Journaling seems like such an adult habit, right?
We might be a little wrong there.
Kids can do journaling too, and it can prove extremely beneficial for them.
But, why should we get our kids into journaling?
Benefits of Journaling for Kids
There are many benefits of journaling for kids:
1. Safe space for expression
A journal can provide a safe space for kids to express their thoughts and feelings without judgement. Over time, this helps kids to better understand and articulate what they are feeling and why they are feeling it.
2. Improved writing skills
Journaling regularly can help kids to improve their writing skills. This is because they are constantly practicing writing out their thoughts and feelings.
3. Enhanced creativity
Writing in a journal can also help to enhance kids’ creativity as they are constantly coming up with new ideas to write about.
4. Improved emotional regulation skills
Journaling can also help kids to develop their emotional regulation skills. This is because they are regularly practicing identifying and expressing their emotions healthily which might not happen otherwise.
5. Improved memory
Journaling can also help to improve kids’ memory as they are constantly recording information about their life experiences.
6. Better problem-solving skills
Lastly, journaling can also help kids to develop their problem-solving skills. This is because they are constantly practicing brainstorming solutions to problems they are facing in their life.
So, now that we know all the benefits of journaling for kids, how can we get them started?
Recommended reading: 5 Powerful Ways Journaling Changes Your Life
Recommended reading: How Do Mood Trackers Work? Are Mood Trackers Effective?
How to Get Your Kids Started
Here are some tips:
1. Choose the right journal
The first step is to choose the right journal for your child. There are many types of journals available so it’s important to find one that is suitable for your child’s age and interests.
Types of Journals for Kids
There are many types of journaling that your kid can try like:
Art journals: An art journal is a great option for kids who are creative and enjoy expressing themselves through art.
Bullet journals: A bullet journal is a great option for kids who are organised and like to plan. It can help them keep track of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Dream journals: A dream journal is a great option for kids who are curious about their dreams and would like to explore them further.
Gratitude journals: A gratitude journal is a great option for kids who want to focus on the positive things in their life. It can help them appreciate the good things that happen to them each day.
Prompt journals: A prompt journal is a great option for kids who need ideas about what to write about. It can provide them with prompts or topics to write about each day.
2. Set up a journaling routine
Once you have chosen the right journal, it’s important to set up a journaling routine. This means setting aside some time each day or week for your child to write in their journal.
2. Make it fun
Another important tip is to make journaling fun for your child. This can be done by incorporating their interests into their journaling activities. For example, if your child loves to draw, you could encourage them to doodle in their journal as well as write.
3. Encourage your child to write about anything
For journaling, there are no rules. Encourage your child to write about anything and everything that is on their mind.
4. Don’t worry about spelling and grammar
When kids are journaling, it’s important not to worry about spelling and grammar. This is because the focus should be on getting their thoughts and feelings down on paper, not on writing perfectly.
5. Encourage your child to be honest
Encourage your child to be honest in their journal. This means they can write about anything, no matter how big or small.
6. Read your child’s journal entries
You can read your child’s journal entries. However, it’s important to respect their privacy and only do this if they are comfortable with it.
7. Don’t force it
If your child isn’t interested in journaling, don’t force them to do it. Just let them know that the option is there if they ever want to try it.
So, are you ready to introduce journaling to your kid?
You can also do it with them and make it your ‘thing.’
