Honestly I think having a dad in prison for their whole lives is worse than having no dad at all.
I cannot disagree more strongly with this.
If they had never met him, I probably wouldn't advocate meeting him serving a life sentence.
However, Steve was an involved, attentive, supportive Dad.
They have bonded with him likely more than most kids who's Dad are less involved.
They have one living parent and if they choose to see him they should be allowed to do so.
If the family can handle it for the kids sake, they must really feel it's best for them.
The idea that just because Dad is in prison, they shouldn't see their kids is very damaging.
I think a lot more kids with incarcerated parents would cope better if they weren't prevented from contact.
Obviously when Dad has killed Mom, it's a bit more reasonable to not let the kids see him.
I'm glad in THIS case, they have chosen what is best for the kids right now.
If at some point the kids want to cease contact, I'm certain that Crystal's family will support that as well.
For now I think them still having contact with him as they request it, will be helpful.
I just wish that it hadn't all gone downhill so badly... and that Steve had let her go. So unfair.