Communicating with loved ones and friends is so convenient these days. You have many platforms to send a message: text, online messaging, or video calling. But while these are technology’s gift to mankind, sometimes it’s nice to go the traditional way: with a tangible, handwritten letter.
On September 1, which is World Letter Writing Day, revive the art of letter writing in your household and in your community – it will benefit you in more ways than one.
- Bring back the love
Remember when you and your partner exchanged love letters back in highschool or college? These days, while you can send a short ‘I love you’ via text or Facebook messenger, opt for a short sticky note, to be placed on the steering wheel of the vehicle before he or she leaves for work. Little surprises make a huge impact on marriages.
- Language of love for your kids
Introduce letter writing to your children who are growing up in the era of technology. Give them a picture of your handwriting that’s beyond school forms and documents. Communicate and connect with your kids through letter-writing. You can do this on random days: drop a compliment, show how proud you are of their achievements.
You can also make letter writing as a memory bank. Write letters in the baby book for your kids to read when they are grown; make and collect handwritten letters to be read on their important days in the future - first day in college, first heartbreak, first day on the job, on the day your would-be grandchildren are born. Life is uncertain, and these letters will provide our children some handy evidence of our love even if we have passed on.
Write your letters on acid-free stationary to ensure longevity, sealed in an envelope, or in a plain journal.
- Reconnect with your parents
Our parents are not getting any younger, so show them your appreciation beyond the short calls. Surprise them with a handwritten letter and some printed photos of your kids, sent via the traditional mailman. You don’t need to spend much: snail mail costs less than P100.
Remember, your parents may have adapted to technology, but we can all agree that nothing beats holding the pictures and letters of our loved ones. Print your kids’ photos via Photobook here.
- Establish a letter-writing culture among kids
Make your kids write letters to their classmates or teachers or anyone in the family. This not only helps them practice their writing skills but allows them to establish friendships. Writing letters helps people organize their thoughts, and this goes for young and old alike.
In fact, according to a journal article by Virginia Berninger, children generate ideas more easily when writing by hand. The same study said forming letters engages more networks in the brain, compared to using a keyboard.
- Make meaningful gifts
Need to give something to your godchildren? Impart life lessons through a letter written on a book that they can treasure for life. Send out a Prayer Book for Kids or other children’s books with a heartwarming note.
- Self-care
Write yourself a letter! Pat yourself on the back for a job well done, or forgive yourself for the mom-guilt you feel every day. Write yourself a letter every day when the house is finally quiet, and see your thoughts become clearer. This is also a form of therapy or mindfulness exercise, which would help you navigate the tough but blessed path of joyful parenting.
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