Books, Blogs and Videos That May Help When Talking With Children About Alcohol and Alcoholism
by Lisa Frederiksen
This post is a compilation of resources that may help you with talking with children at various ages.
The first is a video clip about Vanessa Van Paetten. She hosts a blog, Radical Parenting, that is excellent and helps parents understand the world of teens, which is so important to maintaining the critical communication avenues with one’s teen as they go from middle through high school.
This next is a website that was recommended to me by Jon Fishman, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, Edwards AFB. It’s called Human Relations Media, and is “one of the leading K-12 publishers of supplemental educational products in the United States specializing in video-based programs in a variety of subject areas including Health, Drug Education…..”
And lastly, a friend of mine, Karin Bloom, M.S., who has worked extensively with young children for years and is presently a school counselor, suggested these two books and video for use when trying to help children understand alcoholism.
Bottles Break by Nancy Tabor
Book review from School Library Journal: Grade 1-4. The deceptively simple format of this picture book belies its serious message. A young narrator, the child of an alcoholic mother, reveals feelings of fear, confusion, and low self-esteem. Bottles, which can be beautiful, are the symbol of the chaos of a household in which the driving force is the desire for alcohol. The alienation and erratic behavior of the parent and the child’s hurt are described in simple language. The youngster is encouraged by a caring teacher to see the mother’s actions as the manifestation of an illness, and is given coping skills to get through the difficult times. Graphic cut-paper collage illustrations provide strong visual impact; a spread depicting broken bottles and a broken mother figure is particularly effective. From the tiny figure on the first page (”That is what I feel like. I feel very small and like I do not count”) to the large, multilayered figure on the last page (”Now I do not feel like that little speck anymore. I am getting bigger and bigger every day”), words and pictures skillfully convey the transition made possible through self-expression, affirmation, and support. The last page provides advice on getting help, including contact information for several support organizations. A useful book, particularly in counseling settings. Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
This next book is out of print but worth reading if you can find a copy on ebay or in a library: Pepper by Elaine L. Melquist, Frederick County Council on Alcoholism, Inc. (1974). Book description: Pepper is the story of a puppy whose owner becomes alcoholic.
“Pepper and You’re Not Alone: Supportive Education for Children of Alcoholics” is a 15-minute video. Video description: Based on the 1974 book for children by Elaine L. Melquist. “You’re Not Alone” features Jerry Moe, MA, and children benefiting from support groups for COAs and helps prepare children to respond appropriately and comfortably to friends and classmates.
Please add your suggestions for blogs, videos and books that you have found helpful when talking with children or teens about alcoholism or alcohol abuse.
