Write to your baby
While whānau wait to meet pēpi, they will have hopes, dreams and aspirations for them. Writing a letter to them can support the development of a strong relationship.
Why do it?
- Thinking about your baby as a person helps you start building a positive relationship with them even before they’re born.
- The quality of the relationship between baby and their parents/whānau is the most important factor in baby’s future happiness and wellbeing.
How to do it
- Write about your feelings while you’re pregnant.
- Write to baby about what hopes and dreams you have for them.
- If you were given three wishes to make for your baby, what would they be?
- You could decorate your letter and frame it for baby’s wall.
- You could keep your letter in the treasure box from the treasure box activity.
Using more reo Māori
Te reo Māori | English |
---|---|
Tuhi | To write |
Reta | Letter |
Tuhituhi a ringa | Write by hand |
Aroha | Love, affection, compassion, empathy |
Rongorongo | Hear, smell, feel |
Mina | to desire, wish for |
Whakangākau | To show affection for |
Manaaki | Support, take care of, protect |
Atawhai | To show kindness to |
Waka huia | Treasure box |
Whakarākeitanga | Decoration, embellishment |
Whakamātakitaki | Exhibit, display for viewing |
Wāhi haumaru | Safe place |
Ngā moemoeā | Dreams |
Ngā wawata | Dreams, wishes |
Ā tōna wā | A time in the future |
Ngā whakaaro | Thoughts |