A New Kind of Pen Pal: Review & Giveaway

Posted by Chris | 3 comments

I think every child loves having a pen pal. Do you remember breaking out the good stationery to write a faraway friend or even a neighbor down the street? I sure do. I had pink and green plaid trimmed notepaper and I think I mailed it with a 13-cent stamp. (It’s OK to laugh.)

It’s so much easier now, and much to the chagrin of the beleaguered U.S. Postal Service, it doesn’t even require a stamp.

Pen Pal Kids Club puts a world of friendship online – but fully within parental control. The site is a social network opportunity for ages 4 – 14. If that makes you squeamish, you can rest assured, knowing this isn’t Facebook. Children create an avatar (which they can design). They can then make friends with pen pals from around the world. Communication is not a problem because content is translated (and filtered) in English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, French, Italian and German.

Admittedly, my 13-year-old son isn’t keen on the pen pal idea, but I know many children will jump at the opportunity this provides to make new friends and learn about different cultures. Though I am still hoping the pen pal notion catches on here, in the meantime, I know he will take advantage of the site’s partnership with Encyclopedia Britannica for Kids which offers a wealth of content.

As we finish a geography unit on Australia, one click takes me to Pen Pal Kids Club’s Australia page, with photos, a map, detailed information and even a recording of the country’s national anthem – all on a safe site.
Pen Pal Kids Club is monitored around the clock and allows tight parental controls. Feel free to visit the site and its FAQs for more details. Membership in Pen Pal Kids Club is $4.99 per month and runs on a month-to-month basis.

Would you like to win a 3-month membership to Pen Pal Kids Club?

Leave a comment below telling us your best letter writing tips!

Contest closes September 7, 2011!

Note: Those viewing this contest via FaceBook or Twitter must leave a comment on the original post on Heart of the Matter to qualify.

Writer’s note: I received a trial membership for review. My opinions are my own.

Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (16) and Nolan (11) and will soon celebrate 21 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com.