Handwriting: an endangered species in a digital world?
We still see the written word in art and signage, but our handwriting is slowly fading. Yet there’s something special about it. A handwritten letter takes time – it can’t be typed and filed away. It asks the reader to pause, and to hold something that someone else held in their hands. Writing a letter says: you’re important enough for me to spend this time on you.
Writing to ourselves
Parents, we all know how busy life with children can be. There’s so much to do that it’s hard to find time for yourself. By the time the youngest is asleep there’s dinner, bath time and bedtime routines – you never seem to stop.
All this can be overwhelming, but one thing always brings me back into focus: my pen. I’ve journalled since I was a young woman, and it’s wonderful to see my daughters doing the same. We even share a journal, exchanging notes and thoughts.
Connecting generations
It’s so easy to get lost scrolling and forget the person sitting next to you, and we often see this disconnection with our children too. Research consistently links strong family connections with children’s wellbeing, and letter writing is one lovely way to build those bonds.
Unlike texting or even phoning, writing a letter gives you time to think about what you want to say – to process your thoughts before putting pen to paper.
My parents’ generation grew up without television, my generation saw the birth of the internet, and my children have never known life without it. But we choose to live mostly tech-free. We still write to people by hand.
Writing to their grandparents is a gift for my children. It’s good practice for spelling and handwriting, and writing to pen pals is a fun English lesson too.
Worth protecting
As a creative person, I know how much a beautiful space and beautiful paper help the words flow. So how do we keep handwriting alive? Letters, cards and handwritten notes are a thoughtful way to express your feelings – they show the recipient you thought of them specifically. Putting in effort shows you care.
When we receive a handwritten letter today, we feel truly touched. I hope we never lose the creative power of our hands and the written word.
