Thank you notes for Toddlers To Teens

When a friend or relative spends time searching and buying a gift for a child or adult they deserve a thank you note. Writing a note takes a lot less time than the effort to go out to find a gift. I received a drawing from a little one recently when I had purchased a gift for them and it was so cute and appreciated. The child's gesture, taught by the mother, teaches them that is it proper to be thankful and gracious when someone gives them a gift.

I hear complaints all the time from grandparents that they never know if a grandchild received the gift or if it was enjoyed.

It is a lot easier to get a child to write a short note or do a drawing than it is a teenager. But all it take is encouragement and consistency with all ages.

Remember: Mind Your Manners!

Holly Beth

Small Gestures Add Up

Teaching children to hold the door for someone, pull out a chair for a friend, or let someone else go first all add up to making a child a polite person. Our 3 young sons always rushed to hold my chair when we went out to a restaurant. They learned by example from their father. It is a very kind and respectful gesture that, if practiced, will become second nature that they will use their lifetime.

It is so easy to teach kids to hold a door for a woman, mother, grandmother or even their friend. Teach to always cross behind the person so that they can easily reach the door without having to push in front of the person they are helping. Grandmothers are especially grateful and proud of children that have good manners.

Be sure to practice even at home so that the small gestures will add up to making thoughtful young people.