Joe Giudice Breaks His Silence About Teresa Giudice in Prison, Says He's Trying to ''Stay Strong'' and Appreciates Her ''Way More''

Real Housewives of New Jersey star also sets the record straight on his family’s return to Bravo

To say life has been different for Joe Giudice without his wife around the house would be quite the understatement.

Ever since Teresa Giudice began her federal prison sentence January 5, Joe has recognized just how important she was and is to the family dynamics.

"When you have four kids, you have to stay strong," Joe explained to Extra! "Her being away definitely makes me appreciate her way more, a lot more, and you know everything she did."

While their daughters continue to focus on their individual activities including school work, sports and even a music career, the family has received comfort from Teresa that prison life may not be as scary as they first imagined.

"She's got a little group she hangs out with and does her thing with every day, and who she goes to the gym with and who she hangs out with, and who does her hair and who does her nails," Joe explained. "They have their little thing going every day."

He added, "[The kids] email her all the time…every day, so, they email more than me. We try to make it up there every weekend and we bring her mom up every weekend."

The Fabulicious author was sentenced to 15 months in prison back in October after pleading guilty to bankruptcy fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. She is currently serving her term at Danbury prison.

Just last month, E! News learned exclusively that the Bravolebrity was staying focused on exercise and was even getting in "the best shape of her life." 

"She says [exercise] helps her sleep. She does cardio, bikes, weights and even Pilates," a source revealed to E! News. "She does not miss a day, she does it religiously. She is extremely fit right now."  Another insider added that Teresa has been getting her hair colored and styled and even received some manicures.

As Joe continues to raise four children solo, his family's future with the Real Housewives of New Jersey remains in question. While Andy Cohen remains mum on any official announcements, Joe says he definitely has some hesitations about signing on for another season.

"The numbers would have to be very big in order to go back," he admitted to Extra! "We'll see…as of right now, there's nothing."

(E! and Bravo are part of the NBCUniversal family)