Talk Together, Read Together
Reading and talking together during prison visits are great bonding opportunities.
Prison visits can be stressful (and also too short)! Anything you can do to facilitate sweet and positive interactions during these times can become a precious memory for the whole family. Print this page to share with the incarcerated parent (in advance if possible), and read it yourself too. Try out the ideas that feel most comfortable!
In My Family
This read-aloud story shows how a child may feel when a parent misses a special event.
ArtMaker: Draw It Out! Incarceration
Help a child express themselves through drawing activities.
Little Children, Big Feelings
Use these strategies to help a child open up about their feelings.
Something to Count On
Caring adults and predictable daily activities will help a child feel safe.
Staying Connected
Learn great ways to help keep an incarcerated parent connected to their child.
Ask Me Anything
Telling children the truth goes a long way toward building trust and healing.
Coping With Incarceration
An overview of strategies adults can use to help kids understand incarceration and the changes it brings.