Thank You Note

I agree that it's not the correct form, but I think that it is wrong to get offended at ANY intended act of kindness, which is clearly what a thank you note is. The sentiment is much more important than the form.

I don't understand the problem with writing, "Dear Smith Family." It is a lot shorter than wrting each person's name for a child who has just learned to write. I would just be happy I got a thank you note in the first place.

i wouldn't be offended because most children don't even write thank-you notes any more!!

Do you have kids? If so then they are probably trying to include them in the note as well, without writing out everyone's name. If it were me, I don't know which I would have my kid do, but even if you don't have children, if the child who is writing the note is only 5 or 6, the parent may be trying to make this note writing session a little bit less time consuming. It takes a long time for kids that age to write stuff out. Don't be offended. I agree that you should be thankful that you're getting a note, especially from the child themself! Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person left on the planet who writes thank-you notes!

I would be thankful to get one... I NEVER get them from my niece and rarely get them from 4-5 year old birthday parties anymore. At least it didn't say, "Yo Jane and Mark"!

Pick your battles :)
E.

Maybe that's what he/she decided to write! And I think that's sweet! A little shorter and maybe easier to spell even. I'd also be very happy I got a thank you note. My rule of thumb is this: Don't be offended where no offense was intended. Did your niece/nephew and her/his parents write that to tick you off? Doubtful. Be offended by the bigger things in life, not this.

Honestly, I don't think it would bother me greatly. I'd be more impressed by the writing of the note (which doesn't happen nearly as often as it should) if we were to have received it.

I'm not sure what Emily Post would say if we asked regarding proper etiquette. I agree with Jaimee K that it was most likely done out of volume and sheerly being overwhelmed.

For me, it's hard because I like to make them so personal, and it often keeps me from getting them out as quickly as I'd like.

Hope that point of view helps.

No, I would be impressed that they wrote the note themselves!

"Dear Aunt Jane and Uncle Mark" is a lot more for a 5-6 year old then "Dear Smith Family". Young ones take forever to write! I'm sure it was to save time!

If it were me I would make a big deal about it and call and say "hey I got your note thanks for writing it I love to get mail." and I would mean it. If the little one is being taught manners and to write thank you's then kudo's to the mom for instilling respect into the little one. When that little one is older maybe 2nd or 3rd grade they will be much more likely to individualize the notes but at this point hooray for parents who take the time to make sure their child is learning to say thank you.

I'd think it was funny! It's great the child wrote a note.

Since when is writing "Dear Whatevername Family" an insult? Whether it is written by a 5 yr old or a 30 yr old, I think it's actually very respectful. It acknowledges everyone in the family as a whole.
I would be happy if I were you. :)

I say count your blessings that their family is teaching them to be appreciative of their gifts and to express their thanks. Most kids do not. I have yet to even receive acknowledgment of the Christmas gifts I sent to my godson. As long as your last name is the one that they wrote on the card, I'd be happy!

My son gos to great lengths to choose the shortest wording possible when writing thank you notes. So many kids don't even write thank you's anymore, I wouldn't be offended at all.

I'd say you were lucky to get a note at all. SO many parents do not teach basic etiquette any more.

not really, esp. if there are a lot of names to write like their children also. w/ a child that age and writting the less words ect. might be better for them. I think they should just appreciate the note, it should be okay.

I have a six year old. Writing "Dear Jane and Uncle Mark" is laborious for a six year old, not to mention a 5 year old!

Writing thank yous has become a lost art. To write one at all, no matter the wording, is commendable.

I would just be happy to get one. Kids are so cute and creative!

I wouldn't be offended. At that age, I'm sure he/she had help and so it would be the adult who probably told them what to say. Most people don't even send me a thank you note but I love to send thank you's. But I do put "The Smith Family" sometimes especially if I have a lot of thank you's to write and I start getting tired...