Psychiatrists say Blagojevich’s choice to have daughters join him at court may be stressful
By APTuesday, July 27, 2010
Blagojevich girls join dad in courtroom at trial
CHICAGO — Rod Blagojevich’s teenage daughter became visibly upset and fell into her mother’s arms during a break in closing arguments at her father’s corruption trial.
Amy Blagojevich’s courtroom emotion came a day after her 7-year-old sister, Annie, clutched their mother’s hand as the family walked past a line of photographers to enter court on Monday.
The Blagojeviches’ decision to bring their daughters to court has ignited debate about whether it was intended to help comfort the parents or sway the jury. Child psychology experts say it may be stressful for the girls.
Dr. Louis Kraus at Rush University Medical Center says the girls may hear things “that are not going to be healthy.”
A post on Patti Blagojevich’s Twitter account says it “meant a lot” for the girls to see their father’s supporters.
