How did you explain addiction to your kids?
Hi everyone,
Can you share your stories of how you explained the disease of addiction to your younger children?
My son is almost 6 and while his father has been in and out of recovery and the home for his whole life, it's been about 15 months since the last time. He's been asking questions about where his Dad is (out of the house since Monday) and unfortunately heard his Dad screaming and ranting like a lunatic outside the house last night. Of course, he's confused , scared and upset.
I've told him Dad has to live at another house right now (like I had told him in the past when AH was in rehab) and that Dad is sick. And that when people are sick, we don't want to be around them so we don't get sick too.
I've reiterated that Dad and I love him very much and that Dad will always be his Dad. Also that when Dad is better, we will see him right away again.
Thoughts? Please share your "scripts" as to how you talked to your kids about addiction, both in and out of the home.
Thanks!!