Tips on Teaching Children of All Ages About Thank You Notes
It seems that children at a very young age understand the concept of giving thanks for their families, pets, home and especially toys. Childhood is the perfect time to express the importance of verbally saying Thank You and beginning to write notes. If they begin as children the act of writing notes feels natural to both boys and girls and becomes second nature in adulthood.
Age 0-4
Parents take on the responsibility of writing Thank You notes for babies gifts, Birthdays ect.
Age 4-6
As soon as children are old enough to draw a picture they can begin saying Thank You on paper. In the early years they will express themselves with pictures which are charming and appreciated by the recipients. I have found that simple suggestions from a parent will be all it takes to inspire a child to create. A parent might say Can you Draw a picture of yourself riding the new bike from Uncle Bob? The child then proceeds to create a masterpiece with crayons and markers worthy of framing. They are thrilled to place the masterpiece in an envelope, put on the stamp and mail to their relative and friend.
Age 7-11
As soon as children reach first grade and begin to write it is a good idea to get them to start writing Thank You notes. The notes can be brief but should include one statement about the gift that they enjoyed most. When a child has received many gifts it is best to spread out the writing over a series of days until the job gets done. This will give the child a sense of accomplishment without being overwhelmed. Sometimes special personalized notes like the Butterfly Notes and Sports Notes in our gift shop can be inspiration for a child and make the process fun.
Teenagers
Inspiring teenagers to write Thank You notes can be difficult. Sometimes the only way a parent can make sure the job gets done is by setting firm rules. If a child is not allowed to spend money they received or use the gifts until the Thank You's are in the mail sometimes that is all the "motivation" they will need. A cousin with four sons used this technique. Surprisingly enough it worked. This same cousin also provided each son with handsome personalized note cards. These boys have become fine young gentlemen who can handle themselves in every social situation. This is the nicest gift she could have given them.
Adults
Sometimes children reach adulthood without ever writing a Thank
You note. However, it is very unlikely that one reaches adulthood
without ever receiving a Thank You note. It is never too
late to start and is equally important for both Men and Women. Since notes
are always best when they are personalized it would make sense for a Man
to write the Thank You notes to special childhood friends
and business associates who attend his wedding, Birthday party or send
a Gift to his newly born child. It is also best for a women to respond
to her dearest friends and business associates on similar occasions. Again
writing on fine quality paper with a nice quality pen adds pleasure to
the whole experience.
See personalized stationery.
