Daddy Doesn't Have to Be a Giant Anymore by Jane Resh Thomas

When to talk to a young child about addiction Doing so may help mitigate significant trauma from developing within the child, as they learn how to talk about and process their emotions. They are also four times more likely to be neglected than other children of the same age.īecause of this, it is incredibly important to discuss the nature of addiction with young children as soon as it becomes a part of their life. In their early years and teens, this may manifest in activities such as TikTok or online gaming and gambling where they can purchase in-app add-ons before they are able to engage in substance use.įurthermore, studies show that the children of parents who are addicted to substances are three times more likely to be emotionally, physically, or sexually abused. Research indicates that children growing up in a household with addiction are also more likely to have addiction issues of their own. Studies show that when someone in the household is struggling with an addiction, it has a significant influence on the child’s development behaviourally, mentally, and emotionally. Research shows that more than 8 million children under the age of 18 live with at least one adult struggling with addiction. It’s never too late to open the lines of communication with young children and to give them a safe space to explore their experiences.

That being said, we know that speaking to young children about addiction can feel like an overwhelming conversation to have.Īfter all, where do you even begin? What if they have questions? Will they understand? Is it too late?įortunately, there are ways of talking to young children about addiction that are healthy and honest without being scary or damaging to them. Coming into recovery can be the perfect time to explain to your child that a parent or older sibling's actions during addiction are not the fault of the child.

Children of those with addiction problems are often gravely affected by their parents' or caregivers' struggles.

Daddy Doesn't Have to Be a Giant Anymore by Jane Resh Thomas