Train Up a Child

In the final episode of this two part series on addiction we carry on our conversation on addictions within the family unit. This week we address how to talk to your kids about addictions when someone close to them is an addict. In our home our daughters were both young while Tim battled his addiction. We share how we talked to them when they were young and now as that they are a little older. Plus, we share how the different personality types/ life circumstances of each our children changed how we shared with them individually. 

Links from today's episode:

Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/

Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Questions_andamp_Answers_Is_addiction_hereditary

Lysa TerKeurst's book Made to Crave: https://madetocrave.org/

In the first nine years of our marriage, Tim battled a drug addiction while we struggled to stay married and raise our family. In this two part series we look at life inside the family unit while battling addictions. In part one we share our story and the lies we believed as both the addict and the spouse of an addict.

Whether it is your spouse, child, family member, or friend who is struggling, the battle can easily creep into a home and leave you feeling hopeless. Join us in part one as we share our story of God's redeeming grace on both of us as individuals and as a married couple.

Stay tuned for part 2, coming two weeks where we share how we talked about drugs and addictions with our own kids.

In this episode we talk about the rise of our culture's focus on suicide and what impact it is having on our kids if any. We also address the importance of keeping open dialogue with our kids, and the need to create a safety plan. 

The Bible talks of humans made up of three parts: body, soul, and spirit. 

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 emphasis my own)

When one area is run down and needing to be strengthened our entire body is effected. Mental health is certainly one area that we cannot overlook as it effects our body, soul, and spirit. How can we help our kids in a loving way that can cut through the everyday "glamour" of the idea of suicide in a way that makes an impact on our kids in a positive light?

Helping us answer these questions are registered psychologist David Buhr, fromRevelation Counselling and Psychological Services, and Cheryl Waite, a registered social worker with a private practice. 

Links on this topic:

Alberta's Mental Health Line: 1 (877) 303-2642

Kids Help Phone: 1 (800) 668-6868

Crisis Services Canada: website

As always, we encourage our listeners to join in below in the comments section. If you have a questions for either David or Cheryl please post it there and we will do our best to direct your comment to them.

Visit our website at www.trainupachild.ca for more information.

Welcome to our first episode of Train Up a Child Ministries' podcast where we share a bit about who we are and our heart for our ministry.