Alcoholism and its Effect on the Family
This week we were asked to identify stressors that can impact children. I thought that alcoholism was a good topic because it is something that I experienced within my family as a child. My dad struggled with his addiction until I was 8 years old. My earliest experience was at the age of three. I can remember going to visit family friends.. We had gone over to celebrate Christmas and my father became too drunk to drive us home. I remember having to leave the car at the home where we were visiting and being driven home by my father's friend. I felt embarrassed, afraid, and uncomfortable in that situation.
I think I picked this topic and this article because alcoholism is a disease that not only affects the person with the addiction, it affects the entire family. I know that this secret that was kept so closely between me and my mom negatively impacted my performance in school at an early age. I was always worried about going home to an arguement and worried about my mother's feelings. I was always on edge. I became the peacemaker for my parents and took on more than any
five year old should have to. I shared this because I think my experience helps me empathize with students that I have had in the past.
Parsons, T. (Dec, 2003 14). Alcoholism and its effect on the family. Retrieved from http://allpsych.com/journal/alcoholism.html
It takes a strong person to share family "secrets" but sometimes it is the best way to overcome a situation. I think childhood stressors definitely put young children in the position to have to mature a lot faster than most. However, on the flip side, it happens to those who are able to endure it all and therefore teach and support others who may later experience the same things. You may have never paid it any attention then, but i'm sure much of what you encountered as a young girl helped to shape your life as an adult. Continue to tell your story!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tynisha! I had reservations about sharing but it's what I know and what I lived.. My dad has had struggles with alcoholism throughout my life and the adult me knows that its okay not to take on his issues. The child me thought it was my responsibility to keep my family together and help my mom with "our" problem... I don't think parents understand how their dysfunctional behavior affects their children. I know it impacted me as a child. Thanks for the encouragement. It means a lot. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you have shared this with us, I'm also very sorry that as a child you felt you had to be the peacemaker, no child should bare their parents actions. Thanks again it makes me look at my own relationship and think of my actions and how they make my children feel. I think as parents sometimes we're so caught up in the moment and don't worry about the future effects on our children.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. So often adults get so caught up in their own lives that they don't realize how actions can have lasting affects on their children. I really do have a great relationship with my parents and really I think I have tried to learn from some of their mis-steps. No parent is perfect, lord knows I'm not! Thanks for your kind words. :-)
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