Thank You Notes: How To Coax Your Child Into Writing Them

As a child, social psychologist Susan Newman rolled her eyes every time her parents told her she needed to thank someone. She does the same thing with her children today.

Newman, the author of “Little Things Long Remembered: Making Your Children Feel Special Every Day,” said, “I balked, and so did my kids.”

Writing a thank-you note may never appeal to kids, but once upon a time, parents would insist their kids do just that. During the 19th century, thank-you notes were common for gifts and kind gestures. We have snuffed out the tradition due to our preference for rapid communication and busy schedules.

What’s the best way to convince your kid that this is easy and fun? Thank-you notes are beneficial. Here are Newman’s and other experts’ best tips.

Keep It Short When Writing A Thank-You

You don’t have to be literary or long in your thank-you notes, especially if they are from a young person. Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert and author of “Modern Etiquette for a Better Life,” says just a few words can show your gratitude. She said children would learn how to thank someone if guided, but they shouldn’t feel uncomfortable about how long or how they wrote the note.

Don’t Overwhelm Your Kids With Thank-

You Notes After The Holidays

Saying thanks is a good lesson for kids during Christmas or Hanukkah. The New York etiquette expert Thomas P. Farley says it’s hard to get them to write all of them daily, especially if they’re young. He said, “The thought of writing 10, 20, or more thank-you notes to family and friends after a windfall event such as Christmas, Hanukkah, a birthday, or a graduation can be daunting.”

Even A Text Is Fine If You Can’t Get

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The old-school way of sending a card has something special. Newman said, “Anything is better than nothing. The point is to acknowledge what you have received. It’s rude to skip saying thank you.” If you choose any option, be enthusiastic about how the recipient will be when they receive the note.