Makeba: Getting reacquainted with a parent

Russian sailor Vitaly Bondarenko, right, hugs his children as his wife Marina Ordynskaia looks on, after being released by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003, in Providence, R.I.

This week’s column focuses on the issue of reunification. Getting reacquainted with a parent can be daunting at any age. Add the pressure and stigma of a reunion post incarceration, and the effects can be overwhelming and particularly stressful. These tips can hopefully start someone facing this situation on the path to a healthy relationship.

Click on the player above or download this video here. (iPhone version)

If you are a child of someone who is incarcerated and you have a question for me, you have three options:

  1. Post a question in the comments section below,
  2. Send an email to [email protected],
  3. Call (646) 867-1891 to leave a message.

I also welcome questions from others who might simply be interested in knowing more about how the life of children is affected when a parent is incarcerated.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: Have you turned to support groups and how did that help you through this time in your life?

[Use the comments feature below or call (646) 867-1891 to leave an audio message.]

About Sandeep Junnarkar

Sandeep Junnarkar is the founder and editorial director of Family Lives Behind Bars.