The Truth About Addiction: What Every Parent Needs to Know

“Can I just have five more minutes on the tablet? Please? Just one more video.”

My son’s voice was calm. Polite. Not whining or yelling.

But I knew that tone—it wasn’t about entertainment anymore.

It was his nervous system saying, “I don’t feel okay, and this helps me feel better.”

And right there, I saw the truth about addiction—one I was never taught as a child or even as a young adult.

We were told:

Addiction is about drugs.

It only happens to “other” people.

You just need to have willpower.

But here’s the thing. Addiction isn’t always dramatic or destructive at first glance.

Sometimes, it’s subtle.

Sometimes, it hides behind screens, snacks, shopping, or scrolling.

And often—it begins in childhood.

The Comfort Trap: When Coping Turns Into Clinging

I see this all the time.

Children—especially those with ADHD, anxiety, or sensory needs—often find refuge in certain routines or objects:

The tablet after schoolThe same cartoon on loopSnacking every 30 minutesClutching a comfort toy even during play

We may shrug it off.

“They’re just kids.”

“They’ll grow out of it.”

But when a behaviour becomes a non-negotiable escape from feelings, they don’t know how to handle it…

That’s when the line blurs.

And let’s be honest—we do it too.

The Problem Isn’t the Habit—It’s the Need Behind It

Here’s what I’ve learned (and unlearned):

People—kids included—rarely become “addicted” to a thing.

They become attached to the feeling of relief it brings.

That sense of calm. Control. Escape.

Because their body doesn’t yet know how to process discomfort without it.

What does that look like in real life?

A child turns to screens every time they’re bored or overstimulated.A parent collapses into late-night binge-watching to avoid the anxiety of tomorrow.A teen scrolls endlessly because it’s the only time they feel numb.

That’s not a lack of discipline.

That’s the brain asking for help.

So What Can We Do Differently?

No lectures.

No shame.

No yanking away the “thing” they cling to.

Instead, we gently build new bridges to relief—ones that come from connection, not compulsion.

Here are a few tips and small changes that work beautifully at home or in the classroom:

1.    Name the Feeling, Not the Behaviour

Instead of:

“You’re always on the tablet!”Try:“Looks like you’re feeling tired and need a break. Want to come snuggle or do something fun together?”

You’re teaching them to identify and express emotions rather than act on them.

2.    Offer “Comfort Swaps”

Create a comfort menu your child can choose from when overwhelmed.

Include options like:

Bubble poppingDrawing a silly monsterDancing to one fun songBuilding a Lego “calm cave”Squeezing a pillow tight

Let them pick their “go-to” comfort from this list before reaching for the tablet or snack.

3.    Use Connection as a Regulator

Even 5 minutes of playful, eye-level interaction (think: jokes, silly sounds, charades) can rewire a child’s need for relief through objects.

Because regulation doesn’t come from control—it comes from connection.

4.    Create an “I’m Okay” Box

Let your child decorate a small box with things that make them feel safe and calm:

A soft fabric squareA picture of you togetherA tiny storybookA scent pouch (lavender works well!)

  When they feel overwhelmed, this becomes a physical reminder: I have tools. I am not alone.

Final Thoughts

Addiction isn’t just about substances.

It’s about trying to escape discomfort—without the tools to face it.

But we can teach our children differently.

We can model it.

We can practice it.

We can offer them safety through playful connection and quiet presence.

Because the opposite of addiction… isn’t just sobriety.

It’s belonging.

It’s being seen.

It’s feeling safe enough to sit with your feelings—and knowing someone’s sitting with you.

Need help to support your child through emotional regulation, screen-time struggles, or anxious habits?

Let’s talk. You can book a 1:1 parent support session with me here: https://topmate.io/namita_das11

And if this post made you think differently—share it.

You never know who might need a gentler understanding of what addiction really looks like.

Subscribe

Recommended Tools & Resources Purrble Companion – Interactive Calming Plush Purrble is an interactive plush companion designed to help children calm themselves in moments of stress. With a dynamic heartbeat and responsive sensors, it teaches kids to manage big emotions through soothing interactions.Hand2Mind See My Feelings Mirror. This child-safe mirror features diverse photos of real children expressing various emotions, helping kids recognise and articulate their feelings. It’s a valuable tool for developing emotional intelligence.EMOMEE 3-in-1 Calm Farm Kit: A sensory play set that includes animal toys, a sequence game, and pretend play elements designed to promote emotional regulation and mindfulness in children. Understanding Anxiety, Depression, and CBT This free online course offers insights into anxiety and depression, along with cognitive behavioural therapy techniques. It’s beneficial for parents seeking to understand and support their children’s emotional needs. Diploma in Child Psychology Gain a deeper understanding of child development and psychological factors affecting children’s behaviour. This course is ideal for parents and educators aiming to support children’s mental health effectively.

These resources are designed to provide practical support and deepen your understanding of emotional regulation and coping strategies in children.

If you need personalised guidance or have specific concerns, feel free to book a 1:1 consultation with us here: https://topmate.io/namita_das11.

Remember, fostering emotional resilience in children is a journey, and you’re not alone on this path.