Parent in prison

When a parent goes to prison, it can be really hard on the family left behind. It’s okay to feel lost and scared when a parent goes to prison. There are some things you try to cope with this form of loss.

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Parent in prison

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How to cope if a parent goes to prison

Take time to understand your own feelings. You may feel very emotional and going through something that feels like grief. Try to list all the questions you have and start to work through them slowly, to help with the overwhelmed feeling.
Talk to your child about what’s happening. Try to go at a slow pace so they can understand and be as clear as you can be.
Find the support you need by connecting with family, friends and your support network.

These tips were kindly provided by Family Lives. To read more advice view the whole article here: https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/your-family/parenting/how-to-cope-if-a-parent-goes-to-prison/

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What is it like having a parent in prison?

Looking for more?

Listen to an ex-prisoner talk with the Mother of his child about what life was like when he was away and what impact this had on the kids:

There are some more great articles you can read to help you cope with the situation you are in:

BBC Programmes My mum went to prison when I was 15

Family Lives how to cope if a parent goes to prison

Time to reflect

When thinking about how to handle a parent going to prison…

What are you already doing that you want to carry on doing?

What have you learned that you could try today?

What do you want to do next?

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Log into your free account (on the top right-hand side) to set a goal on something that’s important to you and your family – then you can check in to show yourself how far you’ve come.