Parenting is full of joys and challenges. One of the biggest challenges a parent has in raising a healthy child is preparing them to live in the real world. This can bring a mix of emotions–sadness, worry, and excitement. As a parent, your job is to find a way to explain the difficulties of life and teach your child to be ready for them.
Many subjects can be difficult to talk to children about in a meaningful way. Addiction is one of the topics that parents may find challenging to discuss with young children. However, talking to kids about addiction when they’re young can help them avoid abusing substances later in life.
Most parents struggle with knowing how much information and advice to give about substance use and addiction. Talking to young children about something as complex as addiction can be overwhelming.
The key is to give children the information they need and only what is age-appropriate. The more you learn about talking to children about addiction, the easier it will be for you to handle this difficult topic with your own children.
Talking to kids about addiction can be a significant aspect of reducing their likelihood of developing addiction later in life. But when should you start?
Passing along your values around substance use can start very early in your child’s life. This doesn’t mean that you sit a toddler down for a big talk about drugs and alcohol. In fact, you don’t need to prepare for one big conversation about this topic at all.
Instead, begin to foster good communication from a very young age. Practice listening to your child and speaking confidently about a variety of topics, including substance use and addiction. If you feel uncomfortable talking about something, your kids will pick up on it. Make talking about topics like substance abuse and addiction a regular part of your life. This will reduce your awkwardness and make your children comfortable having conversations about important–somewhat challenging–topics.
The most important thing you can do when preparing to talk to kids about addiction is to become familiar with the subject. Learn accurate, up-to-date information about addiction and recovery so that you can answer questions.
Think about talking to kids about addiction as seizing teachable moments–instead of having one big talk about it. When you recognize substance abuse, recovery, or addiction on the news, on TV, or in other media, talk about it openly.
Some other strategies include:
If you do not know the answer to a question your child asks, don’t be afraid to admit it. Do research together or ask an addiction specialist for guidance. By making the subject of addiction more comfortable and accessible, your children are more likely to come to you when they have questions or concerns.
If you believe your child is using drugs or alcohol, be proactive about getting help. Reach out to addiction specialists, medical professionals, and counselors to get the information and support that you and your child need to address their substance abuse as quickly as possible.
Talking about addiction may feel more challenging when it’s no longer a hypothetical situation. When a parent is addicted, the information a child needs changes. In addition to understanding the potential dangers of addiction and knowing how to abstain from substance use, the child must also understand that their parent has a plan to get help and that treatment is effective. Children of an addicted parent must also know that they are not to blame for their parent’s substance use and that they will be kept safe while their parent is in treatment.
Predictability is important to children of all ages. If a parent is in treatment for addiction, they should make every effort to communicate with their children and let them know what to expect. If a parent is in recovery, they must understand what recovery means for family members and their children.
Talking to children about addiction can feel like a challenge. You do not have to do it alone.
Michael Herbert, The Recovery Guide, has more than 30 years of experience working closely with individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery issues. He is a seasoned Coach and can help you and your family establish long-term goals and access the tools you need for continued abstinence and recovery for the entire family. Get in touch with Michael today at 561-221-7677 to schedule an appointment.
