Why I Email My Toddler.

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No. You did not read this incorrectly. I do in fact email my toddler, as well as my preschooler, even though they are currently illiterate. Why you ask? Because I can, because WE can, because technology allows us too, because it is quick and easy and accessible, and because it’s fun.

emailtoddlerI am married to a computer guy. So actually, this is the initial reason emailing our kids even came to the forefront (thanks babe!).  He came home from work one day and announced that he had emails set up for our unborn child. I believe I sat in silence, wondering what he had for lunch that day and who poisoned him. First off, we didn’t even know the sex of our baby, and secondly we had 2 names chosen, so how in the world did he do this. Well, the smarty pants that he is, “claimed” email addresses for both possible names, and wahhlahh – the rest is history.

Emailing my girls is fun, convenient, and achieveable. Thanks to laptops, tablets,
Ipads and phones, we can email from almost anywhere and at any time. I don’t have to stress about having a baby book or memory book in my purse, or worry about having a photographic memory when we are out and about and I remember something I want them to know years down the road. We passed our girls’ email addresses to close family only, to avoid any random forwards or spam madness, and have encouraged these family members to email them as well. This allows anyone, during mid thought, to send a quick email or photo to our girls from wherever they are. I personally make it a point to email them one significantly long email each month, as well as random emails and photos here and there when specific events occur or moments are captured.We haven’t decided when exactly we will give the ladies ‘access’ to these emails, perhaps on their 16th or 18th milestone birthdays,  but we are confident they will have a mailbox full of memories to sift through.

Now the million dollar questions. Am I allowing technology to override the days of handwritten scrapbooks, baby books, letters, and memos? Do I worry that they won’t have anything adorned with my handwriting to keep and pass down to future generations, or to cherish in their adult years? Ummm no. I have a slew of those handwritten items from baby books, to notes, to journals (see my post next month!), where they will have my handwriting to gaze at and wonder about these early years as their mama-bear. Emailing my girls does not substitute for photobooks and handwritten love notes, it is simply one more tool in my toolbox of memory preservation.

It is NEVER too late to start emailing your children, no matter what any blog or google article tells you, you can start making new memories NOW! They may be 1 day old or 10 years old, go ahead and email them what is on your mind, favorite photos of you with them, and favorite memories you are gathering. I often am tempted to log on and read what I have emailed them, as many times I include lists of recent vocabulary, firsts that they have experienced, and embarrassing moments – but then I sit back and remember that this is for them. The actual experience of writing is for me.

Where to begin?

#1 – Reserve a practical email address, that is easy to remember. Do not go for glam or crazy (like ‘bubbabear2’). Go for practical. Remember, they will be adults someday.

#2 – Make a practical password, and have one person log on sporadically to monitor spam. This one person is my husband, because I would sit there and weep in my ‘yearning for a newborn to sniff’ status and need a day of pajamas and pumpkin spice latte afterwards.

#3 – Share the email address with close family, or with no one at all. You want to avoid forwards from that one family member who loves to send out all things crazy.

#4 – Have fun with it. Make it your own adventure in documenting the life of your child(ren). Email them at a certain time each month, a few times each year, every day or week. Don’t make unattainable rules for yourself. Send them photos and funny stories.

Email those babies mama. Short sweet emails and long tear-induced messages. Email them while you are in the bath or lying in bed unable to sleep. Save your thoughts in a way that requires no markers, double sided tape, or coupons from Snapfish.  Be creative, keep it simple – sometimes that is all they (and we) need.

Do you already email your kiddos? Are you setting up the emails as soon as you minimize this browser? I would love to hear your practical ways of preserving memories!

 

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Stephanie
Hiya Mamas! I'm Stephanie, mother of 2 little ladies, wife to a 6'4 IT guy, occupational therapist, small health business owner, Sinclair adjunct faculty member, avid UD flyer fan, and a contributor for this awesomely lovely blog! Welcome! After growing up in Beavercreek, I received my BA in Psychology and my Master of Occupational Therapy, both from Chatham College in Pittsburgh, PA. In essence, Im a city lover and a farm-girl all wrapped up in one. Against everything I could possibly control (insert - 'wanted to move far away') , I moved back to Ohio after grad school, started working as an OT, met my husband, and will never leave. Nope. Im 937 for life. I love roasted broccoli, smoothees, and sparkling water, with a side of dark roast coffee and almond milk creamer. My 'me time' consists of HIIT training, long walks, exploring local, trying new foods, and following a strict 'flip flops until the first snow' rule. I have either been pregnant or breastfeeding non stop since 2011 - so ask me anything about either one of those topics and I am sure I can give you some sort of (comical) insight. My heart is with serving others, and I have had the opportunity to serve on mission trips to Montana twice, and on occupational therapy mission trips to Guatemala twice. I am hoping when the littles get older (not that I am in a rush - stop growing already!) I can give more time to local organizations in need of volunteers. We love our new church, our new neighborhood park, and our new home, all which we acquired in the past year. Happy blog reading my friends!