When is a good time to tell my son his father is in jail?

Question

I have a six year and his father is in jail. He has been in jail since he was 4 and will be in jail until he is 17. I don't want him to be mad at me when he get older for not telling him. He has a stepfather and he has been in his life since he was 2. I was just wondering when is a good time to tell him. He does talk to his real father every once in awhile. Should I let him tell him or should I tell him?

Answer 1

You can probably start telling him now as long as you bring it down to a child's level. He probably won't understand all the facts so you should leave a lot of it out but you also don't want to scare him by just saying that "Daddy was bad and had to go away" because it might scare him thinking that when he misbehaves he'll go to jail. You'll have give differentiate between misbehaving and being bad enough for jail.

Answer 2

I relies upon how previous he's..... If he's little toddler-10 say Daddy did something incorrect and had to be punished and he is going to be away for a whilst and than while he's older clarify it extra to him. Equate it to a day trip or something he's conscious lots approximately. If he's eleven-13 attempt and sugar coat it slightly. Say something alongside the lines of pop did some undesirable issues and that they had to end it so he's away for a whilst and as quickly as lower back tell him info while he's older. If he's 13 or older tell him the actuality. perchance not each and all of the significant factors yet sufficient. It additionally actual relies upon on how mater he's you may might desire to determine that out god bless =D

Answer 3

Get a life will you ,his father is in jail, if you told him now or when his 15 what good can he do ,nothing ..
You will only break his heart ,and even worst as he grows up .is that what you want to do,why would he be mad at you for not telling him , isn't your job to protect your son from being hurt ,so why hurt him ,he will learn in time ,he is far to young now ,,

Answer 4

I'd pick a time when you won't be interrupted and tell him. Be careful not to give him too much information, only what you feel he can handle right now. The longer you wait the harder it will be to tell him, and you'll lessen the chance that your son will resent you for not telling him sooner too. Let his dad know what you're doing so he's aware too. Good luck with this.

Answer 5

I wish I could give you a magic answer. I only know when our then 4 year old informed us her father was in the "big house", we still don't know where she heard that. If your child asks where his father is at, he is probably old enough to hear a shortened version of the truth...no details of the crime. I'm sorry for both of you that irresponsible parents put our children in this awkward position. Good Luck.

Answer 6

discuss it with the father first- but i think you need to tell him good things about the father althuogh you need to explain this situation being in jial.
you know kids being sensitive concernig thier parents image

Answer 7

tell him when he starts to ask you where his father is because he will start asking before you know it and tell him why his father is in jail.don't hide anything from your child,that is the worst thing you could do.

Answer 8

It depends on the maturity of your son. Also, spk with his step-father; he has an interest in this too.

Answer 9

Tell him when he is a little older that way he will understand. Little ones don't need to know all that.

Good luck!!

Answer 10

i agree tell as soon as possible so he wont have to look back on this