Thank You notes are powerful. Sadly, appreciation through a Thank You note seems to be on the wane. Gifts are received and hospitality is celebrated without a word of gratitude. To say “thank you” is the foundation of good manners. This must be instilled during childhood and it starts in the home. In today’s blog post, I’ll share about the importance of gratitude as well as explain how my “etiquette classes near me” can help to enhance and encourage your child in their manners and etiquette.
Thank You Begins at Home
As a parent, you may ask, “what can I do to help my child learn manners?” Begin with showing your child how to act with gratitude in everyday practices, such as how to treat wait staff when ordering a soda or coffee and how to hold the door so as to allow others to go in front. The more we ignore these small interactions, the more likely we are to forget our manners when obligations for special occasions occur.
By saying, “thank you” and “please”, you will build trust and relationships with all. This act of gratitude is a simple way to invest in your future…showing appreciation demonstrates that you are a person who is worthy of generosity and, without a doubt, more will come your way! It is important to start teaching this to children while they are young and to instill in them habits of gratitude. A habit of gratitude not only includes saying “please” and “thank you”, but it also involves getting your children to write Thank You notes.
How to Build a Habit for Writing Thank You Notes
Speak words of gratitude to your children. For example, “Wasn’t it nice of Papa to take me to get a hamburger?!” Reinforce the things that are done for your children to permeate in their minds the value of acts of kindness. You want writing Thank You notes to be an ingrained habit that will follow your child into adulthood. After all, writing Thank You notes will most assuredly put your children in a position of social advantage.
Embrace gratitude in all of your everyday transactions – from classroom encounters, to the ball fields, coffee shops and in ordering food. It is vital to teach your children to thank everyone who performs a service for them. Being busy is not an excuse for disregarding to thank others.
Situational awareness is being aware of the needs of others and when others do something polite or helpful for you when they have no obligation to do so. Look for small gestures to thank others in your daily routines. You will start to experience smiles from others. These small gestures will school you and your children in the value of gratitude and will increase your awareness of the needs of those surrounding you.
Gratitude is most important in the workplace. We know that colleagues who take us for granted, or never take the time to sincerely thank us, can easily make the workplace dreadful. Say “thank you” to your colleagues and this will create a positive culture in your company or organization. In the workforce, public appreciation is valuable. In general, people are striving for recognition in the workplace. By expressing gratitude, you show thankfulness and you will be viewed as generous, honest, supportive and loyal. Set the pace in your office or organization by writing “Thank You” notes!
Helpful Hints to Remember to Write a Thank You Note
- Keep Thank You notes in your purse or desk. Or, keep them someplace accessible so you can write notes every day.
- A Thank You note doesn’t have to be complicated. Use the four-step method to write four sentences for your note.
- Play a game with your children to see who says “thank you” the most times in the day.
- Dress to express gratitude in what you wear and in the way you handle yourself.
- Set an example of hard work to all. Many will follow you.
- Practice writing Thank You notes so it becomes a regular habit.
Looking to Help Your Child with “Etiquette Classes Near Me” in Dallas?
Dallas Etiquette Expert, Lisa Burdette, offers training for adults, teenagers and children. She has trained in London and Paris and has experience with teaching social graces, afternoon tea and dining etiquette.
Lisa offers a variety of private and group etiquette trainings for students of all ages. If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution for your child, consider her 3 Hour Private Etiquette Session w/Smart Dress, Self-Presentation, Dining Etiquette & Social Skills. Lisa will go over the essentials in how to handle oneself at the dinner table, what to wear, how to confidently meet and greet others, and how to interact with grace and poise.
Manners should flow from an overall attitude of gratitude. For more information or to request a customized etiquette session for your child, contact Lisa via her Contact page or Book Online and request your training today!
