With everything being done on a screen or through an app these days, being a writer, and my stepdaughter‘s excitement of receiving mail from me and the distance between us, I have started to write and mail her letters more often. Being that I am states away, I wanted a way to be able to let her know how much she is loved, missed, that I am thinking of her, and I think it’s a neat learning experience for her as well. Here are some great tips on why letter writing is a way to keep in touch with your little loved ones, near or far and why you should teach them that writing letters to family and friends is important.
Family Bonding
What may seem like a simple letter to us is far more important to a child because with their love of learning, this sweet gesture can teach so much, and its way more personable than anything online. With letters going back and forth between family members, not only is it a way to keep in touch with one another, it is also a way to keep the relationship across the miles strong and healthy. Another great idea is teaching your children how to send thank you cards during the holidays or when birthdays come around (especially when gifts are received). Not only is the gesture nice, it also shows them to be appreciative that they are being thought of and it’s great for the family sending out mail to also receive it. Have them get creative and make the cards and letters themselves too.
Keepsakes
Hand written letters are so much more personable than a phone call, Skype, emails, and text messages. If your little loves miss you and want to remember things you have shared with them, they can always save the letters you sent them to read when they miss you. A letter collection is also a great way to save memories between you and your little loves so they can share with their children later.
Reading and Vocabulary
Writing letters to your little loves also helps strengthen their reading skills, opens them up to a bigger vocabulary, and helps them be great spellers. Share funny stories about your childhood, memories of them when they last visited, send silly jokes, and content that would keep them eager to receive the next letter.
Penmanship and Expression
Teaching your children to respond to their mail with handwritten letters will also improve their handwriting skills, how to use punctuation correctly, grammar, and how to express themselves through words. Like they say, practice makes perfect and all this practicing will definitely come in handy as they get older.
Sending and Receiving Mail
Teaching your children about how our postal system works will be interesting and fun for them to learn about. Plus who doesn’t like receiving mail? Your children will look forward to checking the mailbox to look for that special letter addressed especially to them. For them, it’s like receiving a surprise via mail.
Remembering Important Dates & Kindness
Writing and sending letters to loved ones also teaches your child to remember important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and special family days. It teaches them that a simple act of kindness via mail can make someone’s day and show their loved ones that they are thinking of them. A great way to motivate your children to write letters is to let them know just as they are happy to receive mail from their loved ones, it works both ways. Inspire them to share about their day or special events family members have missed out on. A great way to make writing fun is using vibrant paper, colorful pens, and stickers to decorate the envelopes. Amazon has some great deals on really cute stationery!
I hope these tips come in handy; let’s bring back the importance of handwritten letters. Get to writing!
This is such a great idea and a much more personal way to create lasting memories you can hold on to. It really is a lost art. My husband used to write me letters when we were younger and till this day I still think he has the best penmanship I’ve ever seen. I loved going back to re read all of his letters throughout my highschool years and beyond. I hope she appreciates it as much as I do. You are truly a great inspiration for her and you are definitely leaving your mark on her heart. May your relationship with her forever be cherished & appreciated. Much love to you both.
Camila is obsessed with letter writing and envelopes and postage! I am yet to take her to the post office, cause as it is the post office makes me nervous, HAHA. But, yes! It’s so important. My kids love to write and draw, I want them to continue to love this..it’s something I lost over the years… GREAT POST!
I love this. I still have letters from my dad when he would travel and I don’t get out to the post office enough but there is something about picking out the stamp when I do have to send something personal out. A letter is like a picture and music, it just transports you back in time to a beautiful place. Keep on SHINING Chica!!