We have talked about paperwork, we have talked about party planning, we have talked about all sorts of realities and details that come up when one of your children is graduating. In the end, after the ceremonies and the parties, we still have to get out all those “thank you” cards and make sure we let everyone know how much we appreciate their participation…
While I do think that graduating student needs to take a big role in the sending and sharing of the “thank you’s,” I am also not naïve enough to think that it will all get done without some cajoling and management from a parent. While I do expect my girls to manage their own thanks and appreciation, I feel obligated to make it as easy as possible. I’ve compiled all the addresses, I’m planning to help them keep track of any gifts or notes that come in, AND I’ve purchased a few dozen “Thank you” cards and plenty of stamps so there will be no excuse for not getting them out promptly.
While many of our children have been raised to write thank you notes for gifts, graduation can take things up to a new level—the gifts can be larger and are often money; it takes tact to write notes of appreciation for money and a teenager may need some guidance and training in how to do it with grace. This can be a great opportunity for a little more etiquette training. Even if the graduating student says “thank you” in person, a note should still be written. Also, consider sending notes of thanks to those who help out with the party planning, babysit younger ones during the ceremonies, or teachers who have been important parts of your child’s school career. This is a good opportunity to learn additional lessons in gratitude and manners.