Living with a Parent in Jail: How do I Cope?

As a teenager, having a parent in jail can be a challenging and emotional experience. Coping with this situation requires strength, resilience, and support. During such moments, it can be difficult to find the motivation to navigate life without a person you hold dearly to your life. For this reason, i wanted to share some ways to help you navigate through this tough time:

Understand Your Emotions. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions such as anger, sadness, confusion, and even shame during this journey. It is crucial that you allow yourself to feel these emotions and know that it’s okay to seek help from a trusted adult, counselor, or support group. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family members, teachers, or a counselor for support. Many times, we become very independent and closed off. We forget people around us want to help, we just need to allow ourselves to be helped. Thus, talking about your feelings and experiences can help you process your emotions and feel less alone.

Stay Connected. Even though a parent is in jail, it’s important to maintain communication if possible. Writing letters, visiting during scheduled times, or talking on the phone can help both of you stay connected and provide a sense of support. While your parents may be away, they are still a part of your heart. Through staying in touch, you feel close to your parents rather than feeling a disconnect. When staying connected, it’s also important to understand the legal process, your parent’s situation, and the impact of incarceration to help you make sense of what’s happening. Knowledge can empower you to cope better with the situation and better understand your rights as a child. 

Take Care of Yourself. During this process, it’s essential to prioritize self-care during this challenging time. Make sure to eat well, get enough rest, exercise, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Furthermore, writing, drawing, painting, or engaging in any form of creative expression can be therapeutic. It’s a way to channel your emotions and thoughts in a healthy and constructive manner. Not only that, but journaling can also help you let out the emotions and thoughts on paper rather than suppressing them. Keep in mind, everyone copes differently, but expressing yourself is a great path to healing. Nonetheless, it’s okay to set boundaries with others and take breaks when needed. You don’t have to share more than you’re comfortable with or feel pressured to talk about the situation if you’re not ready.

After all, I want to acknowledge that you are not alone in this journey. Many others have gone through similar experiences and there are resources available to support you. Your feelings matter and it’s okay to verbalize them to someone of trust. Stay strong, take one day at a time, and remember that you are resilient and capable of overcoming challenges.

Written by: Rachel Garcia; Masters Level Intern at Olive Branch

If you find yourself struggling to cope with the absence of a parent due to incarceration and would like to speak to a professional counselor, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 West 167th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.