When we think of inmates, thoughts can turn negative extremely fast. We act like we know exactly what is going on in their lives and we are quick to judge the situation and are glad they finally got their punishment. I bet you have never stopped to think exactly who all is effected when you speak negatively about what you heard or what you think has happened. In the United States alone, one in every fourteen children has had a parent that has been incarcerated.
The bold truth with our nation right now is that there is a community of children that are being ignored while they are completely vulnerable. Hitting the reality that their parent is in jail is already something too strong for them to handle. Not only that but they are scared to talk to others about it because they don't want people to know. They are constantly reminded that they adore someone that is viewed as the scum of the earth. It is a relationship a lot like that of a child that has a parent that is deployed over seas as they serve our country. There is mourning and a way to cope that takes time as they don't get to see them. much less speak to them everyday. They are reminded daily that their parent is gone, but in this case, they are being talked about as the crook rather than the hero. No wonder children are known to hold everything in to a point where they commit suicide. They feel like they are not wanted, they feel like it is their fault that their parent is in jail. And that is where we have gone wrong.
There has to be a realization that you can use your negative energy and turn it into the most powerful thing a child can experience, it is called safety. A child needs to know that everything is okay and will work out for the best. We can step up and insure them that things are going to be okay by going to them with open arms and ears. Let them express their fears and dreams with you. Encourage them to be the best they can be. It is our job to help crack the statistics. When a child has a parent that is incarcerated, they are more likely to have issues with behavior, academics, and substance abuse. This is directly associated with the plain fact that they are neglected and talked about rather than talked to.
As a person that has directly been affected by this type of situation, I find it crucial for this move to be made. Children have no control as to what their parents do and they shouldn't be blamed for bad decisions and actions. They shouldn't be held to standards in which they can't handle. I firmly believe that if we make a move to just befriend these children in a way for them to feel wanted and loved.
