Children with alcoholic parents are affected in a big way. They may experience depression and develop low self-esteem because they are embarrassed of what they are seeing in their parent or parents.
Parents are the very first examples for young children. If their parents don't do well in life, there are high chances that they will end up the same way when they grow up. According to an article from Wikihow, alcoholic people are prone to family, financial and health problems. Alcoholic people may also do violent things to their own family.
It's not just the parent who will suffer the consequences of alcoholism but also their own child. There will come a time that the child will grow as an adult and he or she will soon speak up about their parent's alcoholism.
A child talking about the problem directly to their alcoholic parent may be a good thing but at the same time, it is risky and may cause further tension and trouble with the parent-child relationship. What should a child do to cope up or deal with an alcoholic parent?
1. The very first thing that a child can do is to communicate. Perfect timing is needed. When the parent is in good mood and sober, try to talk about the topic calmly and try to explain that it affects you as a child. If tension starts to arise in the conversation, just try not to continue. At least you have expressed what you have in mind.
2. As advised by Huffpost, you have to acknowledge the damage they have done in your childhood. Stop blaming them because it's useless and also causes depression. Just continue to live and don't let the problem devour you.
3. Share your problem with some trusted friends or peers. Real friends won't look down on you instead, they will help you cope up with the problem. They can be your outlet.
4. Love yourself and try to provide yourself time to be happy and worry free. Build your own identity and discover your own potential. If you think your parents can't help you, at least you can handle your life on your own.
5. Be different and stop the cycle. Some children of alcoholic parents tend to repeat their parent's mistake. Stop the cycle of alcoholism. Stay away from the path they chose. Alcoholism can destroy you and your family.
