Family With Inmates

Some people who read these blogs may have sons or daughters or even a mom or dad that is behind bars. A lot of us understand that it's hard for our family that's still on the streets. But there are certain things you can do to help the locked up members of your family.

1) If you decide to visit, stay strong. Make it seem like you still have hope, smile, joke. The happier you seem to be, the better the prisoner will feel. If you come to a visit angry or sad, chances are, that's how the prisoner will feel once you leave.
2) When you write letters to the prisoner, try to keep them as uplifting as possible. We understand that is not always possible. If you have to tell them some bad news, cool, but always end the letter letting them know you're all right. The #1 thing to remember when you write a letter is we want to know what's going on in the world + know the family is good + healthy.
3) Some people who read this may think this is just my experience, well in a way it is. But if I can help a family get through hard times with this it will make me feel as though I've helped out. Not all prisoners are horrible people. We don't like being judged because we're behind bars. So if a family member writes you + tells you about another person in prison just listen to them. Don't just assume that the person is trying to harm or hinder the path of your family member. By saying that person is bad, is telling the member of your family that you don't trust their judgement.
4) Especially, if you have a son or husband in prison, you should take into consideration that men test each other. So therefore if it seems he's getting more aggressive or won't show emotions the way he used to, don't worry about it too much, believe me no matter how hard he acts in front of you, he cries when he's alone. We wouldn't write or call if we didn't care.
5) If something good or bad takes place in the family it's better to let us know sooner than later, because we'll get through it easier if we're told the truth. If we're not told right away we'll not only be hurt but also angry. So always try to get the information to them as soon as you can.
6) For all the mothers who have kids in prison, I know it hurts, but like my mom always tells me at least you know where they are + that they're safe. Just because your kid is in prison doesn't mean in anyway that you still can't show your motherly love and affection.

I would like to thank you for your time + consideration, hopefully this helps somebody.

Sincerely
Nikko Krohn #440501
WSPF/PO Box 9900
Boscobel, WI 53805