The booklet from Action for Prisoners’ Families provides guidance for families on telling children when their father or mother goes to prison. It covers deciding what to say, tailored for different ages and situations. It discusses the impacts imprisonment can have on children like bedwetting, tantrums, jealousy, depression, anger, and school refusal. Tips are provided for handling these behaviors and supporting children through the changes. The booklet emphasises honesty, routine, praise, and communication. It highlights the importance of reassurance that a parent going to jail is not the child’s fault. Resources are listed such as APF’s own children’s books, the Offenders’ Families Helpline, and agencies providing counseling. Overall, the guide aims to help families support children coping with the challenges of parental imprisonment.
CONTENTS:
- Caring for Children on your own
- What to tell the Children
- Your Situation
What if you were the victim?
What if you just say nothing?
Making up a story
Where to start?
Telling and reassuring a child
What could be the outcome of telling the children?
Coping with the situation
- How will things change for the children?
- Children’s Reactions
Bedwetting
Temper tantrums
Jealousy
Depression
Anger
Refusing to go to school
- Helpful Tips
FREE PDF DOWNLOAD OF TELLING THE CHILDREN (BOOKLET FOR FAMILIES OF PRISONERS)
