DEAR ABBY: My 30-year-old sister has been sent to prison for six months. Her ex-husband was sent to a penitentiary a year ago and won't be getting out anytime soon. Their 17-year-old son is in a detention home. The only one left is my 7-year-old niece, "Patty." She is living with me and my three children. My sister asked that Patty not be told her mother is doing time.
Abby, all Patty does is draw pictures of her mother, father and brother. She won't eat and stares into space, wondering when her family will return.
My children and I try to keep Patty occupied, but the sadness in her eyes is breaking our hearts. Do you think we should tell Patty that her mother is in prison? What can we do to ease her pain? -- WORRIED AUNT IN SANDUSKY, OHIO
DEAR WORRIED AUNT: Patty should be told as much of the truth as is appropriate for a child her age. And she should be encouraged to write to her mommy, daddy and brother, and include her artwork. Her pain will be greatly eased once she understands that her family still loves her and will not be gone forever.