Teach Your Kids to Write Notes

 

Why (and how) you should encourage your kids to embrace thank-you notes and cultivate an attitude of gratitude along the way.

Writing thank-you notes is often seen as a chore, but in reality, it can be a meaningful and enjoyable activity that fosters gratitude. A simple note of thanks does more than just acknowledge a gift—it helps kids develop compassion, empathy, and even greater happiness. Jeffrey Froh, an assistant professor of psychology and director of the Laboratory for Gratitude in Youth at Hofstra University, emphasizes that gratitude plays a crucial role in overall well-being.

“Grateful kids tend to be much more satisfied with their lives,” says Froh. “They perform better in school, are less materialistic, and experience lower levels of depression and envy. Their relationships tend to be stronger and more supportive.” Research even shows that grateful kids report fewer physical complaints, such as headaches and stomachaches.

Thank-you notes don’t have to be limited to gifts—kids can also write them to express appreciation for experiences or friendships. “My five-year-old once borrowed my phone to type a thank-you text to his mom for a special day they had spent together,” Froh shares. The key is to make it a creative and enjoyable process that allows kids to express themselves in their own unique way.

Making Thank-Yous More Meaningful

Create a relaxed environment. Teaching gratitude shouldn't feel like a chore. Set aside time, grab some snacks, and make it a fun activity rather than a rushed task.

Put together a correspondence kit. Having a special kit can make the process exciting. Include note cards, a return-address stamper, fun pens, postage stamps, stickers, and even a wax seal for an extra touch.

Be their scribe when needed. Younger children who are still learning to write can dictate their thoughts while you transcribe. This allows them to express their full emotions without getting frustrated over spelling or handwriting.

Encourage sincerity. Kids should learn to be genuinely appreciative. Instead of forcing them to say they “love” a gift they don’t, help them find honest things to appreciate. For example, “Dear Aunt Ida, it must have taken you so long to crochet this. The wool feels really warm, and you remembered that my favorite color is green! Thank you so much.”

Send thank-yous now—and later. Encourage kids to send follow-up notes long after receiving a gift, especially if something has become a favorite. A simple message like, “Remember that moose hat you gave me last Christmas? Here’s a picture of me wearing it on our trip to Niagara Falls!” can make someone’s day.

By making thank-you notes a natural part of life, kids will grow up appreciating kindness and expressing gratitude in meaningful ways.

 

 

Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband. 

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