Encouraging Your Child to Write
July 18, 2009 by Eliza Ferree
Filed under Family, Parenting
My daughter impressed me today with a story she decided to write, the story was inspired by a card called “U Go Girl.” These are a deck of trading cards that have inspiring or encouraging activities for girls to do.

IMG: Elizabeth Ferree
I love things that encourage or inspire our children, I think being a kid is hard enough and many times all you hear around the world/news is negative. Having something positive in a deck of cards is just what they need. Here are a few:
Predict Ur Future!- Write down in detail what u think ur life will b like once u r an adult. (yes they are written like that) from the Go Basic Deck
U and Only U!- What do ur school folders say about ur personality? from the Go Create Deck
It Takes 2- Here r some fun ideas 4 when there r just 2 of u. (stuff like staring contest, thumb wars and more) from Go Mingle deck.
She got the one to predict her future and boy did she have it planned. Now I won’t go into writing her entire story but she dreams of becoming a fashion model, living in a mansion and have a daughter and a husband. Oh and she’ll be living in Montana. Boy does she have her plans and dreams and I’m so happy for her. Yes, I realize she will probably change her mind five more times before she gets to High School and I’ll encourage every one of them with enthusiasm as if it were THE ONE. Have you ever talked with your kids about their idea of their future? I think it is one of those really interesting topics, you get an idea of what they think and their true interests.
For those that ask, the picture was taken after my daughter BEGGED me to put my hair in pigtails and take a photo together. She insists I look YOUNGER. I’m not so sure that is a good thing.
(Next up, “Where to Submit your Child’s stories?)















My daughter has been writing regularly on her own blog: http://bighannahmontanafan.blogspot.com/. This is another really great way to encourage kids to write, and yes, I supervise her work and interactions very carefully. It’s helped her develop her voice and her storytelling skills, as well as spelling, grammar and vocabulary.
My two also write blogs (oldest two that is) but they haven’t been keeping up with it as much as they did last year. Maybe I should get them back on. Thank you so much for reminding me of this.