Gratitude. It does not come naturally to our human nature. That’s why we must teach our children their manners and to say please and thank you.
This can be practiced the moment they receive something, whether it is from an acquaintance or a grandparent they are familiar with. Teach them to always say thank you right when they are given something. I loved one of the Madeline’s Manners books that teaches whether you get something new, something you don’t like, or something you have 20 of, offer a sincere thank you.
My mom used to teach me to write thank you notes when I was a little girl. I loved getting out the stationery, learning how to address the envelope and picking out the stamp. It is still something I practice today. It might be a little late, but I still try to send one! I am thankful to my mom who taught me this act of courtesy.
While we’re on the subject of thanksgiving, I would like to give a huge shout out to my in-laws, Duane and Julie Ellis. They treated all my children, including their son and myself, to a monumental trip to Disney World this past week. They paid for every meal, and folks we didn’t divide chicken tender and fries. We ate at Be Our Guest, Chef Mickey, and the Rainforest Café. This was a dream trip, and the food was spectacular!
They also bought the kids gifts and treats along the way and rented a huge house in Kissimmee for us all to stay in. We were very comfortable. We truly had a paramount time and magical first taste of Disney. We are all beyond grateful, and words can hardly exact what is in our hearts to Mr. and Mrs. Duane and Julie Ellis for this gift. Thank you.
