How to Tell Your Kids You Are Going to Rehab
- Deliver News in an Age-Appropriate Way. You wouldn’t share the same information with your five-year-old as you would your 15-year-old. ...
- Give an Idea of How Long You Will Be Away. The exact length of your treatment cannot be predetermined, but give your kids an approximate time frame (4–5 weeks) based ...
- Clarify Changes to Their Routine During Your Absence. Kids of all ages need a schedule and predictability to thrive. ...
- Explain What Rehab Is. While it’s important to explain you will be living in a medical setting and cared for by doctors, also emphasize you will not be confined to ...
- Explain How You Will Stay in Touch. Explain the treatment center has rules about how often you can use the phone, facetime or email. ...
- Ask How Your Child Feels About It. Give your child an opportunity to ask questions and share how he or she feels about the news you have shared.
- Offer Support. Even young kids need to know who they can talk to while you are away. ...
Full Answer
What do you tell people when you go to rehab?
Disclosing some of your dishonesty and shortcomings will likely prove to your friends and family that going to rehab is an earnest decision. It is also possible your friends and family already know you haven't been truthful with them and coming clean can also establish a sense of trust.Aug 18, 2021
What are the 5 stages of rehab?
Don't Forget the RehabPhase 1 - Control Pain and Swelling.Phase 2 - Improve Range of Motion and/or Flexibility.Phase 3 - Improve Strength & Begin Proprioception/Balance Training.Phase 4 - Proprioception/Balance Training & Sport-Specific Training.Phase 5 - Gradual Return to Full Activity.
Can my family make me go to rehab?
So, for the most part, while your family may come up with a compelling argument for you to go to rehab (and perhaps withhold money, room, or board in exchange for such a deal), they can't legally compel you enter a rehab or treatment facility.Aug 1, 2018
How do you convince someone to go back to rehab?
Convincing someone to go to rehab can be difficult. But in many cases, it can be done....Here's how:Get educated. ... Plan an intervention. ... Avoid negative emotions and attitudes. ... Consider professional intervention. ... Don't wait until it gets worse.
What are the three phases of rehab?
Athletic trainers (ATs) have traditionally conceptualized rehabilitation programs in terms of 3 distinct physiologic phases: acute injury phase, repair phase, and remodeling phase.
How long is physical reconditioning?
Reconditioning is a group program with individualized, sport- and activity-specific elements. A physical therapist and a strength coach supervise the reconditioning program. A typical reconditioning progression can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 5 months, depending on the requirements of returning to full activity.
Can you force your child to go to therapy?
If a child is absolutely dead-set on going to therapy, and there are no safety worries like self harm or suicidal thoughts, forcing a child to go to therapy can do more harm than good. It reinforces the idea that therapy isn't really for helping, it's a punishment for bad behavior.Jun 17, 2021
What do you do when someone won't go to rehab?
How To Get A Drug Addict Into Treatment If He Refuses To Go?Try To Get Them into Court-ordered Treatment. ... Don't Make Threats. ... Be Their Friend. ... Be Confident That They Need Help. ... Offer Your Support and Encouragement During Treatment. ... Be Encouraging. ... Offer an Ultimatum. ... Allow Them To Go Voluntarily.More items...
Can my parents legally force me to go to therapy?
If you're under 18, your parents can legally bring you to treatment, whether it's a teen substance abuse treatment center, mental health treatment center, dual diagnosis treatment center, or detox facility. Even if you refuse to get into the car, they're allowed to physically carry you to treatment.
How do you keep away yourself from any kind of addiction?
Take Small Steps To Setting Patterns. Patterns don't take hold instantly. ... Stay Away From Temptations That Help Feed Your Addiction Or Bad Habits. Staying away from temptations is a lot easier than you think. ... Replace Your Old Habits With New Similar Ones. ... Love Yourself.Apr 17, 2018
How do you convince someone to go to AA?
Steps To Take To Convince Your Loved One To Get HelpLearn About Alcohol Use Disorder, And Avoid Making Excuses. ... Practice What You Will Say, And Be Specific. ... Choose The Time And Place. ... Approach And Listen With Honesty And Compassion. ... State The Consequences, But Offer Support. ... Be Prepared To Act Or Intervene.More items...•Feb 10, 2020
How to help a child with anger?
Give your child an opportunity to ask questions and share how he or she feels about the news you have shared. If he or she expresses anger, fear or sadness, remind him or her that there are no wrong feelings. If your child has no emotional reaction at all, be prepared for delayed reactions at a later time.
What do kids need to thrive?
Kids of all ages need a schedule and predictability to thrive. If different arrangements will be made for their childcare, school pick-up or extracurricular activities, you or a trusted caretaker should explain these changes as clearly as possible. A written schedule or calendar may be helpful.
How to explain treatment center rules?
Explain the treatment center has rules about how often you can use the phone, facetime or email. Tell your child how often you will try to communicate, but do not make promises. Explain while you would like to stay in touch while away, it is your child’s choice to communicate with you or not.
How to deliver news to a child?
Deliver News in an Age-Appropriate Way 1 Toddlers. Keep language simple and concrete and avoid unnecessary details. It may be appropriate to say, “Daddy is sick and needs to go away to a place where doctors can help him get better.” 2 School Age. You might approach the conversation by asking if the child has noticed any changes in your mood or behavior, such as, “Have you noticed that Mom has been really sleepy or cranky lately?” Explain these changes are tied to an illness called addiction and that you will be going to a safe place where you can get help from doctors. 3 Teenagers. Be direct and factual. Explain you are sick and have an illness caused by an addiction. Acknowledge the basics of how the addiction has affected your mood, behavior, work or relationships. Explain to your teen that doctors recommend you seek medical treatment in a setting where you can focus on getting better 24 hours a day.
Is it important to explain to kids that they are living in a hospital?
While it’s important to explain you will be living in a medical setting and cared for by doctors, also emphasize you will not be confined to a hospital bed or room. It may be helpful to show your kids pictures of the facility that display a variety of treatment settings and activities.
1. Use Age-Appropriate Language
To tell your child you’re going to rehab, meet your child at their level of comprehension. This means keeping the conversation age-appropriate. The words you’ll use and the level of detail you’ll provide depends on your child’s age and maturity levels. Break down the details as simply and directly as possible.
2. Be Honest
Explain to your child where you are going and how long you will be away. 1 Tell them you need treatment to get well. Be encouraging by saying that because you love them you want to get well, so you can be a better parent for them.
3. Explain Rehab
Explain rehab as the medical treatment that it is. Talk about the treatment center as you show your child pictures or brochures. Discuss the details of the program such as the schedule and the therapies you’ll be involved with. The more familiar your child is with where you’re going, the more comfortable they’ll feel about you going away there.
4. Discuss the Communication Rules
Talk to your child about the rules of the treatment center. Explain that you won’t be able to phone or see them as often as you would like, especially in the beginning. Find out when the first family visiting day is scheduled, and when you’ll be able to phone them. Put the dates on a calendar for them before you go.
5. Take Ownership
Your child may not have said much about your addiction, but they may know more than you think. They also may have been impacted more than you realize. Apologize for the pain you may have caused for your child. Your apology will validate their feelings.
6. Ask for Feedback
Engage your child in a two-way conversation by asking open-ended questions about how they’ve been feeling. Letting your child give you feedback will help them feel like they’ve been heard.
8. End on a Positive Note
Finish with a message of hope and reassurance. Explain that you’re going to rehab to heal and will return as a healthier, better parent. Let your child know how much you love them and how you’ll miss them while you’re gone. Make it clear that you will be coming straight home to them after rehab.
Totaling it Up: Addiction Rates Among Teenagers
Parenting a child with an alcohol or drug problem presents a staggering set of difficulties that not many parents deal with. Not every parent realizes the troubles that parents with addicted children deal with on a daily basis. Still, an alarming number of teenagers find and regularly use drugs.
Finding Help and Support For Yourself
It may feel incredibly isolating when your child has a problem with drugs or alcohol. You might feel completely out of control of the situation or inadequate as a parent. Remember that you are not alone. Finding support for yourself after telling your kid they are going to rehab helps you cope with that fact as well.
Choosing an Addiction Treatment Rehab
You need to choose a facility before telling your child they are going to rehab. Selecting a facility may seem overwhelming but multiple avenues exist to help you navigate the process. You could call your insurance provider to receive a list of facilities and treatment options covered by your plan.
Age Appropriate Conversations
How old are the children you’ll be talking with? Before you start planning the details of your conversation, first take into account the child’s age.
Why Age Matters
You may feel your child is more mature than others around their age. This may be true when it comes to school work, chores, or other aspects of their life.
Finding the Right Time
When’s the right time to talk about the drug rehab center? You know your children’s schedule and lifestyle better than anyone. When considering a time to have your talk, take into account the following factors.
Give Details About the Drug Rehab Center
Ever wonder the reason children ask, “why, all the time. Children are by nature, curious creatures and want to explore the world around them.
Know Yourself What to Expect
Make sure you also have a clear understanding of what to expect during your stay. You’ll want to know all of the program’s features and benefits before you arrive. The more you know, the calmer you’ll be. When you’re calm, your kids will instantly be more calm and open to discussion as well.
Control Your Emotions
You finally feel ready to sit down and have a talk about rehab with your kids. You’ve created a script, found the perfect time, and you know why you’re doing this.
What to Do During Break Downs
Ideally, your kids won’t even notice your struggling with tough emotions. Yet, the ideal version isn’t the most likely scenario to occur.
How to tell your kids you're going to rehab?
Family therapies recognize that each family member may display different emotional responses, all of which are valid. Family therapies are a fantastic way to alleviate you of some stress , as therapists specialize in dealing with emotional disturbances among families with addiction. You do not need to have all the answers, and therapists will help you cope with your family’s emotional weight throughout your time in rehab.
How to explain rehab to a child?
How to explain going to rehab to a child will vary depending on age versus maturity. However, you ultimately know your child better than anyone else. When explaining rehab to a child, try using some of these tips to help you get started: 1 “Mommy/Daddy is sick and needs to go see a doctor.” 2 “Mommy/Daddy is leaving to go to a special hospital.”
What is family therapy?
Family therapies are designed to analyze the family of the addict as a whole. Family functionality deals with any number of feelings within family members and coming together by uniting for one another. Lessons like these are an asset to overcome a parent’s addiction together, harmoniously and compassionately.
Is it easy to say goodbye to your kids?
It’s never easy to say goodbye to your kids, but leaving for rehabilitation may prove to be a fantastic learning experience for everyone in your family. Addressing how to tell your kids that you’re going to rehab will ultimately rely on your approach. However, how to prepare your children before you go to rehab will depend on the child’s age and needs.
How to tell your kids about rehab
If you have kids, particularly little ones, you’ll want to think carefully about how you tell them that you’re going to rehab. Make sure you share the news in an age-appropriate way. For example:
Additional tips when sharing with friends and family
Be wise about when you share. You may want to carefully select a time and place to share the news. Make sure you give your friends and loved ones plenty of time to process and accept the fact that you’re going to rehab and avoid telling them in passing.
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