Writing to the Next Generation
It’s a simple fact that 2nd, 3rd and subsequent children don’t get all the pictures, scrapbook pages and one-on-one attention as your first child received. Life just seems to speed up when siblings come along, and these seemingly easy things, just pile up along with the laundry. One way to communicate your little one’s milestones is to write letters to them in a journal. I am not talking about a daily journal like when we were pre-teens, where you write major accomplishments every day! Just jot down thoughts about relationships your child has, and how they are currently experiencing life. Other than the date, you don’t really need to address it, except as you call them by name.
It’s a simple fact that 2nd, 3rd and subsequent children don’t get all the pictures, scrapbook pages and one-on-one attention as your first child received. Life just seems to speed up when siblings come along, and these seemingly easy things, just pile up along with the laundry. One way to communicate your little one’s milestones is to write letters to them in a journal. I am not talking about a daily journal like when we were pre-teens, where you write major accomplishments every day! Just jot down thoughts about relationships your child has, and how they are currently experiencing life. Other than the date, you don’t really need to address it, except as you call them by name.
For example, just write a few lines about their first play date with a new friend: 5/20/11 “Well, Johnny, you played with a new friend today named Dalton. Mommy knows Dalton’s Mommy from my Sierra Parent’s group, and you two are the same age, so we thought we would get together with just you two. At first, you didn’t like Dalton touching your toys, especially your red car, but then you and I showed him how we play with your car, and you both got really excited! I was so proud of you sharing and playing, and you enjoyed yourself so much, that you cried when Dalton had to go home.”
A pregnancy journal like Butterflies and Hiccups will help you get started. You can also start by dictating into your smart phone little notes about the day’s events as you drive home (using a hands-free divice of course), and your little one’s are sacked out int heir car seats. They will enjoy hearing your voice so much more when they grow up, and they will know that you recorded it with them in the back seat!
Everyone loves to hear stories about themselves, especially funny ones! Our sons as well as our daughters will enjoy reading about themselves when they are grown. I have two sons, and I had the unfortunate circumstance of breaking both my legs while 8 months pregnant with my second, so I delivered with a cast on each leg up to the knee. I had a three year old and a newborn, and could only walk with the help of a walker. Go ahead and laugh . . . I certainly did . . . to keep myself from crying constantly! You can bet my sons will be reading A LOT about that situation when they are grown! Mom certainly won’t let them forget!
Writing short letters to your children while situations are fresh is a unique way to let your subsequent children know you loved them as much as their older sibling, even though their baby book might not be as complete or decorated as the first. It will lessen your guilt as well! This may also help you get started with a Mom related blog. Who knows . . . a new business venture could be in your future?
Happy Writing!
