Helping Kids Say Thank You

June is a busy month for farewells. Kids are saying goodbye to teachers, school staff, childcare providers, and coaches. This is the perfect time to teach children to express gratitude to the people who help enrich their lives. There are many fun and easy ways to express gratitude that work for every age. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Thank You Card

The classic thank you card is a good place to begin. So many of us cringe when we think of them, having been sat down by a well-meaning mother in front of a pile of blank notes that we had to complete and send off when we were kids. I pushed back when I was younger and had to be reminded repeatedly to finish. Learning how to express gratitude is an essential skill that kids should develop, even if we have to encourage them to do so gently. 

Luckily, there are countless options for thank-you notes to keep things exciting and creative for kids while still teaching them to be grateful. It’s also beneficial to start young. For children who cannot print yet, have them draw a picture or ask them what they want to say, and write the note out for them. There are also many options on Pinterest, where you can find free printable sheets that fit your child’s ability. There are ones that have a spot for a picture, ones where they can fill in the blank, and even ones that are similar to a Mad-Lib where kids can choose what they want to say. 

Once your child can start writing sentences, encourage them to write the whole note themselves. These do not have to be fancy cards from the store. It can be as simple as a sheet of paper folded in half. Have them color on the front and then practice writing on the inside. You can keep it simple. The three-sentence format is a good starting point.

Early Writers

1. Thank you for …
2. I like it because … or It is very …
3. You are very …  or Thanks for celebrating my birthday

As kids get older, challenge them to include more details. Especially when thanking teachers or coaches, adding a memory or a special story makes the thank-you card meaningful. It also helps the child reflect on the impact their teacher or coach has had on their life. This is a common format for a more detailed thank-you note.

Older Children

1. Greeting:
   • Dear …
   • Express gratitude:  
   • Thank you for …
2. Add details: 
   • My favorite memory from this school year was …
   • I cannot wait to spend my birthday money on … 
   • I plan to use your present …
3. Look to the future:
   • I look forward to seeing you at … 
   • Hope to see you soon…
   • I will come back and say, “Hi,” next year
4. Repeat thanks: 
   • Thank you again for …
5. Closing:
   • With love,
   • Many thanks,

Phone Call

Sometimes we don’t have the time to help our kids write a pile of thank-you notes, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t encourage them to say thank you. Family members and friends will appreciate a phone call to let them know that a present was received and appreciated. My parents love video calls even more. The kids can show them their birthday presents, and they can tell them ‘thank you’ face-to-face. This has been especially helpful over the last year.

Text

If you’re pressed for time, a thank-you text is another option. It’s not as personal, but it’s still a good way to reach out. They can use the three-sentence format or the more extended version as a template. Ultimately, it’s about showing gratitude, and that’s what truly matters. 

Helping kids say ‘thank you’ at the end of the school year, sports season, or holiday is an excellent way for them to recognize the important people in their lives. It is a skill they will use throughout their lives as they navigate school and work. It doesn’t need to be complicated to be sincere, but if you try to make it a little fun and creative, telling others’ thank you’ will become a habit, not a chore.