5 Tips for Telling Your Kids You’re Going to a Detox Center
Going to a detox center is hard enough, telling your children are even harder. Here are a few tips for how to do it.
Are you headed to rehab soon? Are you nervous about telling your children about going to rehab?
Going to rehab and a detox center is an incredibly hard thing to do. Having to leave your kids behind makes it a million times harder.
Because of the toll rehab and addiction can take on a child, many parents think it’s best to leave their children in the dark about going to rehab. They think that the best thing to do is to make up a story about where they are or to leave out a lot of truth.
However, this is not what is best for your child. Although it will hurt, you need to tell your children you’re going to rehab.
But how do you do it?
Read on to learn how to tell your child you are going to rehab.
Explain Addiction
When talking to your children about entering rehab, the very first thing you should do is explain what addiction is.
Explain to your child that addiction is a mental illness, but that it’s one you can recover from. Tell them that the best way to recover from your illness is to attend rehab.
By telling your children you are going somewhere to get better, they won’t worry about you getting sick and dying.
Depending on their age, you may want to start by first asking them if they know you’re an addict. If they say yes, ask them how they know.
Talk About What Rehab Will Be Like
A lot of times, children’s fear of a parent going to rehab stems from the fear of the unknown.
Because of this, it’s very helpful to tell your children what rehab will be like, so they won’t be scared for you. Show them pictures of the facility, and let them know what you’ll be doing on a day-to-day basis. You can show them this website so they can learn more about what rehab looks like.
Talk about group meetings, counseling, and all the nice staff members who will be helping you overcome your illness.
Explain How Communication Will Work
Your kids are used to being able to see and talk to you every day. The idea of not being able to do this can be very scary for some children.
But, if they know what to expect beforehand, they’ll be less scared. Tell them about the communication policies of the rehab facility. If you won’t be able to talk to them for a few days in the beginning, let them know.
And, be sure to remind them that once you are better, you will return home and you’ll get to see each other every day again.
Keep Your Emotions Under Control
If you are uncontrollably crying when telling your child about going to rehab, they’re only going to feel worse.
As hard as it may be to keep your emotions in check, you need to put on a brave face for the sake of your child.
At the same time, make sure you let your child know that it is okay that they feel sad and let their emotions out
Going to a Rehab and Detox Center: Are You Ready?
Telling your child you are going to a rehab and detox center is not an easy thing to do, but once you’ve done it, you’ll feel a million times better.
If you have questions about talking to your children, let us know in the comments below.
And, be sure to check out this guide to keeping your family happy and healthy.
