Letters to your kids: a template by age (young / teen / adult)

Three principles that help

• Write as if you’re sitting next to them — simple and warm.
• Give permission to live (no guilt, no pressure).
• Keep practical info separate from emotional messages.

A simple template you can copy

You can keep it short. A page is enough.

1. Start with reassurance: “I’m okay. I love you. You’re not alone.”
2. Share gratitude: What you love about who they are.
3. Tell your story: One lesson or memory you want them to keep.
4. Encourage their future: What you hope they choose, not what they must do.
5. Close with permission: “Please keep living fully.”

Prompts by age

Young children (approx. 3–10)

• A simple memory we shared…
• When you feel scared, remember…
• I’m proud of you for…

Teenagers

• If you feel lost, start with…
• You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be…
• I hope you keep these values: …

Adult children

• What I want you to remember about our relationship…
• If you ever wonder whether you were enough: …
• A practical wish for your life: …

How to use this with LaterWill

1. Create one message per child (so it feels personal).
2. Add milestone messages later (18th birthday, graduation, wedding).
3. Update once per year — small edits keep it true.