The importance of family to health, development and welfare of children

Abstract

Objectives. Recent investigations have shown that a number of families in Greenland have problems related to parents’ use of alcohol. One of the consequences is that children get more difficult conditions during childhood. Children suffer when their parents have alcohol-related problems. An alcoholic parent is generally not able to meet the needs of his or her child. Many children are very lonely and do not discuss their thoughts, their situation or their problems with anyone. Some children get serious psychosocial problems as grownups.

Results and Conclusions. Professionals who work with children in health services, social services or within the school system are generally not adequately aware of the importance of family to the children’s reactions. This means that the children are at risk of being treated only for symptoms when the unity of child and family is not adequately taken into account. Prevention has to focus on the first steps. Children must be allowed to talk about their problems. The whole family should be included in the treatment.

Key Words:

• parental alcohol disorder
• children of alcoholics
• children at risk