Four Steps to Teach Your Kids About Writing Thank You Notes

Teaching your kids to write thank you notes might seem like a thankless task. But it's an important, and you're the best person to teach your kids about gratitude. We're here with tips to help you cultivate thankfulness in your kids and translate that into meaningful cards. Whether they need to say thanks for a gift or an experience, your kids can master the art of jotting an appreciative note without any frustration or tears.

1. Set a Good Example of Appreciation & Gratitude

Learning how to appreciate what they have in life is something that your kids learn from you first and foremost. That means you need to model gratitude when you open a gift–even if you really don't like the item. Your kids are bound to receive gifts they dislike too. It's important for them to understand that the gift giver meant well and was excited about giving them the present even if they don't like it.

2. Make Your Kids' Thank You Cards a Priority

One of the biggest challenges with teaching your kids to write thank you cards is simply getting them done in a timely fashion. Have you ever been to a wedding shower where someone wrote down who gave the bride which gifts? You can use this trick at home by making a thank you note to-do list as your child opens gifts.

After all of the gifts have been opened, give your child the thank-you list (or post it on the fridge). Set a date by which all thank you cards need to be mailed out. You'll probably need to provide your kids with a few gentle reminders to get their cards done, but the effort will be well worth it.

3. Pick Up Some Cute Thank You Cards for Kids

Do you ever send someone a note just because you want to use some cute note cards? We sure do! Providing your kids with fun stationery is a great way to motivate them to stay on top of writing thank you cards. It will keep them out of your note stash too.

You can order your kids custom stationery, or you can go with a photo card. Younger kids often enjoy writing or drawing in cards with markers or crayons. If possible, encourage kids to write their own messages in cards instead of having you write them out. You can include a sticky note with a translation if your child's handwriting isn't clear yet.

4. Teach That Sincerity & Thoughtfulness Go Hand in Hand

Coming up with a unique message is one of the hardest parts of writing a thank you note. If your children love what they receive, guide them to write a message that reflects that. Maybe your kid screamed, "Cool!" when they opened that building set from Grandma. They might start their note by saying, "The gift you sent me is so cool!"

But what if your kids didn't like their gifts? Encourage them to focus on the gift giver's thoughtfulness. Instead of prompting your child to lie about liking the gift, have them thank the giver for thinking about something they might like. We have some great thank you quotes to choose from if you're at a loss for words.

A few weeks after your kids have sent their thank-you's, have them follow up with a phone call. They can simply ask, "Did you get my card?" Hearing that the thank you note recipient appreciated the gesture will help reinforce the importance of expressing gratitude. Check out our blog for more thank you note Inspiration. Happy Thanking!