I used to see no way to keep my child safe at home. I was so worried about the escalating behaviors that I couldn’t see a way to keep my family together. After years of research and experience with trauma (particularly prenatal drug and alcohol exposure), my heart breaks for our children. I want to find a better way to parent.
Sometimes residential treatment is necessary. Before we consider it, let’s try some things first. Connect with your child. Respond with patience. Do your research about substance exposure, and childhood trauma. Learn techniques to maintain control of your own emotions.
However, if you are unable to keep your child or others safe, you need to consider outside help. That’s where you must take action. That’s when residential treatment comes into the picture.
Ask yourself 3 questions
- Is this child able to keep himself, or herself, safe?
- Am I able to keep this child safe?
- Am I able to keep my other children, and my home, safe?
The decision to seek residential treatment is not one to be taken lightly. Consider all of your options first.
Are you in a place with your child where residential treatment is a reality? Are you struggling to know whether you should consider it? Share with us in the comment section below.
