Using Art to Strengthen Child-Parent Bonds

As parents, we are forever connected to our children by bonds of unconditional love. But those bonds, unattended, can fray. This can be the case for parents who are absent for some time, in recovery from substance abuse disorder.

Fortunately, there are ways to nurture those bonds. Mirmont Treatment Center in Media collaborates with local nonprofit Scott’s Way to keep that vital parent-child connection alive through art and creative therapy. Scott’s Way customizes creativity-based care packages — and delivers them to children of parents affected by addiction — free of charge.

“When a child receives their package, they are excited,” said Bernadette Banta, Account Manager at Mirmont. “It sends them a message from their parent who is away in recovery that ‘I am thinking about you.’ It can open a conversation between parent and child.”

Scott C. “Scotty” McNeila of Media died at age 35 in February 2020 from an accidental overdose after a 19-year battle with addiction to opioids and narcotics. He was a young teenager when he began using drugs.

Through his years of struggle, Scott never lost hope. He stayed close to and was loved by his family and friends. Scott created a large portfolio of freehand pencil sketch images that capture the power of addiction on the mind, body and soul. He also created renderings of his family and their favorite musicians — gifting them on special occasions.

“Scott’s Way is making a huge impact on the communities we serve,” Bernadette said. “It has afforded them the ability to provide education around mental health and substance use disorder while making a statement that those who suffer from this disease are good people and do love their families despite their behaviors.”

The creativity packages include age-appropriate kits for making items such as bracelets, jewelry and chimes, as well as coloring books, canvases, paints, crayons, markers, journals, puzzle books and more.