Snail Mailing Pen Pals

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I say snail mailing pen pals is the "new" way to find good friends because it's something I've recently rediscovered, and my children have newly discovered.

In this age of everything virtual, electronic, and immediate, letter writing as a way to communicate has gotten lost in the mix. I had a pen pal for many years when I was a kid.

I remember looking forward to those letters and pouring over them when they came. My pen pal and I would exchange pictures, postcards....and those teen heart throb posters we'd pull out of magazines. - What can I say? We were 12.

I addition to being fun, having a pen pal helped sharpen my writing skills. I learned how to put my thoughts on paper. It was very much like journaling. At that age I would write about the events that filled my days at home and at school.

Kids will write about their families, pets and friends. They'll write about their likes and dislikes. Maybe they share a hobby with their pen pal, or a love of books, or a certain sport. And in their exchanges with their pen pal friends they'll learn to appreciate someone elses writing style, as well just learn about a new friend in a new place.

Snail mailing pen pals is a way to expand a childs vision of the world because it provides a way for them to reach out into it, where they might not be able to otherwise. It's very exciting when your pen pal lives in another country, eats different foods, has different tradtions, and maybe even speaks a different language.

It fosters curiosity and discovery.

My kids love to write, and it's always exciting when they get something in the mail. I wanted them to have a pen pal experience, but how could I connect them with a pal when everything these days is electronic and immediate? I got mine from a school project back when teachers had time to connect with each other and take on those daunting tasks.

Where to Find Snail Mailing Pen Pals for Kids
...and Moms too!

When looking for pen pals for my own children I realized I had no clue where to turn. How could I be certain I was going to get safe, age appropriate and compatible pals for my kids? Luckily, there are still folks out there who value the tradition of letter writing and everything children can gain by mailing pen pals.

• Pen Pal Party: Post a profile in a moderated forum and choose from thousands of potential pen pals. There is even a special service for teachers.

• Friendship-By-Mail.com: Not only will you find a safe pen pal for your kids at this site; it's the perfect place to find a pen pal for yourself! Want to write to another mom who shares your same values or daily struggles? Or perhaps find someone who shares the same hobby? This site is where you can do that in a safe and friendly environment.

Although these sites each charge a small fee for their kids pen pal matching service, it's well worth it to ensure the safety of your children. There are free sites available on the net where kids can foster emailing friendships. Simply search for "free kids pen pals".

Just please be sure to monitor the exchanges closely if you decide to use any of those sites. But if you want a safe, true snail mail pen pal for your kids try any of the above sites. It could be the beginning of a friendship that lasts a lifetime.