Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on recommended children’s books.  The book is The Night My Dad Went to Jail.  First, while browsing through a list of books that I could purchase for my grandchildren, this book popped up.  My initial reaction was who would write a book about a child’s father being in jail and gear it toward children?  I felt uncomfortable about a child facing the fact that their father was in jail.  Would be uncomfortable if it was their mother, no.  When a parent is incarcerated is traumatic for any child.

So, I opened my mind and read the book.  It was after all ranked among recommended children’s books.  Millions of children have parents that are in jail or prison.  I thought about the purpose of my blog and what I wanted to offer it to my readers.  Helping children face problems, and resolve them is one of the goals of Mother 2 Mother.  The book was perfect for any parent who was striving to help a young child through the trauma of a parent going to jail.  Not all of us have the same problems, but we all have them.  If you’ve never had a spouse or relative face jail or prison, you’re lucky.  Unfortunately, there are millions of children who must deal with a parent being in jail everyday.

I’ve had a brother go to jail twice.  My daughter was young, but she was old enough to understand jail. Furthermore, she understood that people who have broken the law go to jail.  Unfortunately, we have many who are innocent there too.  So, I had to explain to my daughter why her uncle was in jail.  It was difficult.  As a matter of fact, I wish that I had this book a that time.

It would have given me tips on what to say and how to handle things during that difficult time.  Well guess what, somebody was smart enough to write one.   It doesn’t take away the shame and embarrassment, but provide tips and insight on how to help your child.  Melissa Higgins is the author of the book.  And, educators highly recommended it.  It is on the list of recommended children’s books.

Next, Sketch’s is the main character in the book.  His father is arrested and taken to jail.  The flashing lights on the police car and his dad being handcuffed was scary for Sketch. The officer explains that his dad may have broken a law, so they needed to take him to the police station to ask him questions.

Later, Sketch’s mom explains that daddy had broken the law, and he would have to stay in jail.  One of Sketch’s schoolmates, Ava, teased him about his dad’s arrest and yelled to the other children, “Bailey’s dad got picked up by the cops last night.” Baily was Sketch’s given name.  Another classmate called Sketch jailbird.  Sketch let his anger get the best of him. He knocked Ava’s books on the floor.

Unfortunately, the principal’s office was Sketch’s next stop.  His mom gave the principal the details about his dad’s arrest. His dad would be in prison for 6 years.  Luckily, Sketch become friends with other kids who also had a parent in prison.  They could relate to his fear and anger.  Sketch understood that dad had made a bad decision and it was not his fault.  His dad had to pay for breaking the law.  Sketch was still angry, but he loved his dad.  He had to continue working on forgiveness.

Finally, the book answers questions that many children have when a parent is incarcerated.   It is appropriate for ages 5 – 8.  Among the recommended children’s books, this one is getting high reviews.  If you have a spouse, boyfriend or baby’s daddy in jail, purchase The Night Dad Went to Jail here.