Meet the MacPhersons - Children affected by Parental Substance Misuse
Listen to the scenario below
What does Dad Dave say to Jamie?
Does he tell Jamie not to worry, families sometimes go through difficult times?
Or is he honest and explains how children can become confused and sad when their parents drink a lot?
It’s easy to think another family's situation is nobody else's business or that we shouldn’t interfere however;
1 in 3 young people live with a parent who binge drinks
1 in 3 young people feel scared when they see an adult drink too much
2 in every school class in Scotland (65,000 children) live with a parent who has an alcohol problem
Research suggests that parental alcohol problems can have a serious and detrimental effect on children and young people leading to poor educational attainment, emotional difficulties, neglect and in some situations taking on inappropriate caring duties.
It can also be the case that the impact of drinking excessivley can sometimes be more subtle, such as not being able to take a child/young person to a morning swimming lesson or other activities because of hangovers or feeling unwell.
If you are worried about a young person remind them they can call Childline on 0800 1111 and if you feel a young peson’s safety is at risk, contact social services.
