Daddy's Disease
(Helping Children Understand)
There are a lot of reasons why we don’t talk to our children about alcoholism. We don’t want to upset the drinker and make things worse. We don’t want to bring attention to the drama and dysfunction. We don’t want to be accountable. We want it to go away. We don’t want our children to think badly of their parent. We don’t know what to say or which words to use. There are a lot of reasons why we don’t talk to our children about alcoholism , but none of them are good ones.Talking to children about alcoholism is not hard. NOT talking to children about alcoholism and addiction is hard. Maybe not in the moment, when it feels easier, and maybe even kinder, to cover things up, but in the future when a child's issues borne from misunderstanding, misinterpretation and lack of communication take flight.In an easily understood, beautifully illustrated style, "Daddy's Disease" helps families to navigate the difficult waters of alcoholism.Tommy doesn't know why his father doesn't show up for dinners, or soccer games or why he acts funny sometimes. Tommy thinks it's because his father doesn't want to be with him, that he hasn't been the best boy he can be, that he should try harder. But, Mommy tells Tommy that Daddy has a disease called "alcoholism." She helps Tommy, and his faithful dog Murphy, understand what this disease is and how it affects Daddy, and the whole family. She teaches Tommy that he is not responsible for Daddy's behavior and that gives Tommy the peace he needs to foster a healthy childhood.“Carolyn Hannan Bell has given a gift to thousands of children and their parents with her book: "Daddy's Disease". A wonderful book for children who have a parent who has alcoholism. With gentle insight and poignant stories, she introduces us to 7-year-old Tommy whose father is an active alcoholic. Like most children of alcoholics, he is confused, angry and feels it's his fault. This is where Carolyn takes over the voice of Tommy's mother and holds his hand and heart while she guides them through these difficult waters.This is a children's book that everyone living with alcohol should read. Thank you Carolyn”Daniel Gottlieb, PhD Host: "Voices in the Family" WHYY FMAuthor: “Letters to Sam”, “Wisdom of Sam” and forthcoming "The Wisdom We're Born With"
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