Tips for Kids and Journaling
It has been proven that kids and journaling can support growth in many ways. Journaling is a way to express thoughts and feelings, share ideas and memories and even self-reflect. There are lots of different types of journaling but this post is specifically focusing on kids and journaling ideas that work.
Why Should Kids Journal?
Writing experiences and facts doesn’t necessarily lead to growth. It is more like keeping a diary. Journaling, on the other side, can be viewed as tool that creates a way to reflect and grow.
According to many mental health professionals, journaling is one of the highest recommended tools for kids to express their thoughts and feelings, create a clearer mind and a possibly even a happier life.
Additionally, journaling helps kids of many ages to be able to go back and see their growth as they move through stages of development and life.
What are some ways kids can journal?
- Share feelings in words or pictures.
- Write thoughts and ideas. (Here is a list of suggestions!)
- Make up stories.
- Make lists.
- Draw pictures and use watercolors.
- Doodle, color and paint. Art journaling works!
- Write a letter to yourself.
- Share goals and dreams.
Tips for Kids and Journaling
Make It Fun
- Create a space that opens up the idea that journaling is fun. Offer a variety of notebooks, journals, papers and surfaces. It would even be awesome to have a little corner somewhere in your home where you could add materials and ideas. A little bulletin board where you can pin quotes and photos would be PERFECT in this space. Put on music during journaling time.
Be A Good Role Model
- Journal yourself. The strongest way to influence children is by example. Set a time for family journaling. Participate!
Let It Be Private
- Privacy is so important for kids. Unless you are seriously worried about what your children are writing/drawing/sharing in their journaling; stay out of it. Of course if they want to share and come to you, offer open arms and zero judgment.
Get New Writing Utensils
- This is the time to stock up on fun pens, markers, paints, crayons and the such. There are TONS of them out there but to be 100% transparent, I love the writing tools from ooly, especially the scented gel pens.
Making Handmade Journals
I have shared lots of ideas for making journals on the blog. Here is one of my favorite ideas. Cut from magazines then cover journals with words and pictures that are inspiring, empowering or interesting. The Paper Works Sketchbook from ooly is awesome because it has FOUR different kinds of paper in it AND a super hard cover for customizing.
For a list of writing prompts, check out the resources in my FREE Printable Library. If you are looking specifically for Self Esteem building ideas, this post for I Am Journals might be helpful.
20 Kid Journaling Ideas
Need some journal prompt ideas? Here is a fun list.
- Write about a time that was really super fun.
- Write a story using 5 words that someone else give you. (Like turtle, space, freezing, stamp and motorcycle)
- What is your favorite holiday and why?
- Make up and write about your own summer camp.
- Write about a new invention for traveling.
- Make up funny recipes.
- Make lists of random things like colors, animals, cities, etc.
- Write about someone you admire and explain why.
- If there is life on other planets, what is it like?
- How would your friends describe you? How do you describe yourself?
- Would you rather have a star or an island named after you? Why?
- What animals are you most like? What about your friends?
- Write about something that you believe in very strongly.
- Which character from your favorite TV show are you the most like?
- If you were going to a desert island, who would you take and why?
- Is it hard to keep old friends and new friends at the same time?
- Would you rather visit the ocean or the mountains? Why?
- Write a poem.
- If you created a video game, what would it be about?
- What is your favorite thing about your family?
YAY for Self Expression, Journaling and Supporting Kids to Grow!
Laura