Mailbox Pretend Play as This Reader’s Go-To Activity

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A couple of weeks ago, I sent out an email to newsletter readers that asked them if they’d like to share an activity they’ve done with their kids as a guest post. This is the email I received back from Ashley. This activity is her go-to activity whenever she needs to get something done.

Let me start by saying I love your blog, all your ideas, and your beautiful family. You have helped me so much along this journey of motherhood.

When I read your latest email, my first thought was my go-to activity when I need to get something done. It never fails to entertain, and independent play to boot!

I just tape some “mailboxes” onto cabinets or walls (where ever your activity takes place, but a lot of times mine is in the kitchen while I’m trying to cook).

Painter’s tape works great, of course, but I think the last few times all I had on hand was Washi Tape (affiliate link).

Anyways, I just staple a piece of construction paper (a different color for each person’s mailbox) and write the name on it.

My 2.5 year old is too young to read so he often asks me the name or remembers which color belongs to whom.

I give him a bunch of index cards, scrap paper, pens, stickers, labels (‘stamps’) and he goes to town creating his own mail.

Mailbox activity for kids to practice their writing

He gets such joy and sense of satisfaction from mailing family and friends ‘letters’. I think it makes him feel responsible, as much of our pretend play does.

He gets very involved in it and stays busy for a good 20-30 minutes straight, which is the best I can ask of him at this stage. Hope this can help at least one other mom out there.

I’m just a regular mom doing what it takes to get through the days but also make them count!

Below is another mailbox we did from a different day.

This was actually a little bit easier, I just cut into lunch bags and taped them up.

And of course, Beckett had to wear his “mailman” hat for this one!

Ashley is a grateful mom living one minute at a time with love, laughter, chaos & coffee. She has two kids. Mia who is 8 years old and completely independent with a heart of gold. Beckett is 2.5 years old and is a wild man with limitless energy and a thirst for life!