50 Letter Writing Prompts for Parents: What to Write to Your Child
Sometimes the hardest part of writing a letter to your child isn't deciding who to address it to or what to do with it—it's knowing what to write. Writer's block is real, even when you have plenty to say. That's why prompts exist. Below are 50 prompts organized by theme. Pick one that speaks to you and start writing. Don't overthink it. Just follow the prompt and let your voice and your love come through.
What I Want You to Know About Yourself
1. What is your favorite quality in your child, and why do you think they developed it?
2. Write about a time your child surprised you with their courage, kindness, or strength.
3. Describe how your child lights up a room, in specific detail.
4. What do you think your child will be remembered for by their friends? By their family?
5. Write about a way your child is different from you and why you're grateful for that difference.
6. What insecurity did you notice your child struggling with, and what do you want to tell them about it?
7. Write about a talent or passion you see developing in your child and where you think it could lead.
8. Describe the way your child loves others—whether it's loyalty, humor, service, or something else.
9. What has your child taught you about yourself?
10. Write about how you see your child's potential and the adult you believe they'll become.
Memories I Never Want to Forget
11. Write about the moment you first held your child after they were born.
12. Describe a normal Tuesday that felt extraordinary in some way.
13. What's the funniest thing your child has ever said or done? Capture it in detail.
14. Write about a tradition you've shared that you hope they'll carry forward.
15. Describe a moment when your child made you burst with pride.
16. What's a memory involving just you and your child that you want them to remember?
17. Write about a family vacation, outing, or adventure that shaped your relationship.
18. Describe your child at a specific age and what made them themselves at that moment.
19. Write about a time you failed as a parent and what you learned.
20. What smell, sound, or taste reminds you of a precious memory with your child?
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
21. Write about a mistake you made as a parent that shaped how you parent now.
22. What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you as a young person?
23. Write about a time you had to choose between being right and being loving—and what you learned.
24. What does forgiveness look like, according to your experience?
25. Write about a friendship or relationship that taught you something important.
26. Describe a failure you experienced and how you moved forward from it.
27. What does integrity mean to you, and how did you learn it?
28. Write about a time you were afraid but did something anyway.
29. What is something you were certain about at 20 that you've changed your mind about?
30. Describe a person who influenced you deeply and what they taught you about living.
My Hopes for Your Future
31. Write about the life you dream for your child—not achievement, but happiness.
32. What do you hope they'll value when they're an adult?
33. Write about the kind of partner/friend you hope they'll choose.
34. What legacy do you hope your child leaves in the world?
35. Describe the parent you hope they'll become (if that applies to your family's dreams).
36. Write about a cause or passion you hope they'll discover.
37. What adventures do you hope they'll have?
38. Write about the kind of home you hope they'll create for themselves.
39. What do you hope they'll pursue with their one wild and precious life?
40. Describe the relationships you hope they'll nurture and grow.
Things That Make You YOU
41. Write about where your family comes from—your heritage, history, or values.
42. Describe the sense of humor in your family and how you hope your child keeps it alive.
43. Write about a family quirk or tradition that's uniquely yours.
44. What values have been passed down through your family line?
45. Describe a way your child reminds you of a grandparent or ancestor.
46. Write about a family story that shaped who you all are.
47. What songs, books, or art form your family's emotional landscape?
48. Write about the way your family shows love—through food, words, actions, or presence.
What I Want to Say But Never Find the Right Moment
49. Write about something you've been meaning to apologize for but haven't found the words.
50. Write the thing you're most afraid your child won't know: that you love them, exactly as they are, no matter what.
How to Use These Prompts
Pick one prompt and write for 15 minutes without stopping. Don't edit. Don't worry about it being good. Just write. You can do this multiple times, choosing different prompts for different letters. Some prompts might spark multiple letters. Some might spark a paragraph. All of it counts.
You have 50 reasons to write a letter to your child right now. Pick one. Start writing. Use Dear Forward's letter creation page to capture your thoughts and ensure these precious words reach your child when they need them most.