Problems at Home? Oh, boy. Home life. It’s supposed to be positive and nurturing and caring and healthy. Supposed to be. The truth is, home is not always the sanctuary kids need to thrive and flourish. You know it, and so do we. Are you dealing with domestic violence? Parents or others in the house with drug or alcohol problems? Poverty? Dysfunction? Abuse? Ugh. Just writing these words (and for you, reading them) can create a sick feeling in the gut. But facing reality is what we’re about. Okay, your home life sucks. Big time. Imagine the worst. Now, what can you do about it? You’re just a kid, right? Sadly, yes. Kids are potential "victims" of the adults in their lives. This is what we meant when we said that some things are out of your control.

Even the so-called "best" families deal with these issues. What we’d like to offer here is a list of "magic bullet" solutions to all of these things, but we can’t. They simply don’t exist. But there are some things you can do:

1. Don’t blame yourself. You’re just a kid, remember? If the adults in your world are screwing up, it’s on them – NOT YOU!
2. Talk to someone. Sometimes it just helps to get it off your chest. A teacher. Someone from your church, synagogue, mosque, or temple. A coach. A counselor. A co-worker. A friend. They might be able to offer some useful advice.
3. Read a book. Believe it or not, you’re not alone. A lot of kids are dealing with the same issues you are. There are some great novels out there about kids facing alcoholism, domestic violence, drug abuse, etc. in their home lives. Escaping into a good book can take your mind off your own problems and maybe even give you some ideas for how to deal with things.
4. Get out. Go for a walk. Decide on a "safe place" like the library, a park, your grandmother’s, even the mall. Walking isn’t just good for you physically, it helps you clear your head and collect your thoughts. When you need to get out, do so, and go some place safe.

Child Abuse and Neglect: http://helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm (This comprehensive site can answer many questions and offers helpful suggestions. Contact information is provided to report abuse.)

Children of Alcoholics: http://www.nacoa.org/ (National Association for Children of Alcoholics)

http://www.al-anon.org/> (Al-Anon/Alateen – In English, French or Spanish, this site provides support resources.)

http://www.nacoa.org/pdfs/ondcpbro_rev.pdf ("It’s Not Your Fault!" brochure with tips for kids)