There is no manual for being a parent. When you are in recovery, or thinking about recovery, parenting can seem extra challenging. You may find it difficult to think about juggling meetings, therapy, your sponsor, and your children. Try to be encouraged. With time, practice, and patience, you can continue being the best parent you know how to be.

Try not to beat yourself up for past mistakes. If you live in regrets, you won’t be able to move forward in recovery. You can’t change the past. All you have is today.

Give your children time to come around.  If your children are older, they may hold some resentments. Allow your children to be angry, upset, or sad. Talk to them, and let them know that you are working on yourself so that you can be present for them. Consider taking your children to therapy. Therapy will allow them to vent and heal.

Consistency will show your children that the change they see is permanent. You can’t go back and forth in between active addiction and recovery. You have to stay steadfast in recovery. This will allow your children to see that the change is permanent. The best way to stay consistent is to work your recovery program and not look back.

Don’t give up on them. Restoration and forgiveness is not an overnight process. Give them space. Allow them to have their feelings, because their feelings are valid. Talk with them when they ask questions about your past, but encourage them to follow your example today. Encourage your children not to go down the path of addiction.

Leading by example can happen at any time, children are resilient. Today is not too late to change. You can show your children a healthier way of living at any time. Change is always possible and there is never a bad time to heal the bonds between you and your children.

Encourage your children to seek their own support through Alateen or another youth oriented support group. Support groups will allow your children to meet others who have experienced similar experiences. Support groups will also provide a safe environment, which allows your children to grow.

At The Kimberly Center, we care about your recovery. The relationship between you and your children can be repaired. Call us now at 855-4-KCENTER to learn more about how treatment can repair your family relationships.