You can’t do it for them, but it needs to get done—and the sooner the better. So, how do you, Mom, make it happen?  We have a few suggestions:

• Let go of any guilt regarding the fact that your 18-year old has never done this before and should not need instruction at this age. That kind of thinking will get you nowhere.
• Order graduation thank you cards and have them ready to go before graduation.
• Set expectations in advance. Tell your son or daughter in so many words, “You will get gifts, and you will be expected to write a graduation thank you note in a timely manner to every single person.” Be sure they are listening when you say this.
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