How do you talk to your children about recovery? What have they asked you?

Spencer talks with Megan about how she talks to her children about recovery. We are joined by shares from several listeners. Our conversation was wide-ranging, touching on topics from the list below.

• What questions have your children asked you about
  • Alcoholism/addiction?
  • Recovery?
  • Meetings?
  • Therapy? (“talk doctor”)
  • Their father?
  • Divorce?
• What have you said to them…?
  • Mommy and Daddy’s first priority is to make sure that you are safe…
  • It's never your fault when adults drink and act badly.
• How do you model recovery / healthy behavior for your children?
  • Do they reflect it back?
• How do you communicate differently to different age children?
• What do you still struggle with in communicating to your children about alcoholism and recovery?
• What have you NOT told your children? Why?
• Do your children attend meetings?
• Would you bring your children to a meeting if it was the only way you could go?
• When did you need to put your recovery needs ahead of your children?
• Do you feel that you owe amends to your children?
  • What for?
  • (How) have you made amends?

Megan quoted from the Al-Anon Family Groups pamphlet, How Can I Help My Children?   

A listener asked about whether we have transcripts of the podcast. We don't. The best explanation I've found for why not is a blog post titled “The Dream of converting podcasts to text.”

Upcoming topics include violence by the “Al-Anon”. Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecoveryshow.com with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.

Music from the show

Avett Brothers: When I Drink

https://youtu.be/K30QM7iqbII

Martina McBride: In my Daughter's Eyes

Crosby, Stills and Nash: Teach your Children