Children of alcoholics are more likely to be raised by parents with poorer cognitive abilities and in an environment lacking stimulation. A lack of stimulation in the rearing environment may account in part for the pattern of failure found in COAs compared with non-COAs. COAs are more likely to be truant, drop out of school, repeat grades, or be referred to a school counselor, or psychologist. The actual reasons have yet to be determined. There is an increasing body of scientific evidence indicating that risk for later problems, and even alcoholic outcomes is detectable early in the life course and, in some instances, before school entry.
Children of alcoholics have greater difficulty with abstraction and conceptual reasoning.
Abstraction and conceptual reasoning play an important role in problem solving, whether the problems are academic or are situation related to the problems of life. Therefore, children of alcoholics might require very concrete explanations and instructions. Develop a strong social orientation and social skills. Develop a close bond with a care-giver. Cope successfully with emotionally hazardous experiences.