Should I tell a child when a close relative has been arrested?
When a loved one is arrested you need to make the difficult decision of when and what to tell your children. It is completely your decision but children tend to deal better with honesty from the beginning. They don’t need to know all the details but a little about what has happened and where their loved one has gone.
A sudden disappearance without explanation can leave a child confused and scared. Children can often sense when something has happened. A child who is not told where their relative is may worry and imagine things which may be much worse. This might be especially true when the adults around them are upset or angry. There is also the danger that they will find out some other way. By being open and honest with your child you will show them that it is ok to ask questions and talk about how they feel.
When is a good time to tell a child that their loved one was arrested?
There is never a good time to tell your child that someone they care for and respect has been arrested. You should prepare to tell them when you have plenty of time to answer questions and offer comfort. It should be at a time when you will not be disturbed.
You should plan some of what you are going to say – every child is different and you are the best judge of when and how your child should be told. If you have more than one child you will need to tell them all, but in a way that each understands.
Will the arrest have an emotional toll on children?
Many children feel unable to talk to someone about the arrest. If your child senses that you are uneasy to talk about the arrest, they will most likely feel scared to talk about it as well. There can be a strong toll on their emotional and mental health. They may experience low self-esteem, isolation and loneliness. It is natural, under the circumstances, for them to feel ashamed or angry. They may feel cheated, upset and confused. Try to encourage them to talk to you about how they are feeling so they don’t bottle any of these emotions up.
A-EZ Out Bail Bonds: Helping DFW Families Get Back Together
Figuring out how to explain a loved one’s arrest to a child is never easy, but it is not impossible. Try to put yourself in your child’s shoes, and always take into consideration the questions and concerns they might have.
It is important to secure release quickly after an arrest. A-EZ Out Bail Bonds can make that happen for your family. Your freedom to get back to your family has always been our top priority. Call us or visit our website to get in touch with a bail bond agent. Our bondsmen are available 24/7.