Anywhere Dads
A podcast about parenting for incarcerated fathers and their families, featuring the voices of fathers who are incarcerated
Episodes
#1: Fatherhood
Fathers play a crucial role in child development. In our first episode, we speak with Dr. Alvin Thomas, an expert in fatherhood and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, about the unique contributions and the challenges of fathers.
#2: The Parent
Parenting your children from inside jail or prison is difficult, but not impossible. In this episode, we speak with Richard Hines-Norwood, a formerly incarcerated father and manager with Parenting Inside Out, a national, evidence-based program for incarcerated parents. We talk about parenting styles and navigating the parent-child relationship while incarcerated.
#3: The Child
Every relationship is unique, and understanding your child’s individual needs strengthens your bond. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rebecca Shlafer, a professor from the University of Minnesota, about tailoring your parenting to your child’s personality and realizing that you and your child’s other caregiver bring your own strengths to the relationship.
#4: Effective Communication: Letters and Calls
Maintaining the parent-child bond can be difficult if you only see your child during visits. Fortunately, other communication can keep the relationship strong. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Cynthia Burnson, a senior researcher at the non-profit Evident Change, about ways incarcerated parents can use calls, letters, and other media to stay connected to their children.
#5: Effective Communication: Visitation
Jail visits can be stressful for parents and children. Parents set the stage for an effective visit by planning ahead with realistic, child-focused interactions. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Hilary Cuthrell, director of the Family Connections Program at the National Institute of Corrections, about how incarcerated parents can connect with their children during visitation.
#6: Technology and Your Child
Technology is a common source of tension in families. Yet technology is also a valuable tool and an important way to connect and communicate. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Anne Clarkson, an outreach specialist with the University of Wisconsin – Madison Extension, about how parents can teach about and use technology to build relationships with their children.
#7: Effective Problem-Solving
Children often express big emotions with their bodies — hitting or shouting or running. Adults can help children find the words to discuss and understand what they are feeling. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Robert Nix, a professor from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, about how parents can support children in solving problems through emotion coaching.
#8: Bonding Through Play and Reading
Play is a powerful way to connect with children but play for adults can be challenging. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Amy Wagner, Executive Director of the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Human Ecology Child Development Lab, about why play and reading matter and how parents can enjoy playing with their children.
#9: Cherishing Your Child
Do you ever slow down to enjoy or savor a favorite food? A special memory or moment with our children can also be savored. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Margaret Kerr, a professor from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, about specific ways parents can remember and appreciate a good memory of their child even if they are in separate locations.
#10: Family Relationships
Incarcerated parents rely on other adults to care for their children while in jail. Co-parenting from a distance is hard. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Paja Charles, a professor from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, about fostering positive relationships between incarcerated parents and the co-parents or other adults caring for their children.
#11: Going Home: Your Children and You
Returning home after jail can feel new and awkward for parents and children. Families need to learn different ways of interacting and build trust again. In this episode, we speak with Anthony Cooper, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development in Madison, Wisconsin, about transitioning home after jail.
Credits:
Anywhere Dads is a product of the University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension’s Human Development and Relationships Institute and was created by Anne Clarkson, Roxy Etta, Mary Huser, Margaret Kerr, Elizabeth Lexau, Kevin Murphy, and Ciara Walker-Morgan. Music composed, arranged and performed by Doug White, Madison, Wisconsin.
