How to Be a Guardian to a Broken Child
How to Be a Guardian to a Broken Child
Dealing with a parent in prison can be detrimental to a child’s emotional and psychological development. Over 2.7 million American children share this story.
Angel Tree , a program of the prison outreach organization, Prison Fellowship , invests time and care to help hurting children and restore families through several faith-based initiatives.
But we can also do our part by advocating for the health and well-being of children enduring such hardships, and prevent them from following in their parent’s footsteps. Here’s how to be a guardian to a broken child.
Show Them Love
Show Them Love
Providing children with the love and support that they need can make all the difference. The temporary loss of a parent through incarceration makes children feel abandoned and confused.
Make time for them. Support their goals and dreams. Be present in their lives and guide them to establish self-worth and self-love.
Set an Example
Set an Example
Be a mentor and a role model. Let them know that they can confide in you. Assist them through their day-to-day challenges.
Do not take the role of a parent, but be someone that they can depend on and go to for counsel or direction.
Make Them Feel Safe
Make Them Feel Safe
Create an environment that is therapeutic and healing. Connect them to a local church or during the summer, invite them to Angel Tree Camping , a ministry dedicated to enriching children’s lives through fun and enjoyable activities.
Help Establish Positive Relationships
Help Establish Positive Relationships
They say it takes a village to raise a child. The communities that care can truly empower a broken child.
Help them establish positive and meaningful relationships with their peers, teachers, and other figures within the community.
Give Your Support
For this holiday season, be a part of the Angel Tree Christmas initiative. Learn more about how to help the youth here .
