Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

When my siblings and I were younger and someone sent us a gift, my mom would have us write them a thank-you card, or make a phone call to the person to thank them. I even remember not being old enough to write sentences, so my mom would make the letters out of dashes on the paper and I would trace over them.

But I've been a little annoyed lately about gifts that I've sent to my nephews, or DH's step-brother, and haven't gotten any kind of acknowledgement for those gifts whatsoever.
I don't really blame the kids; I blame their parents. And I'm kinda surprised at my MIL, because she's one of those proper southern women who's all about etiquette. She obviously never taught her son how to write a thank-you letter though (he's 14!)

Anybody else feel this way?

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

I agree, DH's neices will not even get on the phone with him to thank him. I don't understand it.

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

I am with you 100% on this one

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

Honestly, I don't care at all about a thank you card. As long as I know the kid liked the gift, I'm happy.

I agree it's polite to do - and kids should be taught to write them. I'm teaching my kids to do it. I just never cared about getting one myself.

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

this is a must
my step mother never taught my brother & sister this. It annoys me to no end.
I remember as a child ALWAYS having thank you card stationary around.

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

I always get them from my nieces and nephew because their moms make sure they do. I always appreciate it and they are really cute.

On a related note, only 3 of my 23 Senior year Economics kids followed proper business letter format after I gave them a model letter. Now that is inexcusable

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

I agree.. my mother used to do the dashes also and have me trace the letters.

Even a phone call is okay.

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I'm on board - drives me crazy!!!!

I have one set of nieces & nephews who ALWAYS call sometimes write. Then other who we GET NO THANKS WHATSOEVER!!!!!

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I agree, it is important that kids learn to do this.

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

I totally agree with you.

The problem I have on my side of the family is that they don't even say thank you when you hand them something - whether it be a gift or passing food to them at the dinner table

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My side they always do, but DH's side NEVER even acknowledge gifts. Our first Christmas dating I bought a Bratz doll for one niece and she told me it was the wrong one Now DH buys them gift cards.

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My SIL is CONSTANTLY having parties for my nephews, so it seems like every other month I'm sending them a gift and get no thanks for it. I know they appreciate it, but a little recognition for having to schlep all the way to the post office and mail a gift would be nice!

I just got an invite for my nephew's first holy communion, and obviously I'm not going to make it because it's like 2 weeks before my due date. So, another gift to send

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

Marissa will either call or send a card in the mail to show her appreciation.

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

I hear ya! My DH still doesn't know how to write a thank you. You really have to start kids early.

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yes!!!

My cousin's sweet 16 was january 12th.

Rich and I bought her a VERY nice, expensive bracelet.

NO TY!!!!
3.5 months later!!!

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

My one SIL who has class, gets them in the mail---my one neice is 3 yrs old--so i don't expect anything, but it is always there...

My other SIL, who has very little class--her 15 yr old is so spolied and I never r'cvd a note, or a phone call. And this year I didn't give anything for her b.d. Throughout the years never got any acknowledgements.

My DH's sister, nothing, but she has said to get them only smaller gifts--she does the bigger gifts...if that matters.

We had to write thank you notes as kids, but I rarely got mine in the mail. But I surely believe in them and write them quite frequently myself.

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

I also agree. My kids always send thank you's even though they are 7 and 2. My dd will either sign her name or use her rubber stamp.
I get annoyed when I don't get one either because it is like they just had the party for a gift!

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Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH

I always get them from my nieces and nephew because their moms make sure they do. I always appreciate it and they are really cute.

On a related note, only 3 of my 23 Senior year Economics kids followed proper business letter format after I gave them a model letter. Now that is inexcusable

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

my niece and nephew alway's writes thank you notes

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This is my biggest pet peeve and not just with kids but adults as well. I can't tell you how many times I have sent a birthday gift, engagement gift, new baby gift etc and never received a thank you much less an acknowledgment of the gift. It takes two minutes to write a thank you note.

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Message edited 11/5/2006 11:22:44 AM.

Re: Do kids not know how to write thank-you's anymore?

I totally agree with you!

I really think this day in age of email...the art of letter writing has been lost!!