When I first started sponsoring Vitoria, she was 5 years old. She drew me pictures of flowers and I sent her princess coloring sheets. But then, before I knew it, she was a teenager. Gone were the crayon drawings and bright stationery.

Vitoria and her letters through the years. Photo by: Brandy Lovelace

I could have mourned the loss of those sweet letters. But instead, I decided to embrace the new season Vitoria and I were entering. I fumbled through a year of letters until we finally figured out our new rhythm. She told me about her dreams. What she wanted to be when she grew up.

I watched Vitoria grow through those letters. And I’m so glad I didn’t give up until that very last letter I wrote to her when she graduated from the Compassion program.

I want to help you choose to keep going too. No matter what age the child you sponsor is, we’ve got some ideas for you to make letter writing just a little easier.

First Things First: A Couple of Notes About Letter Writing

First, we want to encourage you by saying this: Your letters mean the world to the child you sponsor. Whether they’re two pages long or just a couple of sentences, your words matter and bring hope to a child in need.

Second, as you go through the tips below, remember one key trick: Keep it simple! The simpler you keep your letters, the easier it will be for the child to respond. For example, if you’re going to ask questions, just include one or two.

Photo by: Galia Oropeza

What Do You Say to a Toddler?

When you sponsor a toddler, remember that your letters are primarily to his or her caregiver at first.

• Encourage the caregiver! Tell them that you’re proud of them. Send them a Bible verse about parenting.

• Tell them about your neighborhood and daily life. What is your day-to-day like?

• Send a prayer for the caregiver and tell them you’re praying for them.

• Share about your own family and send photos.

• Ask them about the child. What is their personality like? What is their favorite food?

What Do You Say to a School-Aged Child?

Starting school is exciting for a child — and it opens doors for new kinds of letters! The challenge is that “school-age” is represented by children of varying ages and needs. For example, a 5-year-old interacts with letters differently than a 12-year-old does. Here’s how to write different school-age-appropriate letters.

5-7 Years Old

Kids at this age are beginning school and just learning how to read and write. Their letters might be simpler. If you ask questions, make sure they’re easy.

• Share what your own favorite class or topic was in school.

• Let the child know you’re praying for them in their studies.

• Kids love the weather! Tell them about the weather where you live — even better if you can send a photo (for example, your family enjoying the snow).

• Share about your pets or your favorite animals.

• Ask the child what they’re learning in school or what their favorite part of school is.

Photo by: Lina Marcela Alarcón Molina

8 to 12 Years Old

At this age, a child has been in school for a bit. They have learned a lot and are more confident as communicators. Conversations may start to look different — maybe even more in-depth.

• School is a big part of life. Ask the child what parts of school are most difficult for them. Share how you’re praying for them as they learn.

• Encourage them with a Bible verse about hope or God’s love for them.

• Tell them about your own hobbies and things you enjoy.

• Ask about their friends. What are they like? What do they enjoy doing together? Share a Bible verse about friendship.

What Do You Say to a Teenager?

• Teenagers think about their futures a lot. Tell them what you do for a living and what it’s like. Ask them about what they want to be when they grow up.

• Let them know you’re praying for them to reach their dreams. Share a Bible verse about strength.

• Teenagers face a lot of pressure. Be their cheerleader by encouraging them to keep going!

• Tell them about your own struggles as a teenager — if you’re comfortable. This will help them feel “normal” in what they’re experiencing.

• By now, you might have a lot of letters. Look up recent letters in My Account and ask about things or people they’ve mentioned.

Photo by: Galia Oropeza

What Do You Say to a Young Adult?

• Keep being a cheerleader! Encourage him or her in their studies, their vocational training and pursuing their dreams.

• Continue to share Bible verses, reminding them that God has a plan and purpose for them. Tell them about Scripture that has impacted you in your own walk with Jesus.

• Young adults often ask more questions in their letters. Make sure you look at their last note and answer any questions they may have had for you.

• Keep sending photos. They like watching your family grow and change!

• In these last years of sponsorship, you have the opportunity to speak words of encouragement and hope — what a privilege as a child sponsor!