I believe that children know when our loved ones have a problem. They see the behavior at family gatherings, holidays, etc. Thank you for pointing out the notion that substance use disorders are diseases. It is easier to discuss then, like any other disease that must be managed. Thank you for bringing up this subject, so important for parents of tweens and teens to discuss, before they start to experiment.
What a fantastic article about a very important topic that everybody should be aware of (adults AND kids!). I wish someone had explained this to me when I was little.
My daughter is older now, but as she was growing up I noticed that the more I learned about this inner work (and began writing about it, even), the more I was able to help her to understand about herself, as well. AND her parents. Because we all have that voice, and we all react to it at times, particularly in stressful moments. But when we recognize it, we can name it, and heal from there.
I find thing helpful too. Premeditatio Malorum- in stoicism imagining things that’s can go wrong so h that we are ready for inevitable setbacks in the face of uncertainty .
I am totally in love with this message of Acceptance so much. The lobster only knows to shed its shell and grow a new one when it feels the PRESSURE/Pain from having outgrown its former shell. Discomfort leads to growth.
Re stigma & discussing family addiction history: I know this can be difficult in families b/c some people are never diagnosed with a substance use problem and some don't discuss or disclose their history. So how can parents navigate that issue? How do we talk to our kids honestly about risk without violating the privacy of others/sharing a story or medical info that may not be ours to share?
Such a good question. I think we can talk about what our children observe and allow them to make their own connections. We can also talk about our own experiences and concerns without being specific about a certain person!
I believe that children know when our loved ones have a problem. They see the behavior at family gatherings, holidays, etc. Thank you for pointing out the notion that substance use disorders are diseases. It is easier to discuss then, like any other disease that must be managed. Thank you for bringing up this subject, so important for parents of tweens and teens to discuss, before they start to experiment.
What a fantastic article about a very important topic that everybody should be aware of (adults AND kids!). I wish someone had explained this to me when I was little.
My daughter is older now, but as she was growing up I noticed that the more I learned about this inner work (and began writing about it, even), the more I was able to help her to understand about herself, as well. AND her parents. Because we all have that voice, and we all react to it at times, particularly in stressful moments. But when we recognize it, we can name it, and heal from there.
Thank you so much for this!
I find thing helpful too. Premeditatio Malorum- in stoicism imagining things that’s can go wrong so h that we are ready for inevitable setbacks in the face of uncertainty .
I am totally in love with this message of Acceptance so much. The lobster only knows to shed its shell and grow a new one when it feels the PRESSURE/Pain from having outgrown its former shell. Discomfort leads to growth.
Re stigma & discussing family addiction history: I know this can be difficult in families b/c some people are never diagnosed with a substance use problem and some don't discuss or disclose their history. So how can parents navigate that issue? How do we talk to our kids honestly about risk without violating the privacy of others/sharing a story or medical info that may not be ours to share?
Such a good question. I think we can talk about what our children observe and allow them to make their own connections. We can also talk about our own experiences and concerns without being specific about a certain person!