The summer of drugs and alcohol
Categories: Kids 5-7, Celeb kids, Alcohol & drugs
This summer was the first that Ellie and I both got to stay home together every single day. I didn't go to an office and she didn't go to day care or summer school. I enjoyed our time together more than I thought possible and am sad that it is over. Now that she's back in school and I am home alone, I have found myself reflecting on just how we spent our time this summer - lots of fun stuff and very little learning. I guess that is how summer is supposed to be. But upon further reflection, I realize that Ellie did learn something this summer, however unintentional.
I thank Lindsey Lohan forforcing me giving me the opportunity to talk to Ellie about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. It's a conversation I might have saved for later, when she was a bit older, but thanks to the widely reported exploits of this girl, Ellie now has a basic understanding of addiction and the difficulties of recovery.
I am not sure exactly how Ellie found out about Lindsay Lohan's troubles, but she did. And the look on her face as I explained what happened to her broke my heart. I know Ellie has to grow up sometime and learn about these things, and common wisdom has it that the earlier you begin these conversations, the better off your kids will be. But try as I might, I can't put a positive spin on the reality that Ellie's childlike adoration of Lindsay Lohan turned into an innocence-shattering lesson about poor parenting and bad choices.
I thank Lindsey Lohan for
I am not sure exactly how Ellie found out about Lindsay Lohan's troubles, but she did. And the look on her face as I explained what happened to her broke my heart. I know Ellie has to grow up sometime and learn about these things, and common wisdom has it that the earlier you begin these conversations, the better off your kids will be. But try as I might, I can't put a positive spin on the reality that Ellie's childlike adoration of Lindsay Lohan turned into an innocence-shattering lesson about poor parenting and bad choices.
Recent Posts
- Weekend Fun and Games (7/03/2009)
- Kids and Extracurriculars - When Do You Let Them Quit? (7/03/2009)
- Twitter Follow Friday on ParentDish! (7/03/2009)
- Lush Lashes (7/03/2009)
- Abigail Breslin Makes $13 a Week (7/03/2009)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DaMoKi Bob 9-11-2007 @ 1:31AM
It is a shame the way kids are dunked into the well of reality sooner than any parent would want. The unavoidable nature of this age will be dealt with as best we can until our children have children and are dealing with their problems. The cycle repeats. I too have a little girl and I was saddened when she was introduced too early to too much. Then she got married, and the good news is she seems far less the worse for wear than the fears I did battle with predicted. I am mostly a positive person, and I try to learn from the negatives, but with your kids, in the now, the fear and anxiety drive those ubiquitous “worst case” scenarios that keep us staring at the ceiling at night. Did we do it right?
You were on target in saying poor parenting and bad choices were in play with Ms Lohan. I would not be surprised if her mother was jealous. However, it seems apparent someone, sometime let her down. It was not all her fault, but now as an adult, she must assume the responsibility along with the authority for her choices and her life.
If you can be a real champion, mentor, and parent for your children, they will not have to re-raise themselves, as Ms. Lohan must. There is the best and real gift you can give Ellie.
Reply
Sandyone 9-11-2007 @ 9:22AM
Kind of like how Bobby Brady learned the bad news about his hero, Jesse James. When all is said and done, though, I'd much rather my kids learn about it from the stranger/star than from a beloved cousin or family friend.
Reply