How do you explain a parent's addiction to a young child-truthfully, gently, and without making the child feel responsible?
Alex loves Dad's piggyback rides, silly jokes, and warm hugs. But lately, Dad has not always seemed like himself. He forgets important things, sleeps when the sun is up, and sometimes makes the house feel loud and confusing.
When Dad packs a bag and leaves for treatment, Alex wonders if he caused it. Dad gives him the words every child in this situation needs to hear: addiction is a grown-up problem, getting help is a grown-up responsibility, and none of it is the child's fault.
Through honest, age-appropriate language and warm, reassuring storytelling, The Medicine That Isn't Working helps children understand that addiction is an illness, children do not cause it and cannot fix it, and it is okay to love someone while also feeling angry, sad, scared, or confused. The story also reminds children that they can talk to a safe grown-up and that treatment and recovery can take time.
After the illustrated story, families will find simple child-safe truths, gentle questions that help children share what they are experiencing, conversation scripts for parents and caregivers, guidance for answering difficult questions, and reassurance for the grown-up leading the conversation.
This gentle picture book is a thoughtful conversation starter for families, caregivers, counselors, educators, social workers, and other trusted adults supporting a child affected by a parent's addiction, treatment, or recovery.
The Medicine That Isn't Working is the first book in The Honest Words Series-stories that help families tell the truth tenderly, one hard conversation at a time.
