by Betty Jo Hawkins

Created on: August 11, 2010

Children should write to family and friends as often as possible.  Long ago before phones and cars were invented people communicated with each other via penmen ship.  They often kept diaries as well.  Even though we have phones, cell phones and the internet there is nothing like that thank you note in the mail or a nice card.  My husband and I every year get a typed letter from his uncle on Christmas paper.  He tells us how the family has faired through the year.  He wishes us a happy holiday and sends their love.  I enjoy their letter each year and always return one to them.  It is filled with love and humor. I have written him back each year and given him an update on all of our family.

When my parents moved south, my daughter has gone to visit them during the summer and stayed for several week.  Upon her return home she has always sent them a thank you card for having her at their home.  They always take her to places to visit and she truely  enjoyed her visits with them.  When people send messages via the phone such as texting they often do not even spell words completely.  This I really dislike as it teaches children how to not spell.  If they write letters or even type them perhaps they will increase their knowledge of the word and how to use it correctly. What ever happened to pen pals?  I remember having a pen pal when I was in school it was really cool.  I think that it should be encouraged in schools again.  If a child has a really good friend who moves away the parents should encourage them to write letters to each other. They could even write to a friend who lives near by.  Nothing is better than to receive mail when you are a young child. It makes you feel more mature than you really are.

If you want to help your child become a better writer encourage them to write to someone even if it is you.  For that matter you can even write to your child.  Write them and ask them to make plans with you, say for a day of fun.  Who says you have to mail it.  Leave little notes for each other on the table by the bed even in their lunch.  Chances are they will leave you little notes as well maybe even in your lunch! Just have fun with it and it will help them academically.

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