Yesterday I shared on the importance of establishing SAFETY for a child. Without safety a child can not learn, connect, digest, play, sleep or pay attention. Over half of you expressed that you had a caregiver who frequently numbed with alcohol or drugs. You said this made you feel unsafe, as well as these other responses listed in the graphic.
Please note, “needing a drink” (alcohol) can be replaced with needing a donut, a scroll on social media, sex, or shopping online. Numbing is numbing, only you know what takes you away from your reality.
This isn’t to judge or shame you. This is to empower you. My hope is that this page brings you insight, challenges you, and perhaps if you’re ready, provides a catalyst or starting point for you to heal + break cycles.
You don’t have to parent the way you were parented. You can become conscious of your choices + respond differently. You can provide your children the childhood you always wanted, but never had. You can show them that they can do hard things because you can do hard things. You can model healthy coping skills. You can be their safe place. This is how we move mountains for generations to come.