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 |
