with the issues, and finding links to resources are all benefits that can be gained from being involved. You will also gain a realization that you are not alone and that there are people around who care enough to help. It's a parents worst nightmare - but it doesn't need to be experienced alone!