"Gratitude is caught, not taught."
Every heard that phrase? It's so true! Gratitude is an attitude and can only come from within. It is our job as parents to model a "gratitude attitude" for our children, but we also have to teach them how to properly demonstrate that gratitude. And of course one of the best and easiest ways is through a simple "Thank You" note!
When our two oldest kiddos were really young, we always "wrote" the thank you note ourselves. Then we either traced their little handprint on the card or enclosed one of their masterpieces papers covered in scribble. (Grandparents LOVE these by the way!)
But now that they are older, we don't do that anymore! Lydia, who is eight, writes her notes all by herself, but Caleb, who is six, still needs some help. Instead of sitting right there helping him a long with every single word, I enlist the chalkboard!
But now that they are older, we don't do that anymore! Lydia, who is eight, writes her notes all by herself, but Caleb, who is six, still needs some help. Instead of sitting right there helping him a long with every single word, I enlist the chalkboard!
I have Caleb tell me exactly what he wants the note to say and I write in on the chalkboard. Then he can just copy it, in his neatest handwriting of course! (Yes, I know my handwriting on the board wasn't the neatest and all...but I was in a hurry because was juggling a hungry, crying baby, thank-you-very-much.) =)
At this age I'm okay with their notes being short and sweet. This one says:
Dear Mrs. Sharon,Thank you for the cars, the ornament and the frog bank. I like the frog bank because you put the money on the tongue and it falls down and I think it's pretty funny!
Love,Caleb
After they write their note, I encourage them to draw a picture to go with it. Many times they will draw a picture of them playing with the gift or of the gift itself. They love this part and it always turns out so cute!
Thank you notes are SO important and mean so much to people...especially nowadays when most communication takes place through email or text messages! Take the time to teach your children. Encourage them in showing their gratitude to others. Remember, a thankful heart is a happy heart!
To whom do you need to send a note of thanks? Your spouse, parent, friend, child or even your pastor? I know I'll be writing some notes today!
To whom do you need to send a note of thanks? Your spouse, parent, friend, child or even your pastor? I know I'll be writing some notes today!
I think it's very important to have kids write thank you notes. Mine have done this since they were very little, as well. Great idea about the chalkboard!
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous, thank you!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more! And that is so cute - what a great idea using a chalkboard!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! I love how you help with the chalkboard! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on teaching your kids to write thank-you notes.
ReplyDeleteand thanks for the reminder that I need to go write some myself :)
I'm glad someone else still does this, too! Although, I have to admit we're not doing as well this year, and only 3 of my kids have theirs done for Christmas. But they're still expected to do them.
ReplyDelete