To make your letter truly magical, you should keep the following suggestions in mind as you customize the letter:
If applicable, you should address or acknowledge a recent or profound change in the recipient’s life (new school, new sibling, new family, loss of family or friends, etc)
Maybe reflect on the child’s courage or things the child has had to endure. Let those attributes or qualities be your inspiration.
Maybe reflect on any sacrifices the child has had to make. Children and adults both respond well when their sacrifices are recognized and validated
Let your letter be an extension or reflection of your own feelings. Reflect upon what you love about the child and maybe incorporate that in the letter. Maybe think of one or two things that make that child special and talk about it. Don’t forget how much you love your child. You don’t have to spend a lot of time on it if you aren’t comfortable writing, but you should mention it.
Give praise. Children love praise. They love when their accomplishments or things they have worked on get noticed. Maybe comment on things that are important to the child. Teens love praise, too. Many parents use a letter to tell their teen they love them, or to tell them things that may difficult to say in person. So keep that in mind.
Sometimes it’s just easier to tell your child you love them by pretending you are a fictional character.
Write the letter from the 1st person perspective. Say “I’ll be watching.” or “I am really proud of you for __” instead of “Princess Sierra knows ____”
Be encouraging and supportive; be positive, reinforcing, uplifting; avoid making your character sound overpowering or super strict.
Occasionally talk “to” the child in the letter, not just “at” the child. For example, “Don’t hit your brothers” (talking at) vs “Don’t hit your brothers, ok Jack” (talking to).
