Writing to your sponsored child is a great way to get to know and encourage them. At different times throughout the year, Food for the Hungry (FH) sends cards in the mail you can use to write to your sponsored child. You can also send a letter on your own at any time.
Telling your sponsored child you care about them and God loves them, along with other words of encouragement in your letters means so much to your sponsored child and their family. There are many things you can write about. Here are five ideas to get you thinking about what you want to include in your child sponsorship letters.
1. Tell your sponsored child about you and your family (and send a photo!)
Your sponsored child wants to know about you, and one great way to get to know you better is by learning about your family. Tell them about your spouse and your children, if you have any. Or if you don’t, you can tell them about your parents and your siblings, or your best friends! If your friend or a family member has a job they might be familiar with (such as teacher, doctor, police officer) tell them about it. What kinds of things do they see from the day today? If your children are in school too, try to relate that to what your sponsored child is experiencing. If your sponsored child loves math, you can say: “I’m so happy to hear you love math! My son is in second grade, and he’s learning how to add. Have you learned how to add yet?” Even better–have your kids write your sponsored child directly. Since school is a common ground, you can talk about what your favorite subjects in school are or used to be. Sending a photo back with your letter will help your sponsored child feel even more connected with you!
2. Tell them God loves them.
It is so important for children to know that God loves them. You can share your favorite Bible story or verse with the child, or even write it on a separate notecard for them to have at home. These topics will encourage your sponsored child and help them feel loved and special.
If your sponsored child lives in a religiously sensitive country such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, or Vietnam you won’t be able to say these words so directly, but we still have many great tips for showing Christ’s love to your sponsored child. Click here to read more about writing to a child in a sensitive community.
3. Encourage them to study hard and stay in school.
Many children who live in the developing world face obstacles that can make attending school rather difficult. Whether that is a lack of infrastructure, familial need for additional income, the cost of uniforms or supplies, or difficulty traveling, many factors have the potential to cause the child to drop out of school entirely. You are already helping to prevent this through your child sponsorship. Your monthly donation helps make up for the lack in many of these areas. FH staff are working to help communities see the value in education and lead them to make it a priority. Still, your encouragement will be priceless to your sponsored child. It will help remind them to believe in themselves to see that you believe in them. Your words could help them value education even more, and inspire hope that they can achieve their dreams!
4. Show them you’re interested in them by asking questions.
Asking your sponsored child questions will help them to see that you truly want to know them better. Ask them about what their parents do for work, or what their best friend’s name is. If they told you their favorite class is history, ask a follow up question like, “what is the best history story you’ve heard in school?” You can ask them if they own any animals or what they like to eat. You can ask about their favorite holiday or about their family. You can also ask about their hobbies, and what they like to do for fun. This is an opportunity for you to bond with your sponsored child by learning more about them, their community, and their culture.
5. Remind them you care deeply for them.
As you’re closing out your letter, you can end with a reminder of your love. Remind your sponsored child they are special, loved, and full of potential. Tell them you care about them and that’s why you’re their sponsor. You could tell them you are praying for them and that you believe in them. This will send a strong message to your child that you truly do care for them.
BONUS: Send a paper-based gift
Make your letter extra fun for your sponsored child by sending a paper-based gift. It must be able to lie flat and be made of paper. You can send an item such as a postcard, sticker sheet, bookmark, paper doll, paper puzzle, activity page, or stationery. One of my favorite ideas for all ages is a coloring page. Simply download and print a free coloring page (there are even adult coloring pages if your sponsored child is an older teen).
Your letters make a lasting impact
Hopefully, this post sparked some fun ideas for what you can include in your next letter. Here are all the details for how to send a letter by mail or online. Your child sponsorship is making a difference, and your letters add to the impact you’re making.
See related posts:
Love Shines Through in Letters from Children
Child Sponsorship in Guatemala: Everything is Different [Video]
