Getting ready for yet another exciting workshop: this AM, it is a Parenting workshop, hosted by Alicia Cronkhite and myself. We will present numerous ways to keep on parenting even from within a confined setting. It is extremely important for families to experience ‘togetherness’, albeit virtually.
Recent policy changes within the BOP have put serious limitations to parenting options, the phone minutes have not only be brought back to 300 per month, but are no longer free for many AICs. The video visits are no longer free and now cost $6.25 for a 25 minute visit. The phone charges vary from $0.06 to >$1.
People who still have programming needs, will still get 300 free phone minutes, although there are some “glitches” here and there. I, for example, still had 3 programming needs, however all of a sudden after 1 month of free phone minutes, the needs have disappeared on my team profile, although I am still on the waiting list for those said programs (?), I have to pay for my phone calls.
300 Phone minutes per month, break down to ONLY 10 minutes per day. Recent studies have shown that on average every American spends 5 hours per day on a smartphone, either calling, face timing or social media.
Parenting, after all, is really and truly a 24/7 job. How can one expect to parent with 10 phone minutes per day, IF the AIC can afford the costs? If the AIC does not have any money in their account, they cannot make any calls.
This measure is ludicrous, as the cost of communication has gone down so drastically in this last decade. 5 years ago, I paid around $40-50 per month for a cellular phone plan, including free minutes, unlimited Internet, video calling etc.
Our workshop will give AICs some ideas on how to surmount these challenges, in terms of making cards, sending little notes to the caregivers of their children, to put in their school bags or lunch boxes. We will present low-cost, easy things to make, but will strengthen the family ties and encourage genuine involvement in the children’s upbringing. Being present, albeit virtually, will give the children confidence, the awareness that their parent cares, which will boost their emotional wellbeing and development.
We will discuss that it is imperative for the children’s cognitive and social development to have the strong ties. Compare it to the roots of a plant. If something happens to the roots, the plant will not have a future.
Video visits can be used to read or sing or pray to and with your children. COVID has taught us that we can have an altered way of living, but still very fulfilling.
Sherida Nabi
