Keeping Letter Writing Alive

In my home writing is important. I am a paper and pen type of girl. Don’t talk to me about spreadsheets and tech things when I know that I can use good old pen and paper to create my lists and calendars! I collect different types of stationery and a variety of pens because I just love that feel as the words come through my fingers. I am just naturally a writer and feel, despite popular opinion, that letter writing has not died! Thankfully, this is rubbing off on my boys and I am excited to tell you how.

Just the other day we were getting ready to go to a party for a friend and my oldest, Victorio, immediately stated, “We have to get Grant a card and write him a note!” That just gave me goosebumps! Was I rubbing off on him that much? My middle school child was listening to me all this time? I made it my business to go with him to pick out a card. He took the time to read what was in the card and decided on a message he liked. He also stated he wanted to add more to the card and of course I encouraged him to do so. He wanted to write a letter and so he did.

The both of my boys took the time to write their own message inside the card. I served as a role model for my oldest and he in turn served as a role model for his younger brother. Observing him write in the card just made me so proud. He took his time to write and look over it when he was finished. He even asked my opinion and loved the encouragement I gave. His eyes just lit up when I said, “Grant is going to appreciate your words.” His younger brother then chimed in and completed the other side of the card adding some sweet words of his own too.

At that moment I realized, letter writing doesn’t have to die and be obsolete. If we want this to continue we just have to serve as role models for our children as I did with my oldest. He sees me send holiday cards and thank you cards. He knows that I take time to write on those cards, not just leaving them plain and unmarked. He observes me expressing my gratitude through words on paper all the time.

I love to watch my boys write letters and notes because it strengthens their handwriting skills and also builds their confidence. I know that’s what helped me become a better writer and improve my penmanship. I remember writing in my books at home. I adorned them with my name and my address just to practice my handwriting. As my handwriting improved I felt more confident and I wrote more and more each day.

This whole experience was even more touching when we arrived home and Victorio went on to write a thank you letter on his Boogie board. I immediately snapped a picture and sent a shot to his friend’s mother. Grant’s mom was so touched that he took the time to write him a thank you note, but me … I wasn’t surprised. Again, this is what we do. In our home letter writing hasn’t died … it never did and it never will… it’s only getting better!

Sound off: How are you not letting letter writing die in your household?