Letter Activity
Letter Activity for Children When a Parent or Loved One Is Detained by ICE
This activity is a meaningful way for your child to express their feelings and stay connected with their detained parent or loved one. This activity helps children process their emotions, maintain hope, and feel connected, no matter the distance. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Materials
Gather a small journal, staple some pages together, or keep loose papers—whatever is easiest. Encourage your child to use these to write or draw their thoughts and feelings.
Step 2: Explain the Purpose
Tell your child that they can write a letter or keep a journal for their mom or dad. When their parent or loved one is able to return, they can give the letter or journal to them. It’s a special way to share what they’re feeling and to say hello.
Step 3: Encourage Expression
Help your child write or draw about anything they want to share—how much they miss their parent, feelings of sadness, anger, or happiness, or even funny stories. For example, they might say:
Step 4: Keep and Share
Encourage your child to keep all their letters or journal entries safe. Once their parent or loved one is back, you can give these special keepsakes to them as a reminder of the love and thoughts shared during this difficult time.
This activity is a meaningful way for your child to express their feelings and stay connected with their detained parent or loved one. This activity helps children process their emotions, maintain hope, and feel connected, no matter the distance. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Materials
Gather a small journal, staple some pages together, or keep loose papers—whatever is easiest. Encourage your child to use these to write or draw their thoughts and feelings.
Step 2: Explain the Purpose
Tell your child that they can write a letter or keep a journal for their mom or dad. When their parent or loved one is able to return, they can give the letter or journal to them. It’s a special way to share what they’re feeling and to say hello.
Step 3: Encourage Expression
Help your child write or draw about anything they want to share—how much they miss their parent, feelings of sadness, anger, or happiness, or even funny stories. For example, they might say:
- “I miss you so much, Mommy.”
- “I am feeling sad today.”
- “I love you and can’t wait to see you again.”
- "I did good in school today, or helped Mommy."
- Or they can send a hug, write a poem, or just say hello.
Step 4: Keep and Share
Encourage your child to keep all their letters or journal entries safe. Once their parent or loved one is back, you can give these special keepsakes to them as a reminder of the love and thoughts shared during this difficult time.
