Below is a excerpt from the article:
Despite the suffering these children endure, many blame themselves for their parent’s substance abuse. They believe it when their parents scream that they wouldn’t drink so much or use other drugs if the children didn’t fight, or rooms were kept clean or grades were better. Some children try to control the drinking or drug use by getting all A’s, or keeping the house spic and span, or getting along perfectly with their siblings. Others withdraw, hoping not to create any disturbance that might cause a parent to drink or use. Few realize that children cannot cause a parent to drink or use drugs, nor can they cure a parent’s substance problem.
Kids tend to think everything that is happening in their world is a direct result of something they have or have not done. So sad, but true. A lot of the children we help also worry about their parents. If they don't see them daily they wonder if they are ok. Are they healthy? Are they in jail? Are they alive? I was the CASA for a little girl. When I went to visit the first question she would ask me was, "Is my Mom ok? Where is she living?" She wouldn't relax until I assured her that Mom was healthy and had a place to live. She had assumed the caregiver role early in life. She was only 8!
Below is a link to the rest of the article. It might help you gain some insight into how those little minds think.
Have a great day :-)
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