Reply To: “My Brother’s Ex Keeps My Niece Away From Us”

Since he was able to read, I send my nephew one letter a week. It’s on a blank 3×5 notecard. I put a sticker in the corner. The letter was just news about my day. How I’m thinking about him. Maybe a silly joke. Nothing serious. Just something special that he can open, read and save. I buy envelopes in bulk that fit the notecard. They are my special color so he always knows my letter has arrived.

Keeping in touch doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Your SIL can read the letters and see that you are saying nothing critical. Keep it light. You can even say nice things about her – like “don’t forget, your mom’s birthday is soon.” or “Mother’s day is soon, I hope you are doing something nice for your mom.” It just shows that you’re not the enemy. Don’t try to communicate to your SIL through the letter. It doesn’t work. Don’t expect a letter back, that’s just not going to happen with a 5 year old. But it will establish a relationship and keep you in her world.