Painiacs

As soon as they learn to speak!! Hearing cank gu- from a toddler is wonderful. my kids were also taught to send thank you card! They are adults and still send them. when neices and nephews were small i would send a gift but required a thank you note! If you couldn't write- draw me a picture! Now, nothing! Sad but then their parents rarely acknowledge gifts so... i rarely send them gifts anymore!!i sent everyone quilts for Christmas- only my mom called to say thank you!! Sad.... manner are forgotten! No please, thank you, excuse me, yes ma'am, no sir instead of huh, what?? Those of you in 50's or more- how many young people hold doors open for you???

mom-6

I discovered that some of our schools are not reinforcing our politeness training. A friend who had a disabled child was told that he did not need to learn how to sign please and thank you as that wasnt important! Another friend's daughter was told she should only respond yes or no in class, not yes ma'am/no ma'am! And my DGS is not required by his speech therapist to do so either. So it makes our job as parents/ grandparents that much more difficult.

needles3thread

Maybe the grandfather got the packages switched & gave the wrong one to the older children.

Retired Fire Chief

I agree with QuiltE, it must start with the parents because children learn and imitate their parents. Children should be taught to appreciate what they have from the very beginning of understanding, I think it will make them better people to realize nothing should be taken for granted.

kydeb

Have to agree!!

missmay

My DIL and I were discussing this the other day. She said her brother's 3 yr old say's Oh Thank You, I Love It! to every gift she receives. Now that is a real Thank You from a polite little girl.

ptquilts

Wow, if only they could all be like that!! I asked because I gave a gift to my 7yo step-GS that I thought he would like - he pushed it away and said I hate it (this is something I KNOW he does like). Apparently it did not meet his expectation. What really bothered me was his mom was right there and just kind of brushed it off. I am afraid he is growing up feeling entitled.

I only see them once a year, I think I will have a little talk with him next year. And maybe let DH (blood relative) pick out the gift.

Halo

I have noticed, now days, most kids feel like they are entitled to the best of everything. If you don't spend an arm & leg on them then they think it is junk & will treat it likewise. This I do blame the parents for. They also do not teach them responsibility for their own actions. It's getting to be a sad world.

michelleoc

It's an ongoing learning experience. My son (17yo) always says thank you for things (even thanks me for making dinner!), but I was raised to write thank you notes. So he still has the rule - any gift you get can not be used/spent until a thank you note is done and sent (has has some learning issues, so he is allowed to type it, but it must be mailed, not emailed.)

jeanharville

Misty's Mom, I have the same situation with my oldest son and family. However, I haven't had the courage to stop acknowledging birthdays and Christmas. But my best friend did what you have done, she just stopped sending gifts. No appreciation, no gifts. So sad.