01
Choose something the child can enjoy
Drawings and photos are lovely to look at. A voice message also keeps the way a friend says their name, their laughter, and their own words. Let children contribute in a way they enjoy.
A parent who was preparing a farewell gift for a preschool friend told us that a written group card would have become a collection of parents’ messages. With voice recordings, the children could speak for themselves, and their friend could listen without needing to read. The parent hoped the gift would offer comfort when the child felt lonely after moving.
Even if a child cannot say very much yet, “Let’s play again!” is a place to start. Instead of finishing the message for them, ask what they would like to say.
02
A few words are enough
Instead of asking a child to recite one, try asking what they liked doing with their friend.
A favorite memory
I loved going down the slide with you. Let’s play again!
Something they love doing together
I want to play trains with you again.
A very short goodbye
I love you! See you soon!
03
Help your child record without making it a performance
An organizer who gave a voice gift to a preschool friend moving away shared this response from the recipient’s family:
They sent me a message saying, “Everyone’s little voices, still finding their words, were so adorable. The warm messages filled my heart.”
Adults do not need to correct every word a child finds hard to say. Think about what you would like to remember about the way they speak right now.
- An adult starts the recording and holds the phone close enough to hear the child.
- Saying their friend’s name and a few words is enough. There is no need to learn a speech.
- A giggle or a little stumble can be part of the memory. A perfect take is not the goal.
- If your child does not want to talk, leave it for another time.
- If you add a photo, choose it together. Check with the other parents before including a photo of their children.
04
An invitation to send to other parents
Use the messaging app or email list your families already use. If the recipient’s family is in the same group and you want a surprise, send individual invitations instead.
Parent invitation
We’re making a Voice Bouquet for [friend’s name] before their move, made from the children’s voice messages. Could you help your child record a few words by [date, time and time zone]? “Let’s play again!” is plenty. [recording link] No app or contributor account is needed. Collecting and delivering the bouquet is free. The recordings will be shared with the recipient, and adding a photo is optional. Please join only if you and your child are comfortable. Please keep it a surprise until [gift date].
05
Send a gift they can listen to after the move
The organizer reviews the messages, completes the bouquet, and sends the listening link to the friend’s parent or guardian. Add a note inviting them to listen together.
Creating, collecting, and delivering the bouquet is free, and the optional downloadable video is free for now. You can send the bouquet without arranging a collection of money from other parents.
The invitation link is for recording; the completed bouquet has a separate listening link. Check which one you are sending and ask families not to post links containing children’s voices or photos publicly.
