One of the keys to grandparenting from a distance and to connect with your grandchildren is to surprise and delight them.
Your grandchild’s mailbox is a place where you can shine – no matter their age. The truth is, it is unlikely that anyone else is sending them real mail consistently.
Perhaps you send monthly postcards or greeting cards on special occasions.
We have grandparents in The Long Distance Grandparent Society who send out what they call their monthly mailings. Each month, I provide mail that connects for them to send. It is developed based on research about grandparenting, child development and long-distance relationships.
But here is something you can use to switch it up a little.
Write a ransom note.
Sounds intense right?!
It’s not. It just describes a type of note you create using letters from magazines, newspapers, or flyers.
You can make your own or use this site to automatically generate a note in this style:
It’s what I used to create the photos in this blog.
The notes from this website can be saved to your computer and printed out.
Of course, making a homemade ransom note is going the extra mile, pun intended. And it helps you to use all those flyers you wish people would stop putting in your mailbox!
But the generator is fun and fast to use – and the notes are pretty and colorful!
You don’t have to use it to write a long note.
Try this letter writing technique in these ways:
- Use it just for your grandchild’s name on the envelope.
- As an envelope topper, something you add to the back of the envelope to make it stand out such as I miss you or I love you.
- As a unique way to send encouraging words to grandchildren or the parents.
Sidebar: I know…..I do go on about words of affirmation a lot in my writing and suggestions.
It’s not just because the research supports the use of affectionate communication to nurture close relationships with grandchildren and build resilience.
It’s also because I know the constant barrage of negative messages that tweens, teens and your adult grandchildren – and their parents – are receiving from social media.
And it’s affecting them negatively.
These platforms are constantly sending the message that your grandchild is not pretty enough, not strong enough and not smart enough.
For your own adult children, social media is ripe with messages that they are not good enough as a parent or not successful enough in their career. The list goes on.
Grandparents can counter this message by reminding their grandchildren and their parents that they truly see them, the wonderful qualities they possess and the value they offer to the world.
And using a ransom style letter is a fun way to let them know you care and think they are wonderful!
So to recap quickly. Why go to the trouble of creating a ransom note?
Because…
- It’s fun and playful and these things are important to strong and meaningful relationships.
- It will stand out.
- Nothing says, I spent time on this like a ransom note.
(Okay, well maybe the hand knit sweaters my mother-in-law creates, but not everyone knits and ransom notes are a much faster project!)
Unique ways to write letters will ensure your mail is always of interest and helps you to stay connected to your grandchildren.
That’s all for now!
Happy Connecting!
