We know that it can feel pretty lonely when a parent you love struggles with addiction. It may even feel like you are the only kid with these kind of problems in your family. But there are LOTS of kids just like you.
Just for kids.
This page is here for any kid experiencing a parent (or both) with addiction issues. Whether your parent stays stuck in addiction, or seeks help and gets healthy, it’s a tough thing for kids to go through. We know a lot of amazing kids just like you and below you’ll find some things that have helped them cope with their loved one’s illness, and we think it can help you too.
I deserve recovery too!
Having a parent with the illness of addiction can feel really hard. Whether a parent gets healthy or stays stuck in their addiction, every child from homes with addiction issues (COA) deserves to be ok.
Check out the ‘My rights’ page below. These are things we are working on making sure all kids from homes with addiction issues has.
Remember the Seven Cs.
There are 7 things each kid that has a family member with addiction needs to remember. Learning, remembering and practicing the Seven Cs can help kids cope with their loved one’s illness.
Practicing the Seven Cs is a great way for kids to take good care of themselves if their parent is still stuck in addiction AND while a parent works on getting healthy.
Addiction is a disease.
People with addiction aren’t bad, they have an illness that affects their brain. It changes the way they feel, think, behave and the choices they make. A brain stuck in addiction does things it wouldn’t when it’s healthy, including things that hurt the people they love.
When kids learn about addiction they start to understand that the illness is NEVER a kid’s fault.
Do you have a question about addiction or any of the other topics on this page? Let us know by sending a message!
It’s ok to have fun.
When a parent struggles with addiction kids miss out on the most important part of childhood, having FUN! All children deserve plenty of time to just be kids.
Send us an email using the link below for a surprise in the mail (Utah residents).
I deserve self care
When kids have a family member with an illness, like addiction, they can miss out on getting enough care and attention. That means SELF care is super duper important for Riley Kids to practice.
The folks at Sesame Street are experts when it comes to fun stuff for kids. Check out their self care page for a bunch of good ideas you could try.
I can be ok.
When life gets tough it can seem like things will ALWAYS be difficult. But there are LOTS of things you can do to help you be ok.
P.S. You’re not alone, we are here to help too. Scroll down to the monthly mailers to see lots of ideas you can use to take care of yourself.
Monthly Mailer activity packets
March.
This month we are taking a look at some of the many different ways kids can stay safe. This includes preventing injury, asking for help and knowing how to identify safe people and places.
Safety Infographics
More on safety.
Try these more advanced safety activity sheets.
February.
Riley Kid Recognition Week 2021, February 8 - 14th. This month we are focusing on celebrating how amazing kids from homes with addiction issues are.
Want to join our 2021 Art Show?
My masterpiece activity.
Here is a worksheet to get you started on a masterpiece of your very own. Once you have finished your art work, follow the directions to submit so we can hang it in our online gallery!
Riley Kids deserve recognition!
January.
We think kids from homes with addiction issues are rad, resilient, and worth a whole week of celebrating! We are preparing for Riley Kids Recognition Week February 8-14th 2021 with art & self care!
Having an attitude of gratitude.
November.
Riley kids know that life isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s important to take time to practice gratitude. Having gratitude is a skill that can help kids have more fun AND get through life’s challenging moments .
Change is hard, change is good.
Fall.
Life is full of change. One thing that helps us cope with change is having supportive people in our lives. There are lots of ways for Riley Kids to build a support network. You are never alone. You are part of our team!
Growth & new beginnings.
Spring.
Every kid is already amazing. Just like a garden, when they get the care they need, they grow to be spectacular!
Purposeful positivity.
Summer.
There are lots of ways kids can help care for themselves. One thing ANYone can do is practice positivity.
United in recovery.
July.
We think all of the Riley Foundation kids are so special & awesome. We are lucky to have so many great kids on our “team” and as our friends.
I’m ok.
One reason you may feel like you are the ONLY kid in a home with addiction issues, is because it’s a problem that most people find really hard to talk about. The truth is, 1 in 8 kids comes from a home like yours. There are so many kids that have faced the same challenges you are now, who grew from awesome kids into amazing adults.
Matt.
Marianne.
Danielle.
.
Meet Shannon.
As a child Shannon grew up in a home with addiction issues. Reading books about topics she relates to is one way she copes with having a loved one with the illness of addiction.
Scroll down to see a list of books she recommends to other kids like her (and you!).
Book spotlight: Timbi Talks About Addiction, by Trish Healy Luna & Janet Healy Hellier.
Have a book you’d like to share?
Submit your book recommendation using the form below.