How to Write Their Very First Love Letter: 6 Tips to Get Started

The task can seem overwhelming, but you’ll never regret the time spent cementing your aspirations and emotions into a tangible message that your child will cherish always. Whether your child is a brand new baby or a young adult heading off to college, their first love letter will become a gift – not just for them, but for you as well!

There’s no wrong or right way to do it, but these tips on how to write the very first love letter to your child will help you get started on creating a legacy you’re all proud of.

How to Write the First Love Letter to Your Child

Understand the value: This gift you’re creating for your child is important! So few people these days take the time to write letters, yet the legacy you’re documenting will be cherished for generations. As they grow, children yearn to understand their place in the world, and they’ll look to you first to define those roles. Before you write the first love letter to your child, take a moment to appreciate the incredible gift you are creating for them. Be inspired by the chance to forever speak to your child.

Address their legacy: At the opening of your first love letter to your child, address them from the point of development they’re currently in. Open your love letter with a bit of record keeping for future reference. If you’re writing to a newborn, take note of their growth or milestones. Make mention of a school-aged child’s grade level or an adult child’s major life accomplishment. Your child’s identity and journey is constantly changing, so taking stock of their growth will help with reflection of the letter when they’re older.

Be Curious: As parents, we know a lot… but we don’t know everything. Use a love letter to ask your child what they may be thinking. Take time to express wonderment over the complex beings they are. Be concrete in your questions, which further documents development and specific conversations. For example, a statement like, “I wondered what you were looking at, as you jumped among the waves. When I asked, you said the tiny bubbles were tickling your toes.” expresses praise and admiration for your inquisitive child, while also telling a cute story of a family trip the beach.

Be Inspired: Parenthood certainly changes a person. Whether you’re a first time parent or a seasoned pro, take a moment to express how becoming their parent has inspired you. Have they given you the courage to pursue a dream? Are you healthier now because you want to model healthy living? In your love letter, tell your child how their presence has impacted yours in detail and the measures you’ve taken simply because they were born.

Stand for something: Apart from your love, use your letter to further instill the values you are raising your child by. As they grow, they’ll receive messages from everywhere – the television, online, teachers and friends – so don’t be shy in pushing your agenda. Stand up for what you believe in with conviction and sincerity. Simple phrases like, “I love to watch you play with your new dollhouse! Taking care of and protecting the things that bring you joy is an important part of being a responsible adult.”

Conclude with context: In concluding your love letter, give your child a context of their world. Take note of how their surroundings look in relation to the family’s foundation. How does your child fit into the big picture at this very moment: are they an only child, the oldest of five? What strengths and attributes do they contribute to the family team? Emote a sense of community, explaining how and why your child’s role is invaluable and necessary to the foundation in the family legacy.

Writing your child’s first love letter can be an arduous task, but you will never ever regret the time spent doing so. Hopefully these tips will help, but ultimately, your child wants to hear from you! So relax, pull out a writing tool and get busy putting heart to paper in whatever way feels natural.