Ep 6. Why Be Good?

Born Behind Bars is a gripping and emotional docu-series that explores the lives of incarcerated mothers and their babies. In season one episode 6, entitled "Why Be Good?," the show delves into the struggles and triumphs of mothers who are striving to be the best parents they can be, despite their challenging circumstances.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to several mothers who are currently serving time in prison, but who refuse to let their circumstances define them. We meet Crystal, a single mother who has been in and out of prison for much of her adult life. Despite the fact that her children are now grown and living their own lives, she still yearns to be a positive influence in their lives and to make up for the mistakes of her past. We also meet Georgina, a young mother who has just given birth to her first child while in prison. She is determined to do everything in her power to bond with her daughter and provide her with a better life than the one she had growing up.

As the episode progresses, we see these mothers grappling with a variety of challenges, from the difficulties of maintaining contact with their children on the outside, to navigating the complex legal system that surrounds family reunification. One of the central themes of the episode is the question of why these mothers bother to try so hard to be good parents, when their efforts are often met with derision and skepticism from those around them. We see them battling their own doubts and insecurities, as well as the judgement of prison staff and other inmates who believe that they are wasting their time by trying to be good mothers.

Despite the obstacles they face, however, the mothers in this episode are steadfast in their determination to do right by their children. We see them participating in parenting classes, attending visits with their kids, and working to overcome the trauma and adversity that has led them to prison in the first place. Along the way, they also offer insights into the unique challenges of being a parent in prison, as well as the unexpected moments of joy and connection that can arise between them and their children.

Overall, "Why Be Good?" is a powerful and affecting episode of Born Behind Bars that highlights the resilience and determination of incarcerated mothers. It asks hard questions about the value of parenting in a system that often seems designed to tear families apart, and it offers a hopeful vision of what is possible when mothers are given the resources and support they need to connect with their children and build a better future.