Start with a familiar greeting and one thing you want the other person to know: that you love them, are thinking of them, or appreciate something they do. A memory can help, but you do not need a story or a formal speech to leave a message of care.
A short message for Mum or Dad
Try three parts: say their name as you normally would, share one thought, then leave a few words of affection. You can keep it within a minute without filling every second.
Original illustrative message, not a real user recording:
“Dad, I’m not always good at saying this on the phone, but I love you. It makes me happy to hear about your day, even the little things. I wanted to leave you something you can listen to another time.”
Use words that feel natural in your family. A familiar “thinking of you” can be enough. For more ideas, see parents and adult children.
Encouragement for your adult child
Original illustrative message, not a real user recording:
“You don’t need to have all the answers today. I’m glad you told me what has been on your mind. I love you, and you can tell me more when you want to.”
Leave room for their own choices. Offer warmth without asking them to feel a certain way or promising that a recording will make everything better.
Three prompts when you do not know how to begin
- I remember… Choose a moment with details: where you were, what happened, or something the other person said.
- That made me feel… Explain why the moment matters to you.
- I want you to know… Leave a thank-you, a wish, or something you have not found time to say.
Write a few keywords, then speak as you normally would. All messages on this page are illustrative starting points, not real user recordings. Replace them with your own names and experiences.
For your partner: a detail only the two of you know
Original illustrative message, not a real user recording:
“Remember our first trip, when we were looking for that little shop in the rain? You kept checking the map and moving the umbrella over me. I remember thinking that getting lost was all right if I was with you. I wanted to save that little moment for our future selves.”
You could record your first trip together or something funny that happened while cooking yesterday. One specific moment gives you something concrete to talk about.
For your child as an adult: a day they will not remember
“Today you held onto my finger and would not let go. I sat beside your bed for a long time. You probably will not remember this afternoon when you grow up, so I wanted to tell you myself: caring for you has been full of quiet, precious moments like this.”
Talk about holding them for the first time, a song your family sings, or something you learned as a parent. Describe your experience and your love without deciding who your child must become.
DearWith is for adults aged 18 and over. Parents can save recordings now and arrange access and delivery later for an adult child who meets the requirements.
For family: something you would say on an ordinary day
“Cooking made me think of you again. You always said I cut the potatoes too big, but you still had a second helping. When you hear this, I hope you can picture us talking in that crowded kitchen.”
Every recording does not have to be a goodbye. A family joke, a story about a meal, or a familiar greeting can be worth keeping.
Listen back before saving
- Is your voice clear enough to hear?
- Does it say what you want this person to hear, in words that sound like you?
- Is anything intended only for this person, making it worth checking your recipient selection again?
A short recording is a good beginning. DearWith Free allows up to 60 seconds per voice letter; monthly VIP allows up to 5 minutes. See Free & VIP for the details.
Choose how you want the message to arrive
For an anniversary message, select a date and time. For words meant for a situation, choose Open When and describe when you hope the recipient will open the letter. It goes to their inbox for them to open when appropriate.
If you have not chosen a recipient, save the recording first and select yourself or a friend later. An unassigned recording is not delivered. The audio is your own original recording.
When you are ready, follow the steps to create your first Letter.