How Do You Talk to Children About Addiction? A Conversation with Jerry Moe

In this episode, we are also joined by Jerry Moe, MA., an infectiously passionate advocate for children impacted by addiction, to discuss his remarkable journey and the incredibly pivotal work that he is doing with Sesame Street. Jerry is the Senior Clinical Advisor at National Association for Children Impacted by Addiction (NACoA). He is the National Director of Children's Programs, Emeritus, at Hazelden Betty Ford. Jerry is an author, speaker, and consultant on issues for children and families hurt by addiction. Jerry's work is featured in the PBS documentary Lost Childhood and has contributed to Emmy Award-winning programs on both Nickelodeon and PBS's Sesame Street.Jerry opens up about his personal experiences growing up in a family with a history of alcoholism, sharing how he navigated his own struggles while witnessing his parents find recovery. His story reflects the importance of healing early on, as he emphasizes the need for support and guidance for children facing similar challenges.We also dive into Jerry's impactful work on Sesame Street, on which he collaborates with a dedicated team to create resources aimed at helping children understand and cope with the complexities of addiction. Jerry illustrates how these concepts can empower young minds with a focus on the "7 Cs" (principles that guide children in recognizing and caring for themselves while dealing with familial struggles).Jerry reveals how, via engaging activities and compassionate storytelling the team creates safe spaces for children to express their feelings and understand that addiction is a disease, not a personal failing. As he shares heartfelt anecdotes from his experiences, it becomes clear that the goal is to educate children and help families heal and build healthier legacies.Tune in to hear Jerry's inspiring insights and learn how you can support children navigating the challenges of addiction in their lives. This episode is truly a testament to the resilience of families and the transformative power of empathy and understanding!In This Episode:[02:12] - Learn how Jerry struggled with alcoholism in his family but found recovery and support in programs.[05:49] - Mark Twain emphasized the importance of understanding one's purpose in life.[06:40] - Jerry respects Sesame Street for addressing children's trauma and advocating for affected families.[09:47] - Jerry discusses how the Seven Cs guide kids' healing, emphasizing self-care and healthy choices for recovery.[11:07] - Jerry aimed to create a child-centered program for families impacted by addiction and healing.[14:43] - Jerry emphasizes reframing addiction discussions to separate the disease from the loved ones affected.[16:58] - Hear how children enthusiastically engage with the concepts of treatment and recovery to combat addiction.[18:57] - Jerry wants to prevent children from experiencing addiction trauma by promoting early healing.[21:02] - Jerry calls attention to a flawed statistic about kids living with addiction, noting that reality shows an even higher prevalence.[23:12] - Kids often understand more about their surroundings than adults realize; communication should be careful.[25:00] - Jerry notes that children often share feelings in programs, using age-appropriate explanations about addiction.[28:07] - Trauma leads kids to blame themselves, but shifting the narrative can spark healing and realization.[30:59] - Jerry touches upon double standards in treatment and argues that connections between moms and kids improve recovery.[34:21] - Rachel discusses a new program for women and children, addressing treatment's stigma and impact.[35:06] - Stigma keeps people sick.[38:29] - How can we combat stigma?Links and R