Parenting is difficult enough as it is but parenting while inside a prison, where one is virtually helpless, can be both challenging and frustrating. Parents behind bars do not see their kids as often and they could not be with them even for major school or life events.
Contact between parents and children is dependent on so many factors including prison rules. Fortunately, the Family Connection Center of the Department of Corrections makes the connection among families possible through a variety of ways.
If physical visits are not possible then they can opt for video visits through Skype. Other parents send their recorded messages to their children while others write letters. All these methods allow them to establish connections with their kids even if they are in prison.
A prisoner identified as Heather Leavitt communicates with her two kids ages eight and 17, through cards, according to NHPR. Through the recreation department of the Department of Corrections in New Hampshire, Leavitt said they are able to get a lot of cards for all occasions.
Leavitt, however, admitted it was a struggle to communicate with their kids since she does not want them to feel sorry for her. But she also wanted to put more positive things in the lives of her children through her cards.
Adam Carmody, a recovering addict charged with up to 20 burglary charges when the police caught him in 2011, also shared his own parenting experience while inside the prison, as per Concord Monitor. He said it was his sons who made him decide to reform after being sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Carmody wanted to talk to his sons while in prison and was able to do that through the phone, thanks to the Family Connections Center. He also revealed his son asked him once if he was in prison because he stole money and jewelry but he plans to answer their questions when the right time comes.
Meanwhile, the family is often devastated when a parent is completing jail time. But the parent suffers in prison alone and left to bear the immense pressure of taking care of the family while being separated from them, according to Family Lives.
Parents who are in prison should also use their time to reflect on their life and the impact of what they have done to the family. At the same time, they should try to keep in touch with their children no matter how difficult, if only to keep the family ties alive.
