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Children should learn their manners from their parents. A child should be taught the words "thank you" along with their numbers and the alphabet if not sooner. By the time a child is 8 or 10 years old, most of them can program a VCR quicker and easier than their parents. Children seem to be a lot smarter this day and age than we were. At the age of 8 or 10, I did not know what a VCR was, or probably a calculator. I was busy riding my bike or helping my grandparents with chores, but I certainly knew when to say thank you.

Maybe circumstances are different now. Children get so many things from their parents and grandparents constantly, they just do not think it requires a thank you each time. Maybe they are so over endowed with things they don't want, they aren't thankful. Quite possibly unfortunately they imitate their parents and give up this easiest form of good manners that exists. Sometimes the grandparents themselves create thankless grandchildren all of their own.

I recall when my daughter was just a tot, her great aunt presented her with a box of blocks. In my daughter's enthusiasm, she quickly began playing with them. I reminded her of her manners, "Now what do you say to Aunt Fay". My daughter runs over to hug my aunt and attempts to thank her, when my aunt stops her and says, "Oh that is not necessary, I am glad you like them, now go play." Sometimes, grandparents unknowingly stop a grandchild's attempt at saying thank you by just not listening.

It is never asking too much to expect a thank you from anyone for any kind gift or gesture. Being a grandparent does not excuse a grandchild from expressing thanks. Parents need to always teach and remind their children to express gratitude to everyone. One sure way of allowing the grandchild and the grandparent to give and receive proper thanks is by mail. Even if the child expresses himself verbally, have him write an additional thank you card to his grandparents. This way you are assured there are no hurt feelings and your child is learning good manners that will remain with him for a life time. If you are a grandparent and you do not receive a thank you from a grandchild, mention this to the parents or the child. Make sure you as a grandparent thank the grandchild equally when he sends you a school picture or a drawing. Remember the best way to teach children is by example and teaching them about gratitude and saying thank you at the age of 8 or at 10 is probably one of the best lessons to teach a child.

Learn more about this author, Madison Briggs.
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