Alcoholic parents have rules for their children. The rules are designed to make the parent’s life easier. Here are some of the unspoken rules.

• Don’t think.
• Don’t talk.
• Don’t tell us your problems.
• Don’t ask questions.
• Don’t want.
• Don’t need.
• Be here and be quiet.
• Don’t get in trouble.
• Don’t cause problems.
• Don’t need anything from us.
• Don’t bother us.
• And, don’t have struggles.

It’s not just alcoholic homes that have rules that hindered emotional growth. Lots of struggling parents have rules to help the family survive. This is not about blaming anyone. Rather, it’s a chance for an individual to review the rules of their home when they were a child.

Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on your childhood.
Where you heard, enjoyed, and emotionally supported?
Did any of the above rules exist in your family?
If so, how have those rules shape you?

Prayer

Father, thank you for my sacrificial, imperfect parents. Even in their weakness I know they loved me. I honor them. But, I want greater emotional health and wellness than my parents. Starting today and for a thousand days will you bless and grow me? And, thank you for always being willing to hear me. Amen.

Bible Connection

doing nothing from selfish ambition or vain glory, but with humility of mind regarding one another as more important than yourselves, not merely looking out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Phiippiansl 2:3-4 (LSB)