Hi. I'm new here and wanted to say hello. I live in NH. I have 4 kids (2 boys and 2 girls) ages 5,7,11 &13. My 7 year old son would really love to have a penpal. Anyone out there with a child around his age that would like to write?

By Joan on Sunday, January 11, 2009 - 05:04 pm:

Welcome to the board, Miri. I have two married sons and three grandsons. One of my grandsons is seven, but he's not into writing. I wish he were. Maybe you'll find your son a penpal on here. I had a penpal when I was growing up, and I think it can be a great experience.

By Northcountrymom on Monday, January 12, 2009 - 01:23 am:

Hi Kidcrazie,

Welcome. We live in the mountains near the Canadian and Vermont borders.

Penpals are great for kids. Were you thinking snail mail or e-mail. A number of families near us encourage pen pals? Does he do cub scouts, 4-H, sports, animals etc.?

Linda

By Kidcrazie on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 06:45 am:

Linda,
I was hoping for snail mail because of a few things. 1. it teaches patience (which kids now a days do not have since everything is immediate) and 2. it will help with writing skills.
He plays baseball and is very much into star wars and pokemon. He is in 2nd grade.

By Northcountrymom on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 07:07 am:

Hi Kidcrazie,

My son loves pokemon. He's in 4th grade but he's an innocent in 4th grade if you know what I mean. He also plays baseball but is not a passionate player - more of a daisy picker in left field. We are equal opportunity New York fans - Yankees and Mets but where we live there are also a lot of Red Sox fans. Loves to draw and build. Creates machines and creatures of all kinds and varieties. I spoke to him about the pen pal arrangement. He's thinking about it. We wrote on trips to people so he understands postcards and letterettes. Maybe could start with favorite Pokemon and branch out.

Hope you have a great day.
Linda

By ~harlena on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 10:42 am:

hi and welcome Kidcrazie !

WELL .... my daughter would LOVE a penpal, but she's at the "no boys" phase. So, I doubt I'm going to be able to help you out there ..... she is going to play softball this year, but only because it's actually softball and yes, no boys !

They're so funny at this age aren't they ?

I agree with you about the pros of snailmail, so many things are instantaneous now, that anytime we can teach our kids the virtue of patience, or even to show them the reward of it, we shouldn't let that opportunity go by. Great idea !!! Maybe I should look for someone for my daughter as well...

:}

By Kidcrazie on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 01:29 pm:

i think your daughter is better off playing softball with "no boys". my older daughter was on a baseball team with boys until she was 8. she was one of the 2 mandatory girls on the team. the boys as well as the coach treated her like she didn't belong there. she then moved to softball and is thriving and loving it.

By ~harlena on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 10:03 pm:

yes you are probably right, my Dd can hold her own with her brothers, even their friends, but "strangers" or even boys in her class, forget it !!!

I left a message for the Little League contact (he'd left two for me already) so hopefully I'll find out more info soon on that league. BIG hopefully we can work it into the two remaining nights of the week when nothing is going on !

By Northcountrymom on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 - 11:30 pm:

Hi Kidcrazie,
Did you get a penpal. Let me know.
Linda

By Kidcrazie on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 07:45 am:

not yet Linda. Do you think that your son would like to give it a try?

By Northcountrymom on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 09:38 am:

Miri,
E-mail me.
Linda

By Kidcrazie on Friday, January 23, 2009 - 11:20 am:

Linda, did you get my email?
Miri

By Northcountrymom on Saturday, January 24, 2009 - 08:58 am:

Hi Kidcrazie,

Great working out a safe penpal adventure.

Penpal stuff I found in my kid-penpal explorations. Might find something interesting that helps us or others looking for penpal resources for their kids or who want to join us:

How to Find A Safe Pen Pal for Your Kid
http://www.ehow.com/how_2247840_safely-pen-pal-child.html

Teaching Kids to Write A Letter
http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-write-a-letter/

Tons of Penpal Resources and Safe Penpal Possibilities
http://www.youthonline.ca/penpals/penpalsforkids.shtml

Safe Penpals On Line
http://www.penpalworld.com/protect_kids.asp

British but Interesting Blog on Their Seeking Penpals for their Kids
http://www.prima.co.uk/index.php/chatroom/topic/1317


Linda

By ~harlena on Saturday, January 24, 2009 - 11:43 pm:

Thanks Linda for all of that great info, maybe I can get mine involved in this !!!

By Northcountrymom on Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 01:16 pm:

Hi Harlena,
E-mail me if you're interested in the penpal possibility.

Linda