Notes 4-9 - Notes Children of Alcoholics*Black children...

Notes 4/9/07
Children of Alcoholics
*Black- children fall into one of a few categories.
o The Responsible One - they often show an ability to take care of themselves from a
pretty young age. They also tend to take care of other siblings and sometimes they
will even take care of the parents themselves.
•
This child provides stability for the other family members. They become
mom or dad’s confidant. They resume adult responsibilities. From an
early age they show parental like instincts.
♥ Laundry, vacuuming, cooking
♥ Picking up the slack helps maintain stability from the alcoholic.
•
They are usually the oldest or the only child. They bring a sense of calm
and stability to an otherwise chaotic family
o The adjuster - follows directions pretty easily, but they don’t feel the responsibility
to step-up to be the “responsible one.”
•
They don’t do anything to “rock the boat.” They are just looking to get
along. They make an adjustment in their life so there is the least amount
of stress possible in the family.