What to include in your letter

Writing your first letter can feel daunting, especially if you have not done this before. Below are some helpful ideas for what to include, along with a suggestion for a newsletter style approach. Please remember to include your child’s birth name and date of birth when you email your letter to us at the top of the letter or on a cover letter.

Suggested topics to include

Personal favourites: their favourite food, hobbies, music, TV shows and books
Developmental updates: dependant on their age, you might include if they are sleeping through the night, are potty trained, how they’re getting on at school, their favourite subjects, and any extracurricular activities they enjoy.
Seasonal plans: you could include what they have planned for the summer, any holidays, camps or days out.
Growth milestones: how tall they are, what size shoe they are, if they have they lost any baby teeth, a piece of ribbon to show the child’s height etc.
Festive updates: this could plan for Christmas, what they might have asked Santa for, fireworks night and if they like them, Halloween plans and their costumes or if they are not taking part.
Creative contributions: artwork from the children, this could be something they’ve done at school or something they have written if they are learning to write.
Photographs: if this is part of your agreement, you could include clear and well produced photos (just remember to not include identifying details such as school badges and landmarks).
Ask questions: you can also ask the birth family questions such as what their plans are, or what their favourite food, music is.

Keeping in touch example letter

If you’re unsure how to begin your letter, this example letter can help guide you. If offers a warm, informative way to share updates with your child’s birth family while respecting the agreed contact arrangements.