How to Write a Letter to Your Grandchild They Will Cherish Forever

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There are so many things you can write about to your grandkids. But sometimes, when you sit down to write a letter, your mind goes blank.

Or maybe you always end up writing the same kind of message. You might wonder, “What does my grandchild really need to hear right now?”

This article is here to help. It will give you ideas and encouragement so you can write a special letter your grandchild will treasure for years to come.

How to write the letter

Writing a letter has two parts.

Part one is the writing itself. Your letter doesn’t have to be long or perfect. You can write on regular paper or special stationery to make it feel more personal. Use whatever you like—a pen and paper, an old typewriter, or your computer. You can even use our Grandparent Love Letters templates.

The point is—do what feels easiest, most fun, or most meaningful to you!

Part two is the harder part—actually doing it. Try to make letter writing a regular part of your grandparenting routine. One helpful trick is to set a reminder on your calendar.

If your grandchild was born on the 18th, write to them on the 18th of each month. Or choose a set time, like the first Sunday morning, to sit down and write.

Like any habit, it gets easier with practice and reminders. And it’s one that builds a stronger bond between you and your grandchild.

Who knows? One day, you might even open your mailbox and find a letter waiting just for you!

What should you write about?

You know your grandchild better than I do, but I’d love to give you some ideas. My hope is to inspire a movement where we grandmas share our love in a way that becomes a special keepsake for generations to come.

Here are some things you can include:

1. Tell them how much you love them

Tell your grandchild how much you love and care for them. Even if you don’t say it often or see them much, your words can still mean so much.

They may read your letter during hard times, and your love will give them strength and comfort.

2. Tell them a story

Let’s be honest—once grandkids grow up, they don’t always have time to sit and talk. Life gets busy, and that’s okay. But letters last.

Share a story from your past—something they’ve never heard. One day, they’ll treasure it.

• Did you have a first love before Grandpa?
• Was there a car you adored and still dream about?
• What was your first pet’s name?
• How did you feel on your first day of high school?

Your life is full of stories worth telling. You are an amazing woman with so much to share. Even if they don’t understand it now, they will later.

Here are 28 more ideas for you:

• Describe your favorite childhood memory.
• Share a story about your parents.
• Write about the day their parent was born.
• Share a funny family story.
• Describe a favorite family vacation.
• Describe a family tradition that you cherish.
• Write about a special friendship and what made it unique.
• Describe your favorite family recipe and how to make it.
• Describe a time when you struggled and how you persevered.
• Share about a recent celebration.
• Describe a funny or embarrassing moment from your past.
• Write about a goal you set and how you achieved it.
• Describe your first car and how you got it.
• Write about a special talent you have.
• Describe an adventure you had as a child.
• Write about a time when you had to be brave.
• Share a time when you helped someone in need.
• Describe a time when you felt really proud of yourself.
• Write about a time you overcame a fear.
• Describe a memorable experience you had with nature.
• Write about a time you had to apologize and how it felt.
• Share your favorite way to relax and unwind.
• Share a life lesson you’ve learned.
• Describe a favorite season and what you love about it.
• Write about your favorite holiday and how you celebrate it.
• Describe your favorite place to visit and why.
• Describe your dream vacation and what you would do.
• Write about a historical event you lived through and its impact on you.
• Write about a dream you had. Funny or serious!

3. Remind them that everything will be okay

We may not have the energy we once did, but we do have wisdom. We’ve seen good times and hard ones, and we’ve made it through.

Remind your grandchild that hard times don’t last forever. Let your words be a hug they can return to again and again.

4. Send them a special photo

Is there a photo you hold close to your heart? Include it in the letter.

You might want to add a picture of yourself as a young woman. Let them see the vibrant, smiling face you once saw in the mirror.

Grandkids are often amazed to see what we looked like back then—and one day, they’ll treasure that photo even more.

Tips for writing letters to grandchildren of different ages

To write a great letter to your grandchild, think about their age and personality. Keep your message short, simple, and clear.

Talk about things that matter to them. Share your love, your hopes for their future, and maybe even a fun memory about their parent when they were the same age.

Writing to children under five

Very young children can’t read or write yet, so they may not understand your letters right now. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write!

One day, they’ll look back and see how much you thought of them. These letters will become a special record of your love and the stories you shared.

You can save the letters in a box or folder until they’re older. Or, you can send the letters and ask their parents to keep them safe.

Writing to school-age children

Once your grandchild can read and write, your letters will start to mean even more. They’ll enjoy reading your stories and hearing about your life.

You can also ask them questions in your letters. Invite them to write back or give you a call with their answers.

Don’t worry if they don’t always reply. Keep writing anyway. Your letters show that you care and want to be part of their lives.

Writing to teenagers

Teens still need your love and support, even if they don’t always say it. Keep asking questions, and share more about your life—especially what it was like when you were their age.

Tell them stories about their parents, aunts, or uncles. Share times when you struggled and how you got through it.

Most of all, keep writing. Teens need to know there’s someone in their corner, no matter what.

Why you should write a letter to your grandchild

Writing a letter is a powerful way to show your grandchild how much you love them. It’s something they can keep forever—and maybe even their own grandchildren will read it one day. How amazing is that?

In a busy world where things are often thrown away, a letter from the heart is never wasted. So don’t let doubt hold you back. It’s okay if your grammar isn’t perfect. It’s okay if you feel nervous or don’t know exactly what to say.

What matters most is writing from your heart.

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