Anyone can capture time in journals by recording thoughts and feelings in words. Writing thoughts in poems, expressing gratitude and ranting are positive methods of self expression.’

Journal keeping in children has untold advantages, as discussed in an earlier blog. There are untold benefits in getting your kids, be they toddler or teenager to start scribbling away regularly. There’s no better time than the start of a new year to kick start this positive habit.

Here are a few points to get them started.

First you need a journal. To encourage repeated entires, it helps to have an attractive journal. While a simple notebook from any store will do, the chances of carrying the habit on are a lot slimmer. There are several diaries and journal out there. Checking a bookstore will reveal a host of options; hardcover, gloss finish, lined pages, unlined pages and even drawing books for younger journal keepers who can’t really write much yet. The options are endless. There are also journal keeping apps out there that can easily do the job (Journal Apps).

I recommend that you choose something sturdy, attractive and interactive. to encourage continued entries. The Can Do Journal is quite the thing for this. It comes with a motivational planner in an attractive gloss hardcover. Designed for teenagers, it comes with additional planning pages for goals and inspirational quotes and ample ruled pages for daily journal entries.

What to write. What ever journal your child chooses, there is the question of what to write.

Songs are very popular with teenagers. They can write songs on how they feel or what they are thinking. Poems are another choice to ease them into the habit of daily writing.

I would also encourage that they periodically put in a gratitude entry. It’s so easy to get carried away with what’s not working. But taking time time to count their blessings will help them realize just how much they have going for them.

Journals are for all times, when happy, sad, neutral or even angry. Encourage them to rant in their journal,( be warned! it might be about you) but it helps to let off the steam and hopefully, they can look back at it and laugh at themselves. The key thing is that they are writing.

Good luck with kick stating journal keeping with your child this year!