When I look at a group of kids and I say, “If I gave you a stick of gum, could you chew it just once?” and they all say, “Oh, no.” And then I say, “Well, that’s just what it’s like for mom (or dad)” and then their eyes get big, and they’re like, “Oh, that’s hard!” And they get it.

Christine McNichol, Renascent children’s program counsellor, shares insights on helping children in families impacted by addiction.