[Steve28]

Just found the website - so hope I am asking this in the right place.
I am 28 and have two kids with my girlfriend - aged 7 and 5. I think I'm a good Dad and family wise we do OK. At the end of last year I got into trouble with the law and am now looking at a couple of years in prison. I have my sentencing coming up next month and I'm worried about that.
Over the past few months we've managed to keep all this away from the kids although they know things aren't normal. I want to sit down and tell them what's happening but have no idea what to say, how much to say and how they will react. I want them to hear it from me and not someone else. I don't want them to think I'm bad as they know bad men go to prison. I am worried about them being at school and getting a hard time over this.
Do you have any advice on how to cope with all this and how to explain it to the kids. I never thought I would have to do this but life is kinda strange?

[Samual]

Maybe you could go with an approach that compares you making a mistake to your children being naughty. They would probably understand that if they were naughty and you didn't tell them off they would carry on being naughty, so they have to be punished or have a toy taken away. So you are going to prison because you've been naughty and it will stop you being naughty again.

[letschildproofdotcom]

I think that you should explain to them that you made a bad mistake and now you have to pay for it. Make it into example for them to know not to make the same mistakes.

I hope everything goes well with you and your sentencing.

[Steve28]

Thanks for the advice - having to tell them about this was the hardest thing I had to do and it made me realize how bad I screwed up. I have my sentencing on Friday so enjoying my last few days as a free man. I've been talking with my girlfriend and she doesn't think that bringing them to see me when I'm locked up is a good idea as she doesn't think a prison is a good place for them to be. She has agreed though that when she comes to vivit she'll see what the place is like and maybe they can come along. I don't think I could get through this if I didn't see my kids but know it mightn't be a nuce place or a nice way for them to see their Dad. Am I being unreasonable in wanting to see them as much as I can? - I know I can phone and write but it wouldn't be the same

[MissyChrissy]

You're not being unreasonable. I think after your gf sees the place she'll decide to allow the children to come visit you. It'll be hard on them too, being away from you, and they'll pester her.