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6 Sensational Notes Your Kids Are Waiting for You to Write |
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by jenlemen  (January 2007) (rank 10th) |
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The other day Madeleine went to a craft store with a friend. She returrned with a bright hot pink foam mailbox that she had put together from a little kit with her friend. "This," s. he declared, taping it with packing tape to the wall outside her bedroom
door, "is my mailbox. NO JUNK MAIL!"
We hardly paid attention until Madeleine started to inform us that she had left us a note in the mailbox. Oh, okay. The little notes informed me that she was going to be playing alone in her room for a while, or that she had decided to go play next door at Osman's. Last night right before she dozed off she whispered, "Tell Dad to leave me a note in my mailbox before he goes off to work." I did, so he did, and this morning there is no doubt in my mind that my little girl will think she hit the jackpot in the loveletter department as soon as she wakes up.
I remember how much written correspondence met to me when I was a child. Here are five letters every kid will be glad to receive:
- The Lunch Note. When I volunteer in my son's classroom, I'm amazed at how much even pre-readers go crazy for notes in their lunch. They can't read yet, but they know it's love in every line. I know some moms who recycle lunch notes, others who keep a stack of pre-made one-liners right next to the lunch making station. Personally, I love to write my kids a note rebus style. I draw a picture of an eye, then a heart, then the letter 'U'. Other rebus favorites? "You are a cutie pie" and "You are my sunshine."
- The Love Letter. My mother occasionally wrote me a long letter when I was facing a particular difficult growing up challenge. I remember re-reading those letters throughout my childhood. They were my special treasures. I have long letters for each of my children sealed in their baby books for reading once they are adults. I want them to know now (and later) how deeply they are impacting my life.
- The Laundry List. This note is most effective when you're feeling disconnected to your kids and needing to remember the finer points of their unruly personalities. Make a list of five things that make you melt when you think about him, or ten things you appreciate about her. You can also make a list of things you want to do together in the near future. Kids need to know that they are loved even when they get on our nerves. This tip works for all ages.
- The Stamped Envelope. There is nothing like mail with a stamp on it, in the mailbox, hand addressed to you. Go to your favorite coffee shop, write a few lines and drop that love letter in the mailbox. Your kids will be delighted to get real mail and your thoughtfulness will be a highlight of their day.
- The Apology Letter. Okay, so you yelled. Said something you regret. Hurt someone's feelings before you realized what you had done. Your kids will be touched to receive your handwritten apology along with an invitation to meet up in the kitchen for some ice cream. By putting your apology on paper, you send the message that you really do get it, and that you care deeply about being reconciled.
- The Correspondence Letter. I once heard of a single mother who was working two jobs to support her four children. She had once been a stay-at-home soccer mom, so the transition was painful for everyone involved. She decided to set up a post office on the kitchen table where she would "send" letters to each of her kids to open in the morning when she was dashing off to work. Late at night she would reply and by writing back and forth they kept up with each other's lives. I wonder if this might also be a special way to talk about things that are harder to discuss in person.
I can't wait to see Madeleine's face when she sees the long letter her dad wrote to her this morning. Hopefully, this little mailbox will be one more way we let her know how much we care.
Did your parent ever write you a meaningful letter? Comments are open for sharing below.
's Hayley
