Mommy's Disease: Helping Children Understand Alcoholism

by Carolyn Hannan Bell

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, "Mommy's Disease" helps families navigate the difficult waters of alcoholism.Mila doesn't know why her mom doesn't show up for dinners, or soccer games or why she acts funny sometimes. Mila thinks it's because her mom doesn't want to be with her, that she hasn't been the best girl she can be, that she should try harder. But, Daddy tells Mila that Mommy has a disease called "alcoholism." She helps Mila, and her faithful dog Annie, understand what this disease is and how it affects Mommy, and the whole family. He teaches Mila that she is not responsible for Mommy's behavior and that gives Mila the peace she needs to foster a healthy childhood.Praise for "Daddy's Disease":“Carolyn Hannan Bell has given a gift to thousands of children and their parents with her "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 "Voices in the Family" WHYY “Letters to Sam”, “Wisdom of Sam” and forthcoming "The Wisdom We're Born With"

46 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2014

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a children's mental health professional who has to help children understand and cope with parent dysfunction. This book is good enough for older elementary and tweens. Books about what a child is experiencing help the child feel less alone, and gives a starting place for for discussion: How is this child like you? How are they different? What would say to this child?

[Amanda Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on such a confusing subject for young children!