fact or fiction
Is it fact or merely fiction? Fact or Fiction explores the myths and beliefs we hold about our family dynamics, traditions, and if there's such thing as a 'perfect family.'
Drug Addict Parent
Having a drug addict parent isn't the most ideal thing to live or grow up with, having one of your parents be addicted to drugs is the last thing a child would want. From my experience from having a drug addict parent is that every time he didn't have anything to smoke or a lighter he would lash out at me or just yelling at me didn't have me feel safe with him at all, I was mostly afraid that he was going to hit me because he would get so mad to the point where he could actually hurt me or his dog. Talking with a non-addicted parent, relative, or teacher, that one of their parents has an addiction is not an easy conversation, but it is one that needs to happen. And ignoring the issue or trying to pretend that it doesn't exist is never a good idea and only leaves the kids wondering if this is the way everyone's life is. Even if you're not talking about their parents' addiction, kids still know it still exists, plus covering it up or pretending that it is not a big deal doesn't protect them from the pain that the addiction causes them. They are still impacted, in fact, talking about the addiction openly and honestly, can actually help them find healthier ways to cope with the trauma they're experiencing. Once you've resolved to talk to a child about their parent's addiction, it's important to educate yourself first, you want to be sure you're sharing accurate information. Likewise, you should keep your conversations age-appropriate. Additionally, you're able to share the truth about their parent's addiction and dispel some of the lies they may believe-like the faulty belief that they are somehow to blame or that they can "help" their parent get well. These types of beliefs can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms in kids, such as codependency. For instance, for kids younger than years old, you need to remember that they still view the world from a me-centered perspective. Consequently, they are likely to blame themselves or believe they did something to cause the addiction, reassure them that their parent loves them, but they just have a disease and needs help. Also, remind them that you love them and are there to support them. When it comes to tweens, you want to make sure they have all the facts about their parent's addiction, at this age, it's tempting for them to piece together what they do know and try to come up with their own explanations. Your goal should be to keep that from happening. So, make sure you answer all their questions openly and honestly. You also can invite the tween to come to you anytime they are upset or confused and need some answers. Finally, when talking with teens, the first thing you need to consider is that they may feel resentful of the addiction, this may be especially true if the addiction has required them to miss time with their friends due to taking care of younger siblings or doing extra chores. If you can, try to give the teen opportunities to participate in activities or to take up a hobby that builds their self-esteem, but my father would always yell at my sister at every softball game she has, he would like to spend almost all his money on drugs rather then his own kid's witch really made things hard to go to my sister's games and hard to stay at hotels for a few nights for the games. But what really scares me is that my Dads' whole family is addicted to drugs, I just don't want to have to resort to drug's if I feel alone or depressed, or just to make me feel happy, or just to help me go to sleep at night when I have trouble sleeping. I'd rather stay away from the drugs and my Father, I just hate the fact that drugs make my father turn into a different person, he just turned into a violent person, and abusive, as well as verbally abusive to their family. That is why you should talk to your kids about drugs from a parent, siblings, and or aunts or uncles, it is important to talk about these thing's to their kids so that they can be safe and say no when they go to a party and they have drugs
By Catherine Burrell5 years ago in Families
Don't Quite Fit
It started at age 5. My grandmother begin telling me a story of, how my mother left me in the hospital laying on the bed. She said that my mother climbed out of the window. She said I didn't expect to see you laying there by yourself. I felt that my very existence did not matter to the woman that brought me into this world. I begin to believe that, I wasn't worthy enough of my mother's acceptance. I was so glad of the day my grandma came to welcome me to earth. I would have never known how great and special she was to me. My mother and grandmother live a house away on the same street and the same side of the street. I will never forget the day at age 5 I cried all that day, not knowing why, until I heard a voice calling my grandmother's name. My mother screamed and yelled "Ruby" repeatedly. She slowly walked to the door humbly asked my mother could she help her. My mother responded I want my son back. On that very day I felt like I didn't "quite fit in". My life flash before me. My grandmother said softly that's your mother you have to go with her. I went with her being obedient to the commands of grandma. As I entered my mother's house I felt cold and gloominess overshadow me. I didn't quite fit. My heart said I don't belong. Torture begin as soon as I enter my mother house. The dark side of her heart showed me that I didn't quite fit. I question myself, am I in the right place with the right person. Grandma never treated me this way. Was it that by me being born cause this punishment upon me? I didn't quite fit! This woman wants to kill me. The 32 oz cup of water I had to drink back to back. Made me feel like I didn't quite fit. The scorching water she made me take baths in, made me feel like I didn't fit. The beer I was force to drink, I didn't quite fit. Being tied to a bed frame and whipped with a water hoes "say I don't fit. My sister and I are a year apart. It was weird to me that she never did any wrong in the eyes of my mother. She could burn the house down, but yet I'll get blamed for it. Clothes left laying on the floor it does matter who done it I will get blamed.
By Everette Dwayne Ates5 years ago in Families
Wilson The Success
Wilson, born January 1st, in a presidential suite at his father’s promotion party, would say blessings are more than a reality if you believe. Picture a room full of board directors and accountants, dining, drinking, and talking of how their futures are only going up from here; it’s a UFC fight night type of party. Jonica, who is Wilson’s mother, is by the bar with John, his father. Jonica is verbalizing how proud she is of him, and as he says thank you, Jonica’s water breaks. Now here is where it gets interesting; they didn’t even know they were expecting. As the two watched each other, someone in the party scream, “OMFG, she having a baby, call 9 11” John and Jonica are still eyeing each other, and no words are shared amongst one another until the ambulance arrives.
By Jessica A. Fox5 years ago in Families
The Drag Race
My three-year-old little brother, David, and I were down in the cold basement of our house. I was trying to set up a vintage racing car set, given to me by our landlord's adult son. While my brother was mincing around trying to get my attention, to no avail.
By Attila Jacob Ferenczi5 years ago in Families
Australian Everglades
My great Grandfather Luke was born and raised as the only child in the deep Australian Everglades. Not having any siblings or friends he entertained himself with the animals he would come across on his adventures. Or should I say the animals would entertain him.
By Brenda Lee Lord-Hinger5 years ago in Families
