Mama You've Got This - Journal With Kids

A lot is going on right now.  It is hard for big humans to remain positive and grounded. For kids, it may be even more confusing. And even outside our current reality, kids generally have a lot going on.  There are so many regular changes happening, that it's not uncommon to see them unsettled and overwhelmed. 

In our house, with my eldest, she's gone through many stages of unrest over the last few years. She is by nature, a social butterfly, and pretty chilled. But there were times when she was overwhelmed and particularly tired, for example - at the end of term, major school changes,  growth spurts, and social unrest like when her bestie moved to Europe.  I know that it's not her natural state of being but still getting bossed around and grumbled at by a 5 / 6-year-old was not on the family menu!

We tried a few things and incorporated some of the emotional balancing and communication methods that school was doing with the kids, which were great.  We were reading lots of books, some about emotions, some like Little People Big Dreams that showed how people overcame difficult periods and flourished. And also, I started journaling with her. 

At first, she was too young to write, so we would sit together and journal about 3 things we were grateful for or happy about from that day.  I would write the words and we would talk things through. I love journaling. I do it in some form every day. It's a really important part of my day.  Doing it together with her was even better!  Now, as she is older, she can write in her journal - add reflections, stickers, and drawings.  And she sometimes still asks me if I want to journal with her. 

There are a lot of benefits of journaling and I think it's a great habit to build with them.  There are different ways to journal; you can do it in any way that feels right or works you like, for example:

• 3 things they are grateful for every day
• habit journal ticking off the habits you are trying to build
• general reflections of the day
• what you learned, what was a challenge

The Benefits of Journaling With Kids

1. A way to calm the mind
2. Builds self-awareness
3. Helps to focus energy in a positive direction
4. Can help make sense of things going on and work through challenges
5. Great way to talk through the days' events with your younger ones
6. A place to dream and set goals
7. Help build habits, keep track of habits you are trying to build
8. Important mindfulness practice
9. Practicing gratitude daily has a significant impact on overall positive mental health and happiness. (If you have not seen Shawn Achor's TED Talk on happiness, do it. It's amazing.)

How to Journal With Kids

1. Make time to do it every day, same time, for example before bed
2. Have a dedicated notebook or journal - make it special
3. A paper diary is best - putting pen to paper has memory, dexterity plus other benefits
4. With younger kids who can't yet write, do it with them and encourage them to add their drawings or stickers.
5. Use question prompts or simply do what you are grateful for each day 
6. Encourage drawing/art as well as writing, ie with stickers or pictures
7. If you have a diary with dates, or even without, you could pepper little tasks or reminders throughout, so that you get little surprises as you get to certain pages

Journaling Prompts For Kids

1. What are the three things you are grateful for today?
2. What did you learn today?
3. What were your favourite things about today and why?
4. What made you laugh today?
5. What challenges did you have today?
6. Who were you happy to play with today?
7. What do you love / like most about a particular person?
8. Who made you smile today?
9. Who are the people in your life that make you happy?  Why?
10. What do you want to start doing more regularly?
11. Is there anything you want or need to stop doing?
12. Make a list of all the fun things you love doing
13. Make a list fo all the things you want to learn
14. Make a list of all the places you want to go to
15. Make a list of all the things that make you happy
16. What does your perfect weekend look like?

THESE PRODUCTS CAN GET YOU STARTED

Journal with kids - I Am A Rebel Girl Kids Journal

I Am a Rebel Girl: A Journal to Start Revolutions is not your average journal.  It empowers young girls to create a BIG idea and help them develop positive and action-orientated thoughts and perspectives. 

Journal with kids - Notepad Sloth Dreams

Direct off-set printed canvas hardcover with 182 pages. Unique exposed binding allows the journal to open flat; lined, full-colour pages.

Journal with kids - Ooly Yummy Scented Glitter Gel Pens - 12 Pack

Deliciously Scented Fruity Gel Pens will delight your creative little soul.  Write, draw, colour, and smell!

Journal with kids - Floss & Rock Colouring Pencils Sets

Pencils in a tube with various designs. The tube contains - 12 coloured pencils.

Journal with kids - Meri Meri Mini Stickers - Various

These cute stickers come with a huge selection of motifs and messages, all in bright colors and embellished with shiny gold foil. Pack contains1 Roll of 500 in 27 designs.

RELATED CONTENT

FIND MORE KIDS JOURNALS AND NOTEBOOKS HERE.

Shawn Achor Ted Talk

Child Wellness Ideas