WHAT I LEARNED: 1.“Helping” is a tricky word in this program.  This pamphlet basically boils down to setting a good example & “Secure your own mask first” before assisting children (or anyone else for that matter).  It’s full of tips, personal stories, a checklist for parents, Steps, Traditions, slogans, & an excerpt from the pamphlet “Dear Mom & Dad” (item # P-67).

2. I’m glad to see that Alateen is encouraged in this pamphlet because I just read a passage on page 111 from “Many Voices, One Journey” (item # B-31) of something I’ve never thought about before: “You often hear asked, ‘Why are the Al-Anons so frightened of these kids?’  I don’t think we’re frightened at all of the kids.  I think we are frightened of finding out the harm we did.   …of what we have done to our children, afraid to look.”  Whoa – deep!   Although I’m not a parent, as an aunt, once I see that we all have our masks secured & are able to breathe freely, I have to let go of my fear of whatever my niece & nephew discover  … & that includes how they feel about me.