WITH summer in full swing, many of us may be tempted to reach for a glass or two of our favourite tipple in the garden or while enjoying the sport on TV. But when alcohol begins to negatively impact our lives and those of our children, it should be time to pause and reflect.

Alcohol Awareness Week is a campaign from Alcohol Change UK, which ran from July 1-7 as a reminder of the potential harm caused by drinking to excess and as an opportunity to learn more about the role it plays in our society.

Alcohol is sometimes a contributing factor in cases of abuse and neglect of children. Last year the NSPCC Helpline took an average of six calls a day from adults concerned about a child linked to alcohol or substance misuse. In the same timeframe, our Childline counsellors delivered over 300 sessions on this issue to children too.

Alcohol misuse is when someone’s drinking becomes harmful or they become dependent on drink. While it might have negative effects on that person, it can harm their family too. Children can lose their sense of safety and security. Their schoolwork and friendships can suffer and they may blame themselves for their parents drinking. As children get older, they can be at risk of behavioural or emotional problems, poor school attendance, low grades or may feel separation from their parents. Living with a parent who has alcohol dependence can leave them feeling scared, lonely, confused, neglected and ashamed. It’s a problem that isn’t spoken about enough and can become a family secret.

Signs that families might be experiencing problems due to alcohol misuse could include a change in the parent’s behaviour, difficulty controlling emotions or acting irrationally. Children may become withdrawn or develop behavioural or mental health problems, or may take on caring for parents or siblings. It’s important they know it’s not their fault and there is help.

Many of us may think, “What if I’m wrong?” when the question needs to be “What if I’m right?”. By making subjects such as alcohol misuse a normal topic of conversation we may break a cycle of secrecy that leaves many children in turmoil, and encourage adults to be more vigilant about the welfare of children and young people and speak out. Care must be taken when dealing with this situation. But children living with an alcohol dependent parent should never be left to cope on their own. Talking to a safe, trusted adult can help them and their parent get the right support.

If you’re concerned about a parent or child living with alcohol misuse, call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Childline is here for children and young people on 0800 1111 or our one-to-one chat service at childline.org.uk