Setting Boundaries: Helping Kids Cope with Dad's Drinking
Episode Overview
Establish boundaries to protect children's emotional safety. Discuss dad's drinking honestly and age-appropriately. Encourage positive interactions with dad when sober. Teach kids it's okay to express feelings and set limits. Lead by example with personal emotional boundaries.
Boundaries can teach kids how to respect their own needs and emotions, even when there's addiction in the home.
Navigating the tricky waters of addiction in a family setting is no easy feat, especially when it comes to discussing a parent's drinking habits with their children. Episode 110 of the 'Married to Addiction' podcast tackles this sensitive issue head-on, offering guidance for wives who are grappling with how to set boundaries with their kids about their father's drinking. Julie Sanford, the host, brings her faith-based approach to the forefront, ensuring that the conversation is both supportive and informative.
In this episode, you'll explore the importance of establishing boundaries that protect children emotionally while maintaining a loving relationship with their father. Julie emphasises the necessity of age-appropriate discussions, making sure children understand that they are not responsible for their dad's behaviour. She shares practical strategies to help kids express their feelings and set emotional limits in a home affected by addiction.
Julie offers three key pointers for parents: teaching kids it's okay to protect themselves emotionally, encouraging positive interactions with their dad when he's sober, and leading by example with your own boundaries. Her insights are drawn from personal experience, adding authenticity and empathy to her advice. This episode provides valuable tools for parents seeking to foster a healthy environment for their children amidst the challenges of addiction.
Julie's heartfelt guidance and practical tips make it an essential listen for anyone facing similar circumstances. Are you ready to learn how to support your kids while navigating these difficult conversations?