Love Notes for a Single Parent Family

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

Let's face it-we just can't get enough love and affection. When it comes to building a strong single parent family, it can take some extra effort to make sure that our children feel cherished, safe, and loved. Over the years, I have learned to look for opportunities to send my kids "love notes" as they go back and forth between houses, or just little notes of encouragement when the least expect them.

When my kids were younger and I did the bulk of the packing for their trips across town to their father's house, I would tuck little messages and notes into their backpacks and bags so they would discover them as they were settling in at the other house. While I didn't want to undermine the fact that they would be spending time with their father, I did want them to know that I loved them and was thinking about them while they were away. It is sort of a variation on the "tucking love notes into the lunchbox" theme.

What are some other ways to keep in touch while kids are away at the other parent's or visiting relatives? Consider e-mail and instant messaging. As my children got older and the notes became a little "dorky" we started IM-ing each other when they were at the other house. This way I could stay in touch and keep up with the daily happenings and we didn't have to play so much "catch-up" when they came back to my house.

When it comes to writing love notes for a single parent family, it helps to get creative. You might consider sending pre-stamped and pre-addressed postcards when your kids are away (as if they were going to camp) or come up with other ways to leave brief messages of connection and concern. It is important to be encouraging and loving (and not be laying extra "trips" on your kids as they are heading off to be with the other parent.)

Also: Building Loyalty in a Single Parent Family

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