Wishes and Worries: Coping with a Parent Who Drinks Too Much Alcohol

A parent would reach for this book when their child begins to notice or be affected by a family member's struggles with alcohol. It provides a safe, clinical yet compassionate entry point for discussing a topic that often carries heavy weights of shame and secrecy. The story follows a young girl named Maggie who navigates the confusing ups and downs of her father's drinking, helping children distinguish between the person they love and the disease that changes their behavior. Written by experts at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, this book is specifically designed for children aged 4 to 9. It focuses on the Three Cs: that children didn't cause the drinking, can't cure it, and can't control it. By validating feelings of worry and loneliness, the book offers a sense of relief and permission for the child to focus on their own well-being and childhood joys despite the challenges at home.