The holidays are a time for giving. Chances are your child has been doing quite a bit of receiving as well. Taking the time to write thank you notes is a great way to help kids show their appreciation for the gifts they have received this holiday season. However, not all children are quick to grab a pencil and get started. Here are some tips for helping your “reluctant writer” compose a note of thanks.

1. Let their creativity run wild. Thank you notes don’t actually have to be “notes” at all. Paintings, drawings and craft projects can be given as a thank you for something they have received.

2. Provide a word bank. Brainstorm words to create a list that your child can use to guide their note. Encourage them to use each word in a sentence.

3. Have your child verbally tell you what they want their note to say. Write their words down and allow them to copy the note. You may want to use another sheet of paper to cover what you’ve written, allowing only one sentence at a time to show. This will help the task feel less overwhelming.

4. Set a time limit. Ask your child to work on notes over the course of a week for a set amount of time. For example, 10 minutes per day until the notes are completed.