![](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Incarceration_Video_VisitingParentPrison-560x420.jpg)
Visiting a Parent in Prison
Preparing a child for what to expect when visiting a family member can make all the difference. Help parents to encourage their child to connect with a family member in prison.
Together with kids, watch the video once through. Then watch a second time, pointing out how your visit will be similar to, or different from, the girl’s visit. As much as possible, try to address:
- What the incarcerated parent might look like (he or she may be wearing a special uniform or have a new haircut).
- Transportation to jail or prison and certain things children might have to do (like wait in line).
- Any rules that might apply to the visit (like no touching).
- The fact that kids will have to say goodbye at the end of the visit.
Help kids to think of things that they might like to tell their incarcerated parent, and even practice saying them to you first, in case they get shy. They might share news about something that happened at school, a story from the weekend, or something new that they tried. Reassure them that it’s okay to share their feelings.
![Draw it Out Artmaker](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Grief_Game_ArtMakerDrawItOut-667x500.jpg)
ArtMaker: Draw It Out! Incarceration
Help a child express themselves through drawing activities.
![A child sits on their parent's shoulders](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Incarceration_Article_littlechildren-667x500.jpg)
Little Children, Big Feelings
Use these strategies to help a child open up about their feelings.
![A parent kissing their child's cheek](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Incarceration_Article-_CountOn-667x500.jpg)
Something to Count On
Caring adults and predictable daily activities will help a child feel safe.
![A child speaks on a smartphone](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Incareration_Article_connected-667x500.jpg)
Staying Connected
Learn great ways to help keep an incarcerated parent connected to their child.
![A child looks pensive](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Incarceration_Article_AMA-667x500.jpg)
Ask Me Anything
Telling children the truth goes a long way toward building trust and healing.
![In My family Storybook](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Incarceration_Storybook_InMyFamily-667x500.png)
In My Family
This read-aloud story shows how a child may feel when a parent misses a special event.
![](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/training-coping-with-incarceration-667x500.jpg)
Coping With Incarceration
An overview of strategies adults can use to help kids understand incarceration and the changes it brings.