Starting a tradition...

How often do you tell your children how you really feel about them? Even if the answer is "all the time!" it's fun to write a letter to your child at least once a year to express your love and pride, as well as the ongoing hopes and dreams you have for their future.

I have been talking with others on starting a FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL tradition for my daughter...AH HA MOMENT AGAIN! (Yes, I have lots of thoe moments) I decided that I am going to start writing a letter to Emilee EVERY FIRST DAY of school, and possibly the last day of school. Placing the letter in a journal, and when she graduates from high school, walah! what a beautiful framed piece of memories. Well, what I would hear from many is, I DONT HAVE TIME...yes, YOU DO...all it takes is a few minutes here at the computer or handwritten (which I prefer as it is more personal).

Not sure how to get stated? Here are seven specific words you'll want to include:

1. "Love" Of course you want to tell your child how you feel! Even if "I love you" is something you say every day, the message is conveyed differently when the words are shared in writing. For example, you might say:
It's hard for me to describe much I love you!
Being your parent has been one of the greatest gifts in my life.
There's nothing that could ever change how I feel about you.

2. "Notice" Share what you've noticed recently about your child. How has she grown? What positive characteristics do you see emerging? For example:
The generosity your son has for his siblings
The kindness your daughter shows her friends
The maturity you've witnessed in how your child handles conflicts

3. "Enjoy" Describe what you enjoy doing together. This will mean a lot to your child, and it will help put the letter into context when he or she reads it again in the years to come. For example:
Playing games
Cooking together
Reading together

4. "Proud" Be specific when you describe what makes you proud. This is something we all long to hear, and the words will be like nourishment to your child when he or she re-reads the letter years from now. For example, you might express pride in your child's:
Interpersonal relationships
Academic progress and/or work ethic
Athletic abilities and/or various talents

5. "Cherish" In your letter, share a few memories that mean a lot to you personally. Your stories will communicate truth in a way that's more memorable to your child than any singular compliment. For example, you might include:
Memories of a shared vacation
An observation you'll never forget
The memory of a time when you realized your child had grown in some way

6. "Hope" In addition, take the time to share your highest hopes in your letter. For example, you might include:
Your hopes for your child's friendships
Your hopes for your child's own observations of his or her talents
Your hopes regarding his or her own dreams

7. "Believe"This is an opportunity to share your confidence in your child, as well as the beliefs that continue to motivate you personally. For example, you might include:
Your own convictions about his or her future.
A Bible verse that speaks to this time in his or her life.
A quotation that has touched you personally.

Just do it! This could be the best gift you ever give your child, or anyone for that matter!