National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA)

NACoA is grateful for each and every caring adult - professionally or personally – who makes a difference in the life of a child impacted by the disease of addiction in the family. Thank you for all you do to make a difference in their lives.? We appreciate you!

Gratitude isn’t just for adults. Pint-sized, it helps children balance out negative emotions and stress, find more energy, and increase overall contentment. Even when things are hard and times are challenging, being grateful for seeing a beautiful red cardinal, hearing a baby brother giggle, or smelling fresh baked cookies can help brighten a moment, a mood, and a child’s overall attitude. It isn’t minimizing the hardship, it’s an acknowledgement that there are also beautiful moments each day as well. NACoA’s infographic How to Help Children Develop an Attitude of Gratitude provides some great ideas on how caring adults can help nurture an attitude of gratitude in children they love. https://lnkd.in/gSp2GTKw

As we prepare for the upcoming holiday, many ACOAs feel like an inadequate, incapable young child when returning home and spending time with relatives. So often, many relive past pain, shame, and blame as they continue the struggle with unhealthy family members. Today’s blog details the importance of hearing the voice of our younger selves, and taking steps to heal the child within: “By addressing these parts of ourselves in need of healing, we allow them to grow up with us, leading to emotional maturity, self-compassion, and a stronger sense of self.” Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/dvE6b6qA

Mark your calendar! #GivingTuesday is one week away! Anna was just eight years old, but already often wondered if she was the reason her dad drank. She felt powerless to change things at home, leaving her feeling isolated and scared. Everything began to change for Anna when her dad found recovery and she participated in a program supported by NACoA. Through this program, she learned about the illness of addiction and, most importantly, the NACoA Seven Cs. Anna discovered that she didn’t cause her dad’s drinking, couldn’t cure it, and couldn’t control it. But she also learned that she could take care of herself by talking about her feelings, making healthy choices, and celebrating the unique and wonderful person she is. Help children like Anna break free from the shame, blame, and confusion when addiction grips a family. YOU CAN CHANGE LIVES for children impacted by the disease of addiction. Your generosity can help more families like Anna’s find their way toward #HopeAndHealing. Donate Today: https://lnkd.in/eU8z5E-H

Save the Date – COA Awareness Week 2025 Join the growing number of caring adults from around the world who come together each year for this important week of advocacy and care for children impacted by the disease of addiction. We can break the silence that isolates them and show them they are not alone. More information is coming in December so you can create your own advocacy plans and events! Together we can shine a light around the world on these hidden hurts and bring hope and healing to COAs everywhere.

During American Education Week, and all year long, NACoA appreciates all that our teachers do for our kids & teens. Today's blog is devoted to them: "We know that teaching can be both immensely rewarding and incredibly challenging. That’s why it’s so important during American Education Week to remind teachers how much they are appreciated. Every word of encouragement they offer, every skill they impart, and every moment of care they extend leaves an indelible mark on their students’ lives." Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/dZQs75dW

Today's blog features unique challenges of grieving children when addiction impacts the family: "When a death due to SUD occurs, the silence surrounding addiction stifles the grieving process. Children and families are often put down or have their grief minimized because of societal ignorance with comments like: “their parents are choosing to get drunk or high!” “your parents chose drugs and alcohol over their children!” or “your mom chose to take drugs and that’s why she died.” Kids may not feel safe discussing their pain, for fear of judgment or misunderstanding." Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/daedgWtK

So often, even in the loss of a loved one to addiction, children are the first hurt and last helped. These deaths are different than when cancer or a heart attack steals the life of a parent. With addiction, it isn't talked about, or may be done with great anger/ blame/ resentment/ shame. Many times, meals and flowers aren't provided to support the family. The home isn't visited by caring adults providing love and support. Sometimes children are removed from the home altogether. The soothing practice of reminiscing about a person with loved ones may never be done with kids. Even in death, it is important to separate the parent from the disease, and help kids and teens with their grief. Learn more about how to help these children impacted by the disease of addiction, as they grieve those they love: https://lnkd.in/e9GYuf67