Encouraging Kids to Write

Taking children beyond penmanship

Teaching kids to write their names and letters is challenging enough. Imagining them writing great things is even harder when getting them to sit still is nearly impossible! Kids display writing aptitude at different ages. Some may be ready by Kindergarten while others may not be ready until 1st or 2nd Grade. But whatever age they are ready, parents need to jump on the opportunity to teach them a few basic skills and etiquette that will serve them well for the rest of their lives.

With that said, I do not know a child who does not have a rich imagination in one area or another! They are prime candidates for story writing and they need our help to get it going. Even if they do not show aptitude for telling wild stories, they should at least be able to imagine and pen great futures for themselves.

Unfortunately, our culture has been conditioned to ignore and sweep aside what children say. When in actuality, we should be listening in rapt attention. Children have an innate ability to see their futures during the years when their brainwaves are in the Delta state from birth to five years. We should be partnering with them to lead them in the direction they aim to go.

A little bit about me. I am a mother of five adult children and five grandchildren. All five of my kids are in high performing careers. Each one of them knew what they wanted to do by the age of three. I never had to say a word. I simply pointed out museums or activities in each area of their individual interest and bought them corresponding toys, books or equipment as they grew. I literally walked them into the careers that they dreamed about when they were three and it wasn’t difficult. I just believed what they told me they saw themselves doing back during their delta stage.

So one kid got a ton of 35mm disposable cameras, one kid dug up worms in the backyard a lot and studied how and where they live, one kid spent copious amounts of time waiting for planes to go by so he could watch the wonder of flight, another kid said he wanted to be Rambo and another said she didn’t care what she did so long as she was the boss. If you’re wondering what they are doing now; one is a professional freelance photographer, one teaches special forces for the US Military, one flies for the US Military, one is a DNA Scientist and last but not least, the youngest decides how much money will be paid on your auto insurance claims as they roll in from accidents and other auto related losses.

I do get to hear a lot of belly aching about life from them but rarely about their careers. They are all happy. I did not pick their careers for them. I allowed them to choose. A person has to work for a long time. So they might as well fill a spot in society that works. I am not now and never have been one to like “jobs”. I believe a person comes with natural talents and abilities. Not everyone needs college. Not everyone should skip college. The least they should gain out of this life is the opportunity to develop what comes naturally to them.

I am assuming if you are reading this blog and are concerned about your child’s education, you are probably not the parent who ends up with a kid who turns to the dark side.

The more opportunity your child has to get his thoughts down on paper, the better he or she will get to know himself and what he or she actually thinks or feels. It is not enough to want a better life for our kids than we had. We have to take an active part in helping them not only find themselves; but more importantly; embrace and hold onto who they find. We must remember that they are not us. They are different. And because they are different, they will often do things we would never do!

For instance, my granddaughter, Lucy is six years old. Last weekend I took her and her brother to a small amusement park. She decided to go on the rollercoaster which was pretty darn sizeable; about like the one at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. When she was done riding I asked her if she was scared. She said, “When I got to the top, my nerves came and I pushed them right back down.” I was cracking up. My nerves came looking up at the ride. Not her. They didn’t even show up till she got to the top.

I study my grandkids differently than I did my own children. I have more time now. What I did with my own kids was more accidental. I can be more intentional with my grandchildren. My daughter does a great job of teaching them proper etiquette. But I enjoy in participating in helping them discover who they are and what they are good at.

I will be using this blog to introduce digital products parents can use to encourage their children to write. My products will make it easy to encourage your child to write each day whether through journaling or writing letters to loved ones, story prompts and other such things. The subject matter of the blog will also cover etiquette and special dates that should be recognized.

One of my biggest pet peeves of the modern age is the lack of a proper thank you for gifts and favors given or done for a child. Calling the grandparents or friends to thank them on behalf of a child who is able to speak or write is bad training. Children should be taught to be thankful and to express it at least in a phone call, preferably with a handwritten card. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should definitely be sent. These simple things will get your kids noticed and open doors for them other kids might not have. Simple courtesy goes a long way with people and is something all children should be taught.

Both books below include letter templates to Mom, Dad, Teacher, Brother, Sister, Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie, Uncle, Activity and get to know me pages. (Approx. 18 pages long.)

Printable as many times as you like after purchase. Click the link below and enjoy the journey as you expand your child’s soul and help them to discover who they are!

Complete Letter Writing Template Books for Boys and Girls (Sold separately)

*Just a note: Pictures can be customized on the templates to match race, a personal photo, etc. Just send me a message for a private listing. Personalization costs extra.

You can email me at werockthepen@gmail.com

WeRockThePen.com is coming soon. I am working on it as we speak. Kids journals and different colors and styles coming for the letters and story writing prompts.

See you soon!

Cate