Recently, I took the opportunity to introduce my daughters to the charming concept of pen pals. In an animated and enthusiastic tone, I explained, “When I was your age, I had a pen pal! We exchanged letters, and even though we never met, we formed a friendship. We shared our likes and dislikes, asked each other questions, and sometimes sent stickers! Just imagine getting a letter in the mail that’s meant just for you!” However, my 7-year-old’s blank stare made me question if I had oversold the idea.
Nevertheless, the thoughtful expression on my older daughter’s face morphed into a smile, giving me hope. I was trying to steer the conversation toward her cousin, Emma, who lives in New Jersey and is just a few days younger. I figured that if my eldest embraced the idea, my younger daughter would eventually follow suit. But then it hit me: my girls are completely different. What one finds fascinating, the other often finds dull.
In the end, my oldest, Harper, ended up writing a letter to a friend who had moved away last year, while I’m still working on persuading Emma to join in. At least we managed to get a letter written and sent off. Mission accomplished, sort of.
I was somewhat taken aback by the effort it took to pique their interest in writing letters. You might think this would be a quick process, but from my initial explanation to the letter’s arrival in the mailbox, it took several hours. You may wonder if my kids have access to smartphones or social media that allow for quick communication. They’ve done a few video calls on my laptop, but the honest answer is: no, they are currently free from phones and text messages. Their lack of enthusiasm wasn’t due to a disdain for “snail mail”; they simply weren’t as captivated as I had anticipated.
This led me to reflect on the art of letter writing itself. In our tech-driven world, the necessity for it has diminished significantly. While I appreciate the convenience of instant communication, I also miss the thrill of receiving a letter that isn’t just another bill or an advertisement. The joy of crafting a response has always held a special place in my heart. But, has the tradition of putting pen to paper become obsolete? In a world where we can quickly “like” a post, would a handwritten letter from a friend get lost in the noise of our busy lives?
Even though my daughters, aged 7 and 10, don’t have overly hectic schedules, I’m not entirely sure how much value they will find in having a pen pal. Regardless, I’m grateful to have introduced them to letter writing. Even if they only write and receive a single letter, I hope they experience the joy of discovering a letter from a friend in the mailbox.
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In summary, while my attempt to introduce the concept of pen pals to my daughters encountered some challenges, it was a valuable opportunity to engage them in the art of letter writing. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, fostering a love for this timeless tradition may provide them with moments of joy and connection.