Yes, it is possible that you are using your child addictively. Anything that you use to gain love and avoid pain can actually become an addiction. It does not help that for most people, their child can fill up an internal emptiness that is present in each person. And this fact is particularly true when you don’t have a long partner who looks out for your wants and needs. You may be using your child as the substitute for the love you need from your partner.

If you realize that this is what you’re doing, stop it immediately. You are putting an undue burden on your children as they feel that they need to love you more and better to fill the loneliness in you. Children who feel responsible usually end up becoming caretakers to their parents; they give up their future in order to see to your needs. The opposite is also possible; the child may rebel against the parents because he feels too restricted.

So if you are a selfish parent, go ahead and continue to be addicted to your child; destroy his future and his life. On the other hand, if you are a loving parent, do your best to give love to your child and see to his needs instead of the other way around. That way, he will grow up to be a happy and healthy child.