Expert Clinical Psychologist: It Is Important for the Child to Attend Open Visits

Experts stating that children with parents in prison may experience changes in their inner worlds say that changing processes will lead to changing emotions for these children. Expert Clinical Psychologist Seda Aydoğdu made statements regarding the subject.

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE CHILD TO ATTEND OPEN VISITS

Aydoğdu emphasized the importance of children having regular contact with their parents who are in prison. Aydoğdu said, "Having the child participate in phone calls, correspondence, or open visits will not only ensure the relationship continues and strengthens, but also helps them adapt more easily when the imprisonment ends." 

THE EFFECTS OF SUDDEN SEPARATION ARE MORE INTENSE IN CHILDREN

Evaluating the separation of children from a mother, father, or both parents at the same time, Seda Aydoğdu emphasized that routine is always very important for the healthy development of children. Aydoğdu stated, "While sudden separations can be traumatic for adults, the effects can be more intense for children. Depending on the developmental stage the child is in, it can sometimes be much harder for them to understand the event or establish cause-and-effect relationships. While uncertainty increases anxiety and worry for children, when the situation causing this uncertainty is a sudden, unexpected separation from a mother and father, the children's anxiety can increase much more intensely."

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO EXPRESS THEIR EMOTIONS

Pointing out the importance of ensuring the continuity of the child's safety, order, and routine in cases of sudden separation, Aydoğdu continued as follows:

"It is important that the child is informed about the reason for the separation in a plain, simple, and understandable way. If the reason for the separation is that one or both parents have entered prison, the child's emotions may change according to each stage as they go through long and challenging processes such as apprehension, imprisonment, court proceedings, and the sentencing. Changing processes lead to changing emotions. For this reason, it is also very important for the child to be able to express their emotions, to be contained, and to feel understood."

THEIR PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE INCREASES

Stating that if these processes are carried out in a healthy and stable manner for the child, the children's psychological robustness and resilience will increase, Seda Aydoğdu concluded her words as follows:

"Along with these; temperament, cognitive capacity, and emotion regulation strategies are also very important in acquiring these skills. It is observed that children and adults with good psychological resilience have increased problem-solving capacities, are able to overcome the difficulties they encounter in daily life, and do not have difficulty in establishing relationships with others."