Note: This article is about adult children of alcoholics (commonly abbreviated as ACAs or ACOAs). However, the dynamics that are described apply to adults who grew up in an array of dysfunctional circumstances, including those with parents who were mentally ill, abusive, or addicted to other substances. Feeling out of control is scary for most …
Adult Children of Alcoholics and the Need to Feel in Control Read More »
Growing up in an emotionally neglectful or dysfunctional family usually leaves social-emotional deficits that follow us into adulthood. Learning to reparent yourself can help you heal and become the emotionally healthy adult you hope to be. Are you self-critical and overly harsh with yourself? Or are you too permissive with yourself – not setting limits …
Experiencing emotional abandonment in childhood can make us feel anxious, distrustful, ashamed, and inadequate – and these feelings often follow us into adulthood and make it difficult for us to form healthy, trusting relationships. In this article, you’ll learn how to begin healing the psychological effects of abandonment. What is emotional abandonment? Emotional abandonment means …
Healing the Psychological Effects of Abandonment Read More »
Codependents and people who grew up in dysfunctional families often struggle with self-care. But you can learn what true self-care is and how to tend to your needs. Do you struggle with self-care? Self-care is especially hard for those who grew up in dysfunctional families and/or developed codependent traits. Codependents struggle with self-care because they …
Treat Yourself Like a Toddler (and Other Tips for Those Who Struggle with Self-Care) Read More »
Growing up in an alcoholic or dysfunctional home After I wrote about growing up in an alcoholic family, I got a lot of requests for additional reading suggestions. We are fortunate that there are many helpful books for Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) on healing codependency, trauma, and relationship challenges. Below are some of my …
