Teaching your kids how to write Thank You notes is a wonderful idea. As a parent, it’s something that I have to remind myself to do with my kids. I think it’s great practice as it teaches kids both writing skills and good manners. Read on for some ideas…
Here are some thank you note ideas to consider:
- Make it a habit to make homemade Thank You Cards with your kids. Buy some stickers, stamps, coloured markers, and cardstock. These crafty tools are always useful. They encourage even kids who haven’t developed fine motor skills yet.
- When buying notes, cards and other materials for writing thank you notes, involve your kids. Give them a chance to choose styles or designs, colours, and other aspects of the tools. Even if they don’t seem like the kind of stuff you’d like, it’s okay. It’s a way for them to express themselves!
- Create or find some sample fill-in-the-blank notes. This may encourage kids who don’t quite know what to say but would like to say thanks anyway.
- Try to write thank you notes as soon as possible! The longer it takes, the harder it is to write.
Some occasions to write thank you notes:
- Birthdays – When getting presents, when invited to a party, or when someone attends his/her party.
- Christmas (for those who celebrate) – When receiving presents from grandparents, other family members, and/or friends.
- Thanksgiving – A good time as any to say thanks (if you celebrate this holiday).
- Any other special occasion.
Do you have any other ideas or tips for getting your kids to write thank you notes?
About Shai Coggins (KIDoosh Founder & Manager)
Great post. I’ve tried to instill this practice into my daughter and grandchildren, as my mom did in me. So few people even say “thank you” these days. Simply writing “thank you” e-mails is a way to start. But getting notes through the mail is special.
{Member*Rank}The easiest way to get me to write anything as a child was to allow me to use ‘smelly’ markers! I loved smelling the grape, orange and mint. I still keep a package of Mr. Sketch scented markers for inspiration.
{Member*Rank}What a superb way to encourage kids to feel gratitude! So important since they say if you don’t feel gratitude you feel resentment.
Thanks for sharing, Matthew and Emily!
{Member*Rank}We always encourage the boys to write thank you notes, even if it’s by email!
{Member*Rank}Mostly they now start to write them independently, but sometimes need some encouragement, especially if the sun is shining (not that often here in England!).
When we break up from school, the boys choose to make something for the teachers as well as a hand written note, last year it was cookies, & this year we made cupcakes that the boys then decorated. Hard work making for 9! (teachers & classroom assistants.)
I work at a preschool & we’ve just finished for the summer break & the thank you note that meant the most was the lovely hand print from one of the little ones!