[Astro]

I probably can't share it any better than keithj did, my experience is very similar. My kids watched me drink, they begged me not to buy alcohol on trips to the store, they witnessed the battles between their Mom and I, and they were present for her affair and the nastiness of our divorce.

Children are incredibly resilient and uncannily intellegent, they probably knew much more than I gave them credit for.

My children were 7 & 9 when I sobered up, in my 5th month sober they started attending meetings 3-5 times a week with me. They understood that I was becoming a much better person in recovery, and my fellow AA'ers made them feel comfortable and welcome. That was 4 years ago, they still go a couple times a week, I'm eternally grateful to them for being understanding and supportive. As they head into their teens it's not "cool" for them to be hanging out at meetings so I'm trying to break away from dragging them along, but I know without a doubt that the seed has been planted, recovery is a good thing, hopefully I've set an example for them.

As far as my anonymity goes, my kids have shared with plenty of teachers, classmates, and other parents that they go to AA meetings with me. I really don't care, in fact I'm just proud to be the sober father of two amazing children. Being a parent in recovery is a gift, it's not something I choose to hide.