Encouraging Gratitude: Thank You Notes

Expressing thanks is a life skill we all want our kids to master. What’s a good way to encourage gratitude? Thank you notes! Besides, during the Christmas holiday kids get an opportunity to practice. Being grateful for not only the gift but the effort made by the gift giver is respectful and kind.

Writing a message of thanks takes time. Phone calls, text messages, and emails are fast and surely appreciated. But a written note will show a thankful heart in a more meaningful way especially when the note is created by your child.

Ideas for Fun and Creative Thank You Notes

• Trace your child’s hand on colored construction paper. Cut out the handprint and glue it to a folded piece of construction paper. If your child is old enough to cut out the handprint, by all means let him do it. Let kids write out their own messages too. Help as needed.
• Take a photo of your child playing with the toy from Uncle Pete or wearing the darling outfit from Grandma. Print the photo and glue it to the note.
• Take photos of your children bending into the shape of each letter in T-H-A-N-K-S. Make a photo collage for the note.
• A simple drawing from a child can decorate the front cover of the note. Maybe a picture of the child playing with the new gift.
• Have younger children dictate why they really like the gift. Write the words in quotation marks.
• Often the first word a child can write is his own name, so have the child sign the card. Adding a few X and Os is fun too.
• Order personalized stationery as a Christmas gift for your child.

Kids will be writing thank you notes for a variety of reasons and seasons in their lives. Start now to get the habit in place. Thankfulness is a great virtue to nurture in children.

© 2019 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

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Photo by Courtney Hedger on Unsplash