by Michelle Shelton

Created on: December 28, 2009

I have a saying...don't "should" on people! Does this mean I don't have an opinion? Of course not! I nearly always have an opinion, if you don't believe me, ask my husband. He actually thinks I am a little too opinionated. Now that you ask, do I think children should be encouraged to write letters to their relatives. It is an interesting thought.

This particular subject is of great interest because I have five children. When my dad died, we found little notes from my children stashed in his top drawer. He had collected them over the years. One had a little baby tooth wrapped in it. Of all the things he could have kept. He chose to keep little notes scribbled on notebook paper from my children. So, with that said, how do you think I feel? Do you think I am glad I encouraged my children to write their grandpa notes and letters? Of course I am. It gives them practice. Not only in writing. Practice in humanity. Practice in loving others and letting them know. Practice at communication and so much more.

Writing can be a great skill and there are many more benefits to the child just in the simple task of writing. Benefits such as:

It helps develop hand / eye coordination.
It gives a sense of organization.
It connects your child to another person.
It teaches your child about the US Postal System.
It gives your child an opportunity to receive a letter. If you don't send letters you don't tend to receive them.

I remember being a kid and getting a letter. It was a big deal! I was so excited if I wrote to someone as I just knew they would write back. They nearly always did and I soon knew who would write back and who wouldn't. Guess who my letters when to?

Encouragement is one thing. Forcing a child to write is another. It would be interesting to see how others view the word "encouragement". I am curious as to why children sometimes seem to be treated as a lesser class or less intelligent. They may need some guidance, yet, I think they have many answers inside them and I know my children have taught me much more than I could have ever taught them. Serious. No. Really.

So, I am not saying that I will should on you. What you should do, is up to you. I am saying there are definite advantages to encouraging your children to write letters. Heck, who knows? I might even write one too...you know, to lead by example.

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