NCJ Number
165628
Date Published
1995
Length
85 pages
Annotation
This book, written especially for teenagers and older children whose parents have major problems associated with abusive behavior, alcohol abuse, or mental illness, recognizes that troubled parents are not all the same.
Abstract
Some parents are abusive or neglectful, and their children may find them cruel or uncaring. Other parents suffer a great deal due to a mental illness or a painful loss, and their children may pity them and feel helpless about their suffering. In some instances, parental problems show up most clearly as particular behaviors the child wishes the parent would stop. Still other parents are always unhappy and complain to their children about how miserable they are. A clear sign that a parent has serious problems is when he or she cannot look at the needs, feelings, and thoughts of the child. Parents who take too much responsibility also cause problems for children. Some parents fault themselves at all the wrong times and leave the child confused about what can reasonably be expected from the parent. Different kinds of problems encountered by parents are described, and the way in which these problems affect children is discussed. The focus is on selfishness, mistreatment, pain, feelings, scapegoating, and power struggles. Guidelines to help children deal with the effects of parental problems are offered, and the need to obtain professional help is emphasized.