- For small children, have them draw a picture specifically for the giver. This teaches them to think about the other person. Encourage them to draw something they think the giver would like. If they are too small to draw, grab the finger paints or watercolors and have them make a painting. Or have them cut picture from magazines or old Christmas cards to make a collage picture to send.
- For children a bit older who can write some, purchase or type up a fill in the blank card. For example, "Dear __________, Thank you for the ____________. I love it because __________." Have your child fill in the blanks and then add a drawing to decorate the page.
- For school age children who can write, teach them the basics of writing a thank you (Dear name comma, next line). You can teach them to follow a basic format of saying thank you for the gift, then telling why they like it. If it is a cash gift or gift card, teach them to write what they bought or plan to buy or do with it.
- Only have your child write one or two thank-yous at a time if they they are feeling frustrated or feel like you are absolutely torturing them.
- Have your child write thank yous soon after they receive the gift. They are in much more appreciative moods then.
- No matter what the age, let your child be creative in writing thank-yous. This year, my girls took old cards and cut out pictures they liked to glue them on card stock that they wrote their notes on. When they were younger, they used finger paints to make hand-prints on thank-yous.
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Tips to Help Children Write Thank You Notes
As my readers know, I think it is very important for children to write thank you notes for gifts received. Here are some tips to help get you started: