teenager seeing ex

coolcats

My teenager haven't seen their dad and his family for a number of years and wants to make contact. We are struggling for the best way to word the letter to see if contact is possible. An introduction letter. Any advice or suggestions please? 

Mojisola

As it's a teenager, would it be easier to send a message on FB or similar?

It could just be a one line thing then.

coolcats

I only have an address. Not sure the dad has FB, but I have found another family member on FB, so that is an option, but will be better to approach dad first.

Mojisola

Perhaps then a card with just a sentence or two rather than a formal letter?

After a long time with no contact, getting the wording right on a longer missive would be difficult.  Rather than spending ages over a letter that may be ignored, keep the first contact simple.

coolcats

That's a good idea, I thought keep it short, doing it as a card will help with that. We are prepared that he may not want contact. 

sheramber

Is there any particular reason why contact stopped?

I would think a simple

Hi dad, 
I know we haven't been in contact for a while but I would really like to change that. Would you be agreeable to this?

coolcats

Thanks for the reply, its been over 10 years, lots of bad feeling and family upset. So needs a gentle approach. 

london21

Have. Pep talk with him to set his expectations. It might work, it might not work.
give it a go but don’t have very high expectations to avoid disappointments.