No Sacrifices, Just Committed!

Did You Remember To Say Thank You?

Posted on | September 29, 2008 |

There is something about the simple words thank you. I say them often, which sometimes may be a little too much, but my sincerity is there. When my oldest turned five, he had his first birthday bash, which included more than just family as guests at his birthday party. It was a joyous and blessed occasion as is every birthday. The many guests brought many presents. They were special gifts that were chosen for a special little boy. The day after the party, we started working on thank you notes for the new and exciting gifts he received. He drew a picture of the gift and hand wrote a note specific for every gift received. I took a picture of him using every gift and also included it on the card. Needless to say, his penmanship improved and he gained a new appreciation for the gifts he received. It also reinforced that when someone performs an act of kindness towards you, then the proper response is to say or write “thank you.”

Thank yous come in verbal form and they also come in hand written form, but not as often as they should. It’s easier to say thank you, than it is to write thank you, so most people opt for the former and call it a day. In some instances a verbal thank is fine. Most people don’t expect to receive a written thank you note for holding the door open for you. Today, most people don’t expect to receive a thank you note because not too many people send them anymore. If I give a gift to someone, then I do expect a thank you, but I don’t expect a thank you note. To clarify, I don’t give a gift to receive a thank you, but instead to show my appreciation for that person. When I do receive a thank you note, I’m grateful and also impressed because I know somewhere that person learned the importance of thanking someone for their effort; they were raised right.

Besides building character, teaching your children to say thank you and also understand the importance of writing thank you notes (basic etiquette) and when to send them are values that will carry them through to adulthood. Their thank you note may bring needed comfort to someone. Think of how good you felt after receiving a thank you note. They may also be that remembered, and later hired, candidate after a job interview.

Some tips on writing thank you notes with your children:

Start Early
As soon as your child can hold a crayon, then start him drawing pictures for their notes.

Let Them Be Creative.
If your child wants to send handmade cards (draw pictures, cut, or glue), then let them design their unique card. These will be cherished upon receipt as well as when the child grows older. My grandfather kept many of my handmade cards, which I saved after he died.

We’re Not Worthy
No one deserves a gift! Just as one should not give to receive, one should also not expect to receive just because they live and breathe. Explain to your child that if someone took the time to give a gift, then they should take the time to thank them.

Feel Good
When the recipient receives the note, you want them to not only feel good that time was taken to say thank you, but that the gift they gave was something of true value to the child. Try not to “write” the note, but guide your child so they include key points in their note. They should address the giver by name, specifically mention the gift(s), and maybe mention how much they enjoyed the gift or how they plan to use it. There is no need to mention that it is one of many or that they “didn’t really like it.” Instead they can say they “plan to share it with their sister or brother, etc.” Remember to always encourage honesty.

My daughter received a gift the other day and my birthday bash boy, now six, told me that he was happy he didn’t receive a gift because he didn’t want to have to write a thank you note. Expressing sincere gratitude isn’t learned overnight.

Additional Resource
My Thank You Site

Category: etiquette
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