Incarcerated parents have the power to make positive differences in their children’s lives.
As a teacher in alternative education, my children often have incarcerated parents.
I remember one male freshmen student in particular on whom I would not give up. He often reflected on fine memories with his father, showing the utmost respect.
He was spending shared time with his grandmother and mother. The grandmother had taken over custody until his father’s release. I, his mother and grandmother became frustrated with his lack of motivation and achievement.
Just like the dinos in Jurassic Park tested for weak spots in the fence, I too searched for some positive avenue to reach my disconnected students. Because my student admired and looked up to his father, I asked mom if we could include his father in the son’s communication circle. Mother eagerly agreed, but referred me to the grandmother, who agreed too. I gathered grades, teacher comments, and homework records and sent them to the grandmother.
After the next visit to see his father, the student was suddenly accountable and amazingly began achieving success with class assignments.
My student and his father shared a valuable moment where the parent realized his worth in the son’s eyes, and in turn the son worked to earn the respect of his father.
Simply because parents are not in the home doesn’t mean children’s needs and wants are less due to incarceration. Children long to have connections with parents. Incarcerated parents have incredible power to touch their children’s lives forever.
Parents: Don’t miss significant opportunities. You have incredible power.
— Karen Wright is a high school teacher and counselor who lives in Riverside, Calif.
