Five top tips: writing to your sponsored child

Your relationship with your sponsored child is all about making a connection – so write to your child like one of your family. Letters do not have to be long or complicated, in fact, simple letters are more easily translated if they need to be.

1) Tell your child about your family
Your child will love to hear all about you and your family so share how many people are living in your family home and their ages. Why not send a photograph? Talk about your life growing up and your family today – try to think of things that relate to children of that particular age, they will have similar interests in any country around the world. Do you have a job? What kind of hobbies do you enjoy?

2) Ask your child about their daily lives
Ask your child what they have done this week, and then share your own experience. This will help to begin conversations, giving your child something to respond to. How many days do they go to school? What do you do when you are not at school? Do you like to play any sports? Your child will be interested to hear that you have been to the supermarket, or been on a train to work.

3) Describe where you live
Tell your child all about where you live, if you live in a city, town or the country. What is life like there? Share a photo, a postcard or small map of your area and help your child to learn about Great Britain – your child will be fascinated to hear about how your country is different from their own. (Please remember to be sensitive about material possessions.)

4) Tell your child how much you care
Sponsoring a child is all about supporting them through their life – so remind them that you care. If you are praying for your child, let them know that too. You may have your child’s photograph on your fridge, or perhaps your own child has the photograph in their bedroom – we know your sponsored child is important to you, so don’t forget to tell them too by letting them know how much you think about them.

5) Encourage your child
Show an interest in your child’s school work – ask them what they are studying at the moment, and compliment them on their recent school achievements if you know them. Has your child mentioned they enjoy a particular sport? If so, ask them how often they play and who they play with. After school clubs are another talking point, for studying, sports or hobbies. A letter of praise from a sponsor who loves them will be treasured by your child for many years.

Other topics you might like to write to your child about:

Weather * climate * environment * cultural celebrations * modes of transport * happy memories *
hopes and dreams * work * sport * cooking and house jobs * places of interest * church * your extended family * games you play * your friends