AIBU to ask for online pen pals for DDS?

[cockneylass]

Hi,

My two DDs are interested in having a pen pal after DD1 read about a pen pal in Diary of a Wimpy Kid. They have since been asking me questions about my pen pals as a child- I was a member of Hola! if anyone remembers that! Was a fun experience but it’s changed days now re. privacy concerns etc.

We have had a look online for pen pal groups, but haven’t really found one that suited what we are after- they seemed to be snail mail, or for classrooms etc.

So asking here if anyone has DC that would be keen to have an email pen pal? DD1 is 8, nearly 9 and is keen to pen pal with a boy. DD2 is 7 and is keen for a girl pen pal. They would like to experience what it is like having a pen pal, learning about their hobbies and interests, home town/home country etc along with the joy of receiving ‘mail’.

We are keen to keep to email pen pals only as don’t want to share address, personal details etc. and obviously parents would monitor communications. I’m not sure if this is the right place or way to ask, so please do let me know if it would be of interest or if you could point me in the direction of a suitable website for kids that does online communication only.

Thanks

What a lovely idea OP. I and a pen pal from America when I was a little girl and I loved it. When I was older I was able to go visit her and I even studied for half a year in America because I was inspired by the penal experience. She also came to visit me here in Sweden and it was a wonderful time. We are still friends to this day and it was a good way for me to practice writing and reading my English also.

My baby is only 3 months old so can’t offer you any pen pal. But I just wanted to say that it’s a wonderful way for children to practice their writing. It can also inspire some interest in travel so I think it’s a wonderful idea.

Much luck on finding pen pals. If I know of any Swedish children who might be interested I will let you know. Of course they will write in English. I have a friend who is a teacher so I will ask her if anyone in her class will be interested in having a pen pal.

Yes please! They would love to connect with a child from another country to learn about their culture, school, food, traditions etc,

Anyone else keen?