I first heard about doing this from a post I read here. If you are not familiar with A Daily Scoop, you need to check it out. She is so inspirational. I have stalked her for a while now.
I loved the idea so much that we immediately began using this in our home. I got everyone in the family their own little notebook and labeled each of them with their names. Our rules are that if you have something to write to someone in the family, then you take your own notebook and write down a compliment, concern or whatever is on your mind down and them place the notebook under the intended recipient’s pillow.
If you find one under your pillow, you then write a response and return it to the owner by placing it under their pillow. They tend to get used in spurts but I am always happily surprised to find one under my pillow. Usually they are cute, nice little “love notes,” but occasionally the kids have addressed some tender feelings of loneliness or hurt feelings that otherwise may not have been brought to light.
I realize that sometimes in a large family, someone at some time is bound to feel neglected and overlooked. This has been a fun and non-confrontational way to discuss feelings without feeling threatened. I have enjoyed them so much that if I haven’t seen them out for a while, I make sure to start them up again by placing mine under their pillows to let them know how much I appreciate them or something they did.
But perhaps one of the greatest things will be to let them look back at some of the things they enjoyed and/or worried about when they were younger. I also LOVE their handwriting and creative spelling attempts. I guarantee that you will really be glad you implement this in your family.
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Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
I love this idea – hope I can remember it when more than 1 child can write!
Great idea. Plus it helps them learn to write and express their feelings at the same time.
That is one amazing idea. I love it. My boys are a little to young right now (they cannot write), but I am going to tuck this idea away for later, because I LOVE it!
I started doing this with my older daughter as a means of special communication between the two of us. I told her it was our own private diary that only we could read. She loved it. It also really helped with her writing, which she was struggling with at the time. I think it is a great idea to make it a family thing. I think I'll be starting this soon.
Sweet idea… thanks for sharing this tip from your family (and sharing the actual photos from the notebooks!)
My husband is a teacher and does something similar with his middle school kids. They all keep notebooks that they write in daily and turn in to him. He writes back in each one every week. It takes him a LOT of time, but creates a strong connection between him and the kids. Often the "problem kids" like it the most.
Our kids are too young now, but this is a brilliant idea to hold onto for the future.
PS Just discovered your blog, and I love it!
Aww!!! It great to remember . my kids are so young but they can draw with me :)
thanks for wonderful idea!
Katey
My daughters and I do this as well. She and I write in HER book back and forth. Questions and concerns are better expressed in writing sometimes…less confrotational like you said. I love it!!What a blessing and treasure these little books will be when they are grown and with families of their own!!