The Seven C’s: Helping kids cope with addiction
Many children who grow up with addiction in their family feel responsible for their family member’s substance use disorder. They often say things like “If I didn’t laugh so loud or didn’t fight with my siblings, my mom or dad wouldn’t use drugs or alcohol.”
The first half of the 7 C’s stress that children are not responsible for the family member’s substance use or misuse. The remaining 7 C’s focus on healthy coping skills such communicating feelings and the importance of self-care. These are important messages that are woven into the activities at each Camp Mariposa weekend.
Each child who attends Camp Mariposa receives a lanyard with a laminated copy of the 7 C’s card. Children refer to the card throughout the camp weekend. Many children also receive a laminated copy of the card to take home and use as a reminder in between camp weekends. If you know a child who lives with a family member who struggles with a substance use disorder, you can print out the attached 7 C’s card and share it with them.
I didn't CAUSE it, I can't CONTROL it, I can't CURE it, BUT I can take CARE of myself, by COMMUNICATING my feelings, making good CHOICES and CELEBRATING myself.