Children of alcoholics are often forgotten

An estimated one in four children under the age of 18 is impacted by a parent or guardian who has a problem with alcohol. That means that one quarter of the kids in your classroom, in your neighborhood or in your child’s circle of friends may be living with this often hidden problem.

Living in a home where someone drinks too much is different for every child. It is not always obvious by looking at the child or the family that alcoholism or addiction is a problem. In some homes, the drinking is done in secret, and the only ones who know are the family. For others, the whole community knows there is a problem, but rarely does anyone say anything.

And what about the children? Some children, because of behavior or attendance problems, are noticed by the caring adults in their lives and receive help. Physical, sexual or verbal abuse and/ or neglect may bring the family to the attention of the school or the authorities. Many other children, though, will work very hard to succeed and will shine at academics, sports and other endeavors despite their troubles at home. Adults may suspect or even know there is a problem, but they don’t want to get involved. It is easy to rationalize that “things can’t be that bad” when the young person is a model student.

Well- meaning adults who are aware of the drinking problem may say nothing because the young person is saying nothing. By playing it safe, adults deprive that young person of the opportunity to let them know they care. By breaking the silence, the young person gets the message that they have been noticed, they are not alone and help is available.