Children of alcoholic parents: a neglected issue

Little attention has been focused on the children of alcoholic families, and the few studies that have been conducted indicate that these children are at grave risk for developing long-lasting psychosocial and educational problems. Their self-esteem suffers as a result of constant conflict, inconsistency, and role confusion in the home, and it is also known that academic performance and the ability to develop positive peer relationships are also greatly affected. In an effort to determine the scope of this problem, 51 Iowa school nurses attending an Annual School Nurse Conference were queried about: a) their awareness of the problem, b) who should be responsible for intervening with these children, and c) what the role of the school nurse is in working with these youngsters. Based on their responses as well as findings in the literature, suggestions regarding appropriate nursing interventions are offered.