A Neighbor WWYD?

[ha98ed14]

Our across the street neighbor is a model builder and he have DD some simple models to built. They are the balsa wood punch out types. His wife brought them over. She has really enjoyed them. I asked her to make a Thank you card for them. I wrote out the words and she copied them. Then I asked her to decorate it. She did, but honestly, it isn't very pretty. She decorated it in black and blue. No other colors. I asked her to add to it, but she says I'm done. In addition, the words have some scratch outs. She did it all by herself and is excited to give it to them, but I am a little worried that it is too rough and the lady will be insulted. Should I make her do another one or just give them this one as is?

[niccig]

Did DD try her best? If yes, I would give it as is. I would only have my DS redo something if it was sloppy because he wasn't trying.

You could always slip into conversation when you give it, that she did it all herself, even the writing.

[TwoBees]

I would include a nice handwritten note from you with your DD's card, thanking the neighbor and explaining that DD wrote her own thank you card.

[elbenn]

Could you give your DD some stickers or stamps or glitter to add to the card?

[ett]

I would include a nice handwritten note from you with your DD's card, thanking the neighbor and explaining that DD wrote her own thank you card.

:yeahthat:

[DietCokeLover]

I would include a nice handwritten note from you with your DD's card, thanking the neighbor and explaining that DD wrote her own thank you card.

Exactly. I think if the neighbor was kind enough to share the models, they are kind enough to know that the card was done with love from your DD, but a thank you from you as well would be appreciated.

[katerinasmom]

If my 4 year old will sit still long enough to write out her own thank you card, it is never pretty. I sometimes translate the chicken scratch for the recipient on the back. But I don't feel obligated to write a separate thank you from me in addition. Not one person has ever commented about how messy or drab it was. (My daughter likes blue - everything she creates is usually a single shade of blue.) And if I receive something similar from one of my 4 -5 year old nieces and nephews, I am always thrilled that they spent the time working on something just for me - no matter how ugly and unreadable it ultimately turned out to be.

[GaPeach_in_Ca]

She did it all by herself and is excited to give it to them, but I am a little worried that it is too rough and the lady will be insulted. Should I make her do another one or just give them this one as is?

I really can't imagine someone being insulted over a card that a 4 year old made them. That, to me, sounds ridiculous.

I would just have her give it to them.

[mikeys_mom]

I think it is fine to give the card she drew herself - no explanations needed. I'm sure they will appreciate that your DD took the time to make the card and show her gratitute rather than care if it is pretty or not.

[niccig]

Don't worry about it being pretty. DS's is 6 yo and his drawings all have power rangers on them that look like chickens. Pretty they are not.

[brittone2]

Exactly. I think if the neighbor was kind enough to share the models, they are kind enough to know that the card was done with love from your DD, but a thank you from you as well would be appreciated.
:yeahthat:

[BabbyO]

Remember, pretty is in the eye of the beholder...sounds like your DD put her heart into it...I'd give it to them (or let her since she is so proud of it). A thank you from you is your option...I wouldn't expect it, but would appreciate it.

[elbenn]

I agree that you should just give the card. I don't think someone would expect a 4 year old's homemade card to look terrific.

[Octobermommy]

Give as is. A 4 yr old doing a thank you by herself is awesome. The neighbor will appreciate her effort.

[Meatball Mommie]

Don't worry about it being pretty. DS's is 6 yo and his drawings all have power rangers on them that look like chickens. Pretty they are not.

:yeahthat:
Except instead of Power Rangers, DS2 draws Clone Troopers..

I think it's fine the way it is.

[niccig]

I'd also advise against having DC redo things to your standards. That's what my mother did or she would push you out of the way and do it herself as she could do it better. Way to build up self esteem.

The only exception I have to this, is if the work is sloppy because of not trying. That I would have DS redo. It's difficult sometimes to let it go, but in long run I think it's better for our kids to do things themselves.

[Ceepa]

I really can't imagine someone being insulted over a card that a 4 year old made them. That, to me, sounds ridiculous.

I would just have her give it to them.

:yeahthat: I can't imagine anyone would be upset about a child's handmade card. I wouldn't even supplement it with another note.

[AnnieW625]

Your daughter is barely 4 yrs. old. I am sure that the couple would be very pleased with your DD's effort.

[TwinFoxes]

:yeahthat: I can't imagine anyone would be upset about a child's handmade card. I wouldn't even supplement it with another note.

:yeahthat: I think the point of TYs at this age is to get them in the habit of showing gratitude. I'm pretty sure the neighbor knows you had your DD do the card, and are grateful yourself. Two cards, or a card and a note seems redundant to me. I just can't imagine receiving a TY note from a 4 year old and thinking it wasn't good enough.

[lizzywednesday]

I'd also advise against having DC redo things to your standards. ....

:yeahthat:

This bolded part is why I stopped asking my parents for help with my homework when I was 6.

Please, let your DD give her card to your neighbors as it is!!!

It doesn't have to be pretty and you've already taught her an important lesson: when someone gives you a gift, you write a "thank you" note.

[ShanaMama]

I would include a nice handwritten note from you with your DD's card, thanking the neighbor and explaining that DD wrote her own thank you card.

:yeahthat: I did this for DD's teachers this year. Instead of gifts I had DD make each of them a card & I wrote a note to each one. She lost patience when it got to teacher number four (& she liked some less than others) but I hope that my thank you note & the comment that DD made this for them made up for it.
I think your neighbor will appreciate the personalized note from DD. They don't need to know it could be much nicer.

[mackmama]

I would include a nice handwritten note from you with your DD's card, thanking the neighbor and explaining that DD wrote her own thank you card.

:yeahthat: