Aw, Mom, do we have to?
Thank you notes can be chore but can be done with proper methods

How many times have you heard that after all of the Christmas gifts have been unwrapped and you've asked your kids to write up a list of the gifts they received and from whom for thank-you notes later. All your kids want to do is check out their stuff. They already said thanks when they opened the gifts. What's the point in them sitting down and writing a thank-you note? Well, the point is that they formally acknowledge having received the gift and learn the art of writing such a note. Fortunately, there are ways you can make the event fun.

Start by getting your kids involved. Let them find a time that everyone can get together to write thank-you notes and work with them to come up with some sample wording.

When the time comes, give each of your kids a thank-you note kit, complete with the sample wording and supplies they will need to create the notes, including paper, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, glitter, glue and more. Encourage them to be as creative as they would like. In addition to using the sample wording, for example, they can doodle, draw pictures or add stickers.

Even kids who can't write can still create thankyou notes. You could write the notes for them and let them doodle or draw in the

margins. You could also take a picture of

them with

the gift

and send

that along

with the note to show the recipient

how much

they really like and appreciate the gift. In this case, a picture really is

worth a thousand

words.

W h a t e v e r you do, set the stage for fun by playing some music and providing a platter of treats for your kids to sample as they create their notes. More importantly, sit down with your kids and participate in the activity with them by writing some of your own thank-you notes.

This will make your kids feel important, like they are doing a grown-up chore.

Finally, make the event complete by having your kids put the notes into envelopes and address them, if they are old enough. Younger kids who can't write can seal and stamp the envelopes. Finally, have your kids take the notes to the mailbox or accompany you to the post office to mail them.

It doesn't take much to turn writing thank-you notes into a fun activity for the whole family.

All you need is a couple of hours and the right supplies.

With any luck, your kids will have so much fun that they will want to do it over and over, and you will never again have to hear, "Aw, Mom, do we have to?"