| Today, most children's idea of getting mail | | | | child's special interests. Make it something that |
| corresponds with the 'You've got mail' icon on | | | | they find interesting, like what did they think |
| their computer and not necessary with what's | | | | about the new episode of Thomas the Train or |
| inside that metal box located on the curb in front | | | | Phineas and Ferb. Talk their language, not yours! |
| of their house. | | | | 4. Put a note in the mailbox giving clues where |
| But even so, children still like to get the mail and | | | | you hid a present. If they aren't reading yet, |
| ask, 'Is there anything for me?' Except for the | | | | make a cryptic note by substituting pictures for |
| occasional birthday card or package from eBay or | | | | words. Not an artist? Try cutting pictures from a |
| Netflicks, the answer is usually 'Not today.' But on | | | | magazine instead. |
| those occasions when they do get mail they are | | | | 5. Does your child have a hard time talking about |
| pretty much thrilled to the bone. | | | | feelings? Write them a note asking them how |
| That feeling is hard to forget and I don't know | | | | they felt about something and ask them to write |
| about you, but I still can remember that feeling of | | | | down the answer. |
| excitement and surprise when I received my | | | | 6. Give them a subscription to a children's |
| Highlights Magazine or something I ordered from | | | | magazine like, Babybug, Sesame Street Magazine, |
| the back of the cereal box. So I totally | | | | Ranger Rick, or Highlights. |
| understand how they feel. It's a little magical. | | | | 7. Plan a fun surprise and send an announcement |
| Sending and receiving mail is a great way to | | | | in the mail. 'Pack your bathing suits and put on |
| encourage your children to read and write in a fun | | | | sunscreen. Meet at the breakfast table at 9:00 on |
| and enjoyable way. | | | | Saturday for your surprise trip' ought to get them |
| Here are EIGHT ways to help encourage good | | | | pretty excited. |
| reading habits in your children: | | | | 8. Join a kid's craft of the month club and have |
| | | | fun craft kits delivered right to your mailbox for |
| 1. Write or order a letter from Santa, the Easter | | | | your child. Make sure you find one that is age |
| Bunny or the Tooth Fairy. | | | | appropriate for your child and includes instructions |
| 2. Write or buy a special certificate to celebrate | | | | that are easy to understand. |
| your child's latest milestone or achievement, e.g. | | | | Besides the fun factor involved in getting mail |
| preschool graduation, first dentist visit, learning | | | | delivered, children will also receive educational |
| how to swim, keeping their room clean. I'm sure | | | | benefits as well. Receiving mail on a regular basis |
| you can come up with a gazillion ideas of your | | | | will help children get excited about reading and |
| own. | | | | that's what it's all about. |
| 3. Write a hand-written letter that discusses your | | | | |