 Manners Matter
Manners Matter with Truman and Mrs. F
Q. Should children send Christmas thank you cards to their relatives?
Rosemary G.
A. Dear Rosemary,
Thank you notes are technically not required for birthday and Christmas gifts that are presented in person, when the recipient can give a verbal thank you; however, a written note is always appreciated and never inappropriate for friends and even close relatives to receive. Most of us love to get a special note of "thanks" from a young person!
Writing thank you notes is a habit that is never too soon to start developing because of the reasons behind the written thank you: these are so very important. Children can begin to understand the concept of someone investing time and money in them and how very valuable and special that really is.
Christmas is an excellent opportunity for your child to realize the significance of friendships and family relationships and the graciousness of the written acknowledgment. Parents can teach kids how special it is that someone took the time to pick out something for them, or to send them money that they have earned. A thoughtful child will begin to realize how significant this is and not take gifts they have received for granted.
So again, even if your child thanks his or her grandma (or whomever) in person, it is a nice touch to go ahead and send that card. Again, no it is not really required to send a written thank you to someone you are able to thank in person, but it is never, never, going to be an unwelcome gesture! In other words, you can't go wrong by writing a short note of
appreciation.
Even if your child cannot write, let him or her scribble on the note, and go over the meaning of what you are doing. If you dedicate yourself to repeating this over and over, it will sink in, and sending a note will eventually be automatic for your child. Thanks so much for this great question.
Truman and Mrs. Susan Fleming will be glad to answer your questions on manners and etiquette. Susan Fleming is a home economist, editor and lifestyle writer, specializing in the areas of entertaining and childrens etiquette. E-mail your question to manners@kidsvillenews.com. If we use your question in the publication, you will receive a Kidsville News! t-shirt!
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