Keep the problem to yourself.

Issues relating to the fact that you child has left home are best kept within the family. Those who discuss the fact in public often suffer more than others. Their situation is seen as the child versus the family. The runaway child is often seen as a deprived victim, and the family may be judged by the outsiders and accused of causing the child to suffer. Issues brought to the public backfire - and in unpredictable ways - more often than not.

A more effective reaction would be silence.

How do you respond to a situation in which the child badmouths you or creates a public uproar? You don't. The family should not respond to anything that the child says.

If asked, you may forthrightly state the situation in a calm, unemotional manner. When you talk about your children, you may add, "and I have another child who is living by himself." Then go on to the other subjects. This usually evokes little more than a minimal reaction in the listener - possibly because the situation has become so common that people are no longer surprised.

Even when you do enter into an unwanted, but calm and unemotional discussion, it is likely to be forgotten, ignored, or put aside the next time you meet that person. You will have a problem only if you show regret or discomfort.