Thanksgiving

The month of thanksgiving is a month focused on thankfulness. On facebook, on our blogs, in our emails, our FHE lessons, at church, etc we talk about things we are thankful for.

But I have found with my children and with other kids that the words, "Thank You" are being said less and less. Why is it being said less? I had a couple of experiences with my kids that reminded me about the importance of saying thank you and in my opinion why it is being said less.

The first was with my daughter. She is only 8 and wanted me to curl her hair before school. I did it and it looked probably the best and cutest it ever has. When I was done, she took one look at it and said, "I can't believe you made me look so ugly". I was crushed. Not only had I taken time to do it, but I woke up early to do it. I felt personally so sad that my daughter not only didn't like it, but she was rude, and didn't even thank me for doing it in the first place. I can't remember acting that way when I was little. She starting ripping out what I had done and messing up the cute little curls.

Her Dad came in and saw what had happened and saw my face. He immediately told her to stop, that he was sorry she didn't like her hair, but it was done and she was wearing it that way. Not only did he help stop it, but then he told her that mom would not be doing her hair again until she apoligized and told me thank you for doing it. She still hasn't and of course I haven't touched her hair. I respected my husband for helping me with this issue. I am grateful that he doesn't let the kids plow over me with disrespect.

The next was with my kids trick or treating. They started out demanding which kind they wanted or saying I don't like that. I was so appalled. Immediately I told them to say thank you. At every house they would get candy and I would make them turn around and say thank you. Soon I didn't need to ask and they would do it.

It got me thinking that the reasons why are kids are saying please and thank you less is because we are not teaching them to do it. We are not expecting that they do it. WOW! I try and teach them respect by teaching them to say Aunt Somebody or Mr. Someone instead of their first name, but do I really have them say please and thank you much? no.

As I watched I realized most of the time I am to busy to mess with it. I am on the phone and they say I want water, so I give it to them and don't wait for a response when they get it.

A couple of years ago a young cub scout came to my door with a thank you note that he had written. What a novel idea to teach your young kids by teaching them to write a thank you note.

I also have a cute little reading tutor that gives a thank you note for anything you ever give her. This fall I have given her lots and lots of produce. Our family was thanked each time with a cute note. That was good for my kids to see how happy it makes you when someone else says thank you.

So this month along with focusing on being thankful, I am going to focus on teaching my kids about SAYING thank you and meaning it. I am going to take the time to teach them this, and I am going to teach them all kinds of manners so they can grow up to be successful, polite adults.