Week 8: Helping Your Kids Develop a Habit That Just Might Change Their Lives #BetterTogether

I still remember my mother sitting me down to write my thank you notes after a holiday, a birthday, or celebration.  The notes needed to be handwritten, specific, and personalized.  She made sure of it because she sat beside me, taught me, and nagged me throughout the years.  While many of the conversations have blurred together over the years, I vividly remember her explanation as to why this habit was in her mind, imperative.  My mom’s explanation did not focus on what I was doing for the other person, she believed that the act of writing the note was important to my character.  She wanted me to be “the kind of person who takes the time to notice what others do, to feel the impact of others, and to let people know how they made you feel.” 

I have thought a lot about my mom and this habit she instilled in me lately.  I notice my tendency to look on the bright side and to highlight the ways people are making a difference.  While we are in the midst of unprecedented times in our country, surrounded by inequity and loss, there are people and organizations that are trying to do what they can to lighten the load and brighten someone’s day.  I wonder if my mom was right.  I wonder if taking the time to let someone know they impacted your life causes you to be the type of person who sees the impact in the first place.  Did my mom teach me how to write a good thank-you note, or did she teach me to look for the good in the world?  

The first week in May is principal and teacher appreciation week.  It seems like this could be a good opportunity for all of us to notice what educators ARE doing to make this time joyful, productive, and meaningful for our kids.  I don’t think it needs to be a note – it could be something artistic, musical, scientific, or creative in any way.  What does your child appreciate most about school online?   What does he or she look forward to?  What does he or she miss about school?  What brightens his or her day?  What has mattered to you?  This might be a good opportunity for your child to let someone know how they impacted them and for you to teach them how to be the type of person who takes the time to notice the positive. 

So, talk with your kids, take their lead, and remember you’ve got this!