The Benefits of Journalling For Children

JOURNALLING FOR KIDS 

The idea of journalling for children has been around for decades (sometimes also known as ‘keeping a diary’). It has been used as a way for kids to process their thoughts and feelings, explore their creativity, and to record their day-to-day experiences.

However, it is only recently that research has begun to highlight the various benefits of journalling for children. In this blog, I will discuss the many benefits of journalling for children, as well as offering some tips on how to encourage your child to keep a journal.

BECOMING UN-STUCK FOR WORDS

Journaling helps kids express their feelings
“Today, I discovered…”

Most children find it difficult to express their feelings in words. Journalling can be a great way for kids to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe, non-judgmental environment. By providing your child with a space to express their thoughts and feelings, journalling can help to reduce their anxiety and stress levels. Additionally, research has shown that journalling can also boost your children’s self-esteem and self-confidence.

SPARKING THE CREATIVE MIND

Sparking creativity in children through journaling

Journalling can also help to develop and channel your children’s creativity and imagination. Writing is a great way for kids to explore their imaginations and express their own ideas. It also helps to develop their writing skills as they gain confidence in their ability to write. Furthermore, journalling can help to improve children’s organizational skills, as they learn how to organize their thoughts and ideas into written form. You should know that being able to organize and plan is one of the key markers for success in life.

PROCESSING THE PAST TO MOVE FORWARD WITH EASE

Journaling helps children process their feelings
“I am feeling a bit scared about…”

Finally, journalling can also be a great way for children to record their experiences. Writing can be a great way for children to reflect on their experiences and express their thoughts and feelings about them. This can be especially helpful for children who have experienced a traumatic event, as writing can help them to process their emotions and move forward.

GET YOUR KIDS JOURNALLING

Children having fun with their journals

To encourage your child to journal, make sure to provide them with a safe and non-judgmental space to express their thoughts and feelings. Additionally, make sure to provide them with fun and interesting prompts that will help to spark their creativity (see below). With some patience, support, and encouragement, journalling can be a wonderful tool for self-knowledge and self-expression for your children. 

Here are 10 examples of fun journalling prompts for children:

Children's journaling prompts

  1. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
  2. Create a story about a magical creature living in your neighborhood.
  3. Imagine you are a superhero. What are your superpowers?
  4. Describe a day spent in an alternate universe.
  5. What would you do if you found a secret room in your house?
  6. Create a story about a daring adventure in a distant land.
  7. If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?
  8. Describe what the world would look like if colors did not exist.
  9. Make up a story about a magical item that grants wishes.
  10. Create a character (from the past/future/another city) and tell a story about them.

WHY JOURNALLING IS A GREAT THING FOR KIDS TO DO

Young girl benefitting from keeping a journal of her experiences and thoughts

In conclusion, journalling can be a great way for your children to:

  • express their thoughts and feelings
  • explore their creativity
  • record their experiences
  • help to reduce anxiety and stress levels
  • boost self-esteem and self-confidence
  • improve their writing skills
  • process their emotions
  • move forward after a traumatic event

Why not encourage your kids to keep a journal so they can enjoy the many benefits of journalling, starting today?!

Help YOUR KIDS become the writers, thinkers, leaders, artists, scientists, inventors, musicians, engineers, innovators, healers, carers, creators, and environmental saviours of the Future… Grab a subscription to HOOPLA children’s magazine! A brand new activity-packed issue delivered to their doormat every month!

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