Whether it's for a birthday present, a small gift from the teacher or even an invitation to the movies from a buddy and his parents, he knows it's important to say thank you and follow it up with a note.
Admittedly, writing thank you notes can feel like schoolwork for a child, because it's hard to know what to say. And that's when we tell him to "just say thanks. It's the thought that counts."
Thank you notes not only reinforce feelings of gratitude in a child, but it also gives him a chance to practice his writing skills.
What I've learned as a parent, is that if you make it fun, then the child will be less resistant - even when it comes to saying thanks.
So here are some ideas that may take the drudgery out of thank you notes, when it's time for your child to write one:
1. Keep it fun. One online expert suggests letting your child pick out the paper, cool pens, and even the stamp.
2. Create an outline. In other words, let the first thank you letter be the model for the rest, so that he or she can use it to fill-in-the-blanks outline for the rest. And as he or she gets more comfortable with writing, they can rearrange or add to their sentences.
3. Draw a picture. With my son, there is often a loss of words after saying "thank you for the gift", so we often suggest drawing a picture, (perhaps of him playing with the gift). Not only does he enjoy doing this, but it also makes the note more special and personal.
Finally try to not to have him or her write several notes at once. It may be tough to do more than a couple at a time (it's tough for me too). Have your child cross off names on a list as they go, so they can see the end is in sight.
Good luck... and thanks.
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