Being arrested and taken to jail is a scary experience for anyone, but it can be especially frightening for children. If you are the spouse of someone who has just been arrested, it is important to take some time to explain the situation to your child in a way that they will understand. Here are six things you need to do when approaching a parent’s arrest with your child.
1. Talk to your child about what has happened in a way that they will understand.
It is important to be honest with your child about what has happened. Explain that their parent has been arrested and taken to jail and will be staying there until they can post bail. Reassure them that their parent is going to be okay and that you will do everything you can to help them get out of jail as soon as possible.
2. Let your child know that they are not alone.
It is important for your child to know that they are not alone and that you are there for them. Let them know that you love them and will support them through this tough time.
3. Help your child express their feelings.
It is normal for children to feel scared, confused, or even angry when a parent is arrested. Help them to express their feelings by talking about them or writing them down in a journal. This can help them to feel better and start to process what has happened.
It is important for a child to express their feelings over the arrest of a parent because it can help them cope with the situation. It is also important for the child to have someone to talk to who can understand what they are going through.
4. Keep communication open with your child.
Make sure to keep the lines of communication open with your child during this time. Check with them often and let them know that they can talk to you about anything they are feeling. This can help prevent problems from developing later on down the road.
Think about how it’s affecting them. You are their stability, their security. When that is taken away from them, even temporarily, they are going to need reassurance. Offer that at every turn!
5. Seek professional help if needed.
Unfortunately, the problems that your child faces as a result of the parent’s arrest may not all go away at once. They could play out over time.
That’s why it is important if you feel like your child is having difficulty dealing with the situation, that you seek professional help from a counselor or therapist who can provide additional support. This can be especially helpful if your child is starting to exhibit behavioral problems at school or home.
6. Focus on the positive aspects of the situation.
Once bail has been posted and your spouse is released from jail, focus on the positive aspects of the situation such as being reunited with family and friends and getting back to normal life again. This can help your child feel more hopeful about the future and start to see the situation in a more positive light.
The Arrest of a Parent Is Hard for Your Child
Going through a parent’s arrest can be a difficult experience for both you and your child. By taking some time to explain the situation, keeping communication open, and seeking professional help if needed, you can make it through this tough time together as a family unit.
Remember to focus on the positive aspects of the situation once bail has been posted and life starts getting back to normal again so that your child can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It may be a traumatic experience, but it doesn’t have to define them or destroy their security.
And if you or your spouse need bail assistance, consider PCS Bail Bonds. For more than 30 years, we’ve navigated the legal profession and have the contacts, reputation, and knowledge, to secure a quick release for any person, who is bail eligible. We want to secure your release as quickly as possible so your family can start the rebuilding process. Contact us today for immediate assistance.