Thank you notes are a lovely way to show others that you truly appreciate them. By teaching our kids why and how to write them, we’ll raise children who others will be happy to know.
writing Thank Yous
When I sorted through my mail from last week, three handwritten thank you notes stood out from the pile of bills, junk mail and catalogs.
With as much time as we spend online, it’s easy to send our words of thanks via email, tweet or a note on someone’s Facebook wall.
Even though it’s always nice to be thanked, there’s just something special about receiving a thank you note in your mailbox that makes you feel appreciated and remembered.
When it comes to teaching children to express their gratitude, handwritten thank you notes are a must.
Let’s explore thank you note basics, what your kids will learn from writing them, and how to make writing them more fun.
6 Thank you note writing basics
Greet the person who gave them the gift.
Dear Aunt Mary,- Express their gratitude for the gift.
Thank you for the jewelry making kit you sent for my birthday. - Explain how they’ll use the gift. (If your child doesn’t love the gift, they should find something nice to say about it. This is a skill that will come in handy throughout life).
I love making bracelets and I’m looking forward to using the colorful beads and charms. - Add a line that shows they care about the gift giver.
I hope that you are having a wonderful summer and that you’re enjoying your flower garden. - Finish it off.
Love, Katie - Mail the note, preferably within one week of receiving the gift.
5 Things they’ll learn from writing thank you notes
By putting their thoughts down on paper, they’ll work on their communication skills.
They’ll learn how to build strong relationships.
They’ll gain confidence from knowing that they were thoughtful.
Read more on teaching your kids the importance of a thank you >>
4 Ways to make it fun, or at least less painful
Take a photo of your child with their gift and have them write their thank you on the back.
Plan a fun activity for once they’ve finished. Having something like a walk or a family game to look forward to can help move them along.
Read more tips for making a habit of writing thank you notes >>
More on saying thank you
Handwritten thank you notes
3 Reasons a thank you card rocks
Monday Mom challenge: Make thank you notes fun for kids
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