heartbrokenK

So my 10 yr old just came to me and said do you think dad was drinking tonight? I said well do you? And he said yes when we came hm (from dinner w/family husband didn't get home in time to go to) dad was staring @ the microwave and not cooking anything. I responded with well did it affect our night? He said no. I told him well we can't change if he did or didn't. But we still had a good time tonight right? He responded with yes.
😁 it really does just irk me for all the kids that have to deal with these situations! I have talked to my older boys about their dad being sick but it really bothers my 10 yr old!!

WendyOR

I am so sorry. I think you handled it in a very wise way. Blessings to you and keep loving those kids and being a positive role model for them. They need that.

AnvilheadII

kids are always the collateral damage of addiction. they know so much more than their sweet little selves should.

lillamy

What Anvil said.
It's heartbreaking.

I'm still fighting (and losing ground right now) the guilt of choosing an A for a parent for my kids. And for not getting them out sooner. And I have the therapy and psychiatry and inpatient mental health hospital bills to remind me. Every month.

bringiton

heartbrokenK - you handled that so well it could be made into a book! Out of my four kids the ten year old has had the most confusion and hurt. His dad has been sober for almost two months and I know he worries the most.

Lillamy, God love you for getting them help even if you feel like it was too late.. I do not doubt that you did the best you could.

peaceofpi

Thank you. I appreciate examples of good parenting.

Tansy

I bitterly regret not getting my kids out of the situation sooner. Why should they have to feel confusion and hurt? They are little kids. I honestly think a child having to put up with an alcoholic parent is a form of child abuse. I was guilty of this cos I didn't protect them. They have so much to work through now and cos of the anger the older ones feel I've lost them. They have left without leaving me a forwarding address or contact. My whole family has been torn apart cos I didn't act sooner and get rid of him. I clung on to the stupid belief of til death us do part and all the marriage vow crap he wasn't adhering too anyway. It wasn't a marriage it was an emotional mindf**k and my kids have paid the most. They had no choices at all. Do not tend up like me wishing you'd called time 10 years before you do.