Kids Have Troubles Too

For kids who have family members in prison, the emotions can be confusing and overwhelming. A person whose brother or sister—or parent—is in prison might be angry or sad or ashamed, or all these things at the same time. She might want to visit her family member, or she might be so angry she doesn''t want to see him at all. Often, kids who have a relative in prison don''t want to tell anybody what''s going on because they are embarrassed, and other people don''t usually understand what they must be feeling. Families all handle this experience differently, but each member faces a big adjustment, needing love and support from each other and from friends.