Going away for work is never easy for kids or parents, but activities like this can make an anxious time a little easier on everyone. I will be going to a conference this week and both my son and I have been feeling increasingly anxious about being apart. I came up with this activity when we saw these mailboxes at Target and he begged m for it. I hope this little mailbox and the letters I leave for him give him some comfort and something to look forward to every day while I’m away. We will also have our Kissing Hand Necklaces that we made last year .
- Gather your materials . You will need a little mailbox, paper and envelopes for each day you are away, pens/ markers and stickers if you want.
- Label each envelope with the day. I did it like this so that my husband who will place the letters in the mailbox every night knows which to grab, and it helps teach days of the week as well.
- Write the notes. I tried to hype up what he gets to do every day. I did this because every morning before we are even out of bed my son asks me ” Mama what are we going to do today?” One of the days I included money for him to take my mom out for lunch. He’s been learning about money so he’ll love getting to pay.
- Seal them up.
- Hide them from your child and get someone at home to play postal carrier by placing them in the mailbox every night so in the morning your child has mail.
Danielle Scribner says
Such a sweet idea! I will have to remember this when I go somewhere. I do something similar for my hubby when he goes away on business trips. I hide notes in his suitcase, one for each day. (He doesn’t travel much, but it is a fun tradition for when he does).
Maureen says
Fantastic idea. What kid wouldn’t love this? And it’s fun for the parents too!
Elissa says
What a great idea! My husband is away this week and I wish I had thought of somthing like this – I’m going to try to get him to send a few e-mails and I’ll print them off!
Allison says
My husband is getting ready to deploy for a year and we have been trying to come up with ideas to keep the kids connected with him. This is a GREAT idea! We may have to do it weekly though 🙂
admin says
I was thinking about that but weekly would be perfect!
Maya says
Love it! I am going to do it too. Thanks for the awesome idea – they will love it esp cause S can read now !!
maryanne says
This is the cutest idea! Such a fun way for a child to feel like you are still there, in a way.
Desiree Fawn says
This is brilliant… I’ll be away from my babe this summer for BlogHer, and though she’ll be just 2 1/2 when I leave, I think something like this might be really nice for her!
Thank you!
Claire says
This will be perfect the next time my husband has to travel for work. She will love it!
JDaniel4's Mom says
This is such a wonderful idea. I bet you will both cherish the letters.
Deb @ Living Montessori Now says
What a great idea for times when you have to be away from home! Thanks for all the wonderful activities you share! I think your blog is fabulous and gave you an award at http://livingmontessorinow.com/2011/01/27/your-blog-is-fabulous-award-to-happily-pass-on/
Kammy Dougan says
Cute idea! Where can I find a little mailbox like that?
admin says
Target Dollar Spot – they are there every year I think this year they are pink or red.
Kelley says
My son and I both have a stuffed animal with the others voice saying I love you in it (made at Build-a Bear). So when he is at his dad’s, we feel closer.
admin says
That is so sweet.
Carly says
I like this idea…but what i cannot find is “intriguing” “sweet” “fun” things to say to my 8 year old while she goes with her gparents on a 9 day vacation…. I feel liked i am only writing the same things over again… Lol i wish i could find some samples to give me ideas!
Allison McDonald says
What about questions for her to answer in letters that she will share with you upon her return?Like a journal?