Because NaNoWriMo can be a rigorous, time-consuming challenge for students, it’s important that families understand the event and provide support for their children’s creative efforts. These are a few suggested steps.

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1. Understand what your child is working on this November.

• Read about NaNoWriMo.

• Learn more about our program and impact.

• Review how NaNoWriMo works for writers.

 

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2. Be aware of our site’s legal terms, and how your child is protected.

• Terms & Conditions

• Privacy Policy

• Codes of Conduct

IMPORTANT DETAILS: A parent or educator must review the Terms & Conditions before a child may establish an account.

 

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3. Check with your child’s educator to understand the structure and expectations of NaNoWriMo in their classroom.

Some questions to ask:

• What is my child’s word-count goal? How was it chosen?

• Will my child write primarily in class? If not, how can I best support their writing at home?

• What do you hope my child will get out of this challenge?

 

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4. Talk to your child about their novel.

Some questions to ask:

• What are you writing about?

• How did you choose that story? That main character?

• What are you finding most exciting about NaNoWriMo?

• What are you finding most challenging about NaNoWriMo?

• How can I help you finish your novel this month?

 

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5. Consider joining up.

Incredible things happen when families make things together. Try writing your own novel as part of our NaNoWriMo adult program!

 

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Read more on our Help & FAQ page.