Pen pal for my daughter

[Dayseye88]

Hi, my daughter (aged 7) is interested in having a pen pal after being inspired by her great grandma having written to hers for over 60 years! I also had a pen pal when I was a child and I have fond memories of writing and receiving letters. I’ve had a look at some online services who match pen pals, but I feel uneasy about giving our address to so many people. I wondered instead if anyone on mumsnet might like to buddy up for our kids to be penpals? Thanks! :)

That is such a sweet idea. Mines are older now but they have pen pals through school. It might be worth asking if they are doing anything like that soon? Always thought it was quite good from a safety perspective.

The thing is though, on an anonymous forum like this - nobody knows who you are, there is no proof as to whether the letters are coming from a 7 year old or a 21 year old. As the mum of primary aged children there's no way - however sweet the idea - that i would enter such an arrangement with unknown people via an anon forum.

Go through school/activity clubs and/or kids you know or cousins who live elsewhere or at least parents you personally know

I had about 40 penpals at one point as a teen! Back then we used to swap these little booklets where you put your address and what you like etc and then you send them on and others can choose to write to you. It is mad really giving out your address though in this day and age. But it is a great idea in principle. In all the time I did it there was one inappropriate man in his 30s who tried to infiltrate it but it didn't go well for him!