Need help working on book project

[newtodis]

I'm working on a book project for my two sons-age 3 and 1. Here's the background:

We recently moved from MI to SC and I'm looking for ways to keep our family close despite the 15 hour drive. Previously we were about 5 minutes from the majority of them. I decided I would purchase some books and mail them, along with directions and a tape, to friends and family members.


The project:
They will read the books on tape however they'd like with whatever special messages they would like. My only "directions/requests" will be that they have to give him the title (so he's looking at the right book) and somehow tell him to turn the page ("him" being the 3 year old).

Any other suggestions or "rules" that I should include? I've never tried anything like this but it sounds like fun and I think he'll get a good response back.

Who's getting "The Package":
DH's mom
DH's dad
My mom
DH's grandma
DH's aunt and uncle x2
Our previous day care provider
Our close friends (their son is 1 month older than our 3 yr old so he'll enjoy helping mom and dad with this!)

Any other suggestions of ways to keep them pretty active with the boys? I was thinking about sending them an envelope (with a prepaid one to send back) for an art project for the boys to do. I don't know about that one though.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I think he will love the stories! Here's what else I can come up with:

Have the 3 year-old draw pictures to send to people. He'll be thinking about that person as he colors. Plus, they may send thank-you notes, and kids love getting mail.

Send lots of photographs of the kids, and display photos of the distant friends and family in your home. (Or maybe even on the inside cover of the book they read.)

Also, show the 3yo on a map where the people live. Then sometimes check the weather for where they are, etc.

Celebrate special family members' birthdays at your house too. - Have cake for dessert, and leave a message on their phone singing Happy Birthday.

 

[newtodis]

I think he will love the stories! Here's what else I can come up with:

Have the 3 year-old draw pictures to send to people. He'll be thinking about that person as he colors. Plus, they may send thank-you notes, and kids love getting mail.

Send lots of photographs of the kids, and display photos of the distant friends and family in your home. (Or maybe even on the inside cover of the book they read.)

Also, show the 3yo on a map where the people live. Then sometimes check the weather for where they are, etc.

Celebrate special family members' birthdays at your house too. - Have cake for dessert, and leave a message on their phone singing Happy Birthday.

Thanks for the ideas!! DS3 *loves* to make "secret" messages for people and send them. This usually results in a phone call to see what the picture is actually of or find out the "secret".

As our going away present, DH's family gave us some nice frames with their pictures already in them. I had bought a frame with multiple openings a while back and it just happens to match those frames perfectly so I filled that with family photos as well.

We're working on the map part and trying to explain the concept of the different places to him...maybe getting a bigger map to show him will help.

I *love* the idea of calling to sing happy birthday! Don't know why I didn't think about that! We'll certainly have to put that one to use!

 

[Lisa]

I have no suggestions to share, but think this is a great way for "him" to adjust to the move. Great thinking, Mom.

 

[newtodis]

I have no suggestions to share, but think this is a great way for "him" to adjust to the move. Great thinking, Mom.

Thanks so much!