School Age:

6-12 years old

Children Will:

Need to be accepted by their peers.

Play sports and games.

Collect things.

Want to talk about their life but worry that they will make the incarcerated parent feel bad if they talk about the outside.

Hold back emotions so that the visit will go well.

Sometimes refuse to visit…out of anger, hurt or fear. Or sometimes just because they would rather play basketball or hang out with their friends.

Grown-ups Can:

Remember and accept that children may be embarrassed by the parents’ incarceration and crime.

Play games with them.

Ask about their hobbies, sports, collections.

Listen to their stories without asking too many questions or giving advice. Just listen.

Tell them it helps you to feel good when they talk about their lives.

Look for signs of sadness, disappointment, upset and anger and let children know you accept those feelings and want to talk about it.

Answer questions as honestly as possible.

Talk to them about your life on the inside. Tell them things they can relate to like TV shows you watch, books you read and classes you take.