Something You Can’t Fix

Naomi Weinstein, director of the Center on Addiction and the Family in New York City, explains what you should know if your parent has a substance abuse problem.Q: When is a parent’s alcohol or drug use a problem?A: If the parent’s use is causing problems in your life, that’s a problem.

My Health Is Not Up For Debate

by Sama Daga

“Good morning, Dagas!” Dr. B. exclaimed, greeting my family. My family neurologist, Dr. B, worked with my mother to manage her stress-related migraines around the time I was born, and everyone in our family had grown to trust her. She was always happy, and usually it made me smile too.

Out of My Room and Into the World

by Aster McNulty

I have always been a homebody, even in elementary school. I went to the park after class with my friends, and to birthday parties. But I felt safest and happiest and most myself at home—the tiny, messy apartment I share with my parents.

Learning to Trust Myself

by Anonymous

Names have been changed.  Growing up, I believed my family was a close one. My siblings and I spent time together, and we  traveled every year to new places as a family. We lived in an apartment in East Harlem and I felt comfortable living with my parents, who mostly seemed to care for me. 

From Group Chat to Real Friends

by Zi Qi Li

Names have been changed. In 5th grade, I was diagnosed with selective mutism. Though I could speak comfortably at home with my parents and my twin sister Ada, at school I was completely mute. We were in different classes, but I’d stick by Ada at lunch. 

War Transformed Our Family

by V. T.

Growing up, everyone in my family was afraid of my mom. When she got angry, she would turn into a tiger. She’d scream loudly, and her voice turned throaty and scary. Sometimes, she even hit my younger sister and me.  Dad would also avoid mom when she wasn’t in a good mood.