I've grown up the only child of two teachers. I spent many days roaming the halls of the school where they taught, knowing every teacher that passed and greeting them in a friendly manner. Years later, I've found that the interactions I've had with adults have become increasingly more important. I now realize the impact many teachers and other adults in my life have had on me and am grateful for the lessons they taught me. Additionally, I am able to appreciate the importance of saying thank-you to these individuals.
From an early age, my parents stressed to me the act of writing thank-you notes. Every birthday card containing money or a small gift was reciprocated with a handwritten note in return. After the end of every school year, I wrote a note to my teachers reflecting on the past year and thanking them for the time they dedicate to their students. Even letters from family friends containing spending money or just a note written to me also received a note in response.
Being the daughter of teachers, I have the opportunity to see my parents' face light up when given a written thank-you. Teachers spend many hours each week with their students and even more hours out-of-school working and planning lessons. Unfortunately, a number of notes they actually receive do not even begin to compare to the thanks they deserve. Children should be taught the importance of thank-yous.
Saying thank-you to those who have impacted our lives most should be more than the automatic response people have when someone holds the door for you at a restaurant. A personally written letter of thanks shows someone that you appreciate their efforts. You have no idea how a small note of thanks can affect someone. Let people know when you appreciate something they do. Be encouraging and tell them how it has impacted you.
Teach your kids to write thank-you notes to their teachers, mentors, and friends. This will help them recognize the impact people have on their lives and to truly address the lessons they've learned. Even if at first they don't grasp the importance of writing thank-yous, encourage them to do it anyway. Like me, in time they will realize the importance of writing these notes. Because I have been taught to write thank-you notes, I have strengthened relationships with my teachers and mentors. I am thankful that my parents instilled this as a priority in my life, and I would strongly encourage others to do the same.
