Tell of daily activities in an amusing and interesting way. Supplement your letters with cards, audiocassettes, notes and drawings from children. If your children can write, have them enclose notes in your letters, or use separate envelopes. Send pictures of home, activities, etc. Your Marine or Sailor should send return letters separately to each child rather than a joint letter to all of them.
Individual attention pays off.
Express appreciation for letters, tapes, etc., by mentioning one or two points of special interest from them. Remember the importance of the amount and frequency of expressions of affection. Share you feelings as openly and freely as you can without indulging in self-pity. Provide news of relatives, friends, and neighbors. Above all, try to express yourself clearly so that the reader will not be tempted to wonder what was meant by something stated in the letter.