If you want to connect with your kids, I can think of no better way than to …

write them a letter.

I did this last weekend when I was at a dads’ training conference, and my kids received their letters yesterday.

Joy

Two of my youngest came running out to my office grinning from ear to ear. Mum had to read the letters for them, but no matter. They enjoyed it just the same. My 4-year-old still had her letter with her at the breakfast table this morning.

It doesn’t take much time, but oh, the impact it might have just could be immeasurable.

Healing

I heard a story on the weekend of a man who didn’t have a close relationship with his dad. They just didn’t get on when he was young and both were to blame. The relationship was always frosty.

Fortunately, they got to spend some time together as the dad was slipping towards eternity, and the son finally after half a lifetime got to hear the words — I love you, son.

The question for us, regardless of how our relationship is at the moment, is — when did you last tell them you love them?  It might actually be easier in a letter, and it might mean the world to them one day when they need it most.

Longing for Love

The son in the story had the job of sorting through his father’s belongings after his passing.  As he searched through his dad’s filing cabinet he longed to find a letter from his dad to him — one that his dad had written but never sent. He hoped beyond hope. He never found one.

I can’t bear the thought of that disappointment for my kids. I always want my kids to have a letter from me on hand so they can have my words and know they are loved and that they are special. Boys or girls, they both need to hear affirming words from dad.

Affirmation