The gifts have been opened. The sweaters have been worn, the games have been played and the dolls have been cuddled. The tub toys have been suds, the blocks have been stacked and the puzzled have been pieced.

But have the thank you notes been written?

Writing thank you notes is an excellent habit for all ages but it is an especially important to begin the habit with young children and instill in them that writing thank you notes is one example of good manners.

Help your child create a list of the gifts they’ve received. Often it is easy when they open several in a group at one time but don’t forget the gifts that came in the mail and the ones they received at other times from teachers or friends. Just the act of creating a list will help your child remember who gave them each of their gifts.

Whenever your child plays with a gift comment on the giver. For example, “Grandma made a great choice when she found that fire truck for you didn’t she? I know she’ll be glad to hear how much fun you’re having with it.” Help them associate gifts with the people who gave them. It is hard to be grateful if gifts appear to just fall from the sky.

Regardless of the age, all children can participate. For babies of course you’ll write the words but let your baby have a hand it by stamping it with their handprint.

Toddlers can finger paint and “dictate” their own words to you. Probe by asking questions like “What do you like to do with your (submarine)? What would you like to tell (Mary) about how much you like the (music box)?

Young children can draw a picture of the gift or of something meaning to the giver. For example, if Great Grandma collects owls they could draw or cut out a picture from a magazine of an owl to make her thank you note personal.

Children mastering writing their own name can sign each card and have a “real” reason to practice it. School aged children learning to write their address can put on the return address and older kids should address their own envelopes.More great tips.