Should I encourage my child to start a journal?
Writing a journal is something that has been floating around the Internet as an idea for a child to pick up as a hobby for a while. It is a great outlet for those who struggle to communicate their feelings. Or those who deal with high levels of stress. If you notice your child is struggling with their emotions or need somewhere to go where they feel safe to talk about anything, it may be worth encouraging them to start a journal.
Improve Mood
Journaling improves focus and boosts mood. This helps resulting in better physical and mental health for those who participate in it. Journaling can also help develop academic skills. In a time where computers and technology are the go-to, journaling is one of the best ways to get a child to work on their writing skills. Good handwriting is necessary in the classroom as ideas can be judged based on the quality of handwriting. Writing by hand also helps children to develop their fine motor skills. It is also great for organising thoughts and ideas. By journaling at home, children have access to different benefits that they may not have in other circumstances.
Creativity

Journaling helps young ones to work on their creativity. As a journal is a unique hobby that is limited only by your child’s imagination, the chance to write about whatever they want is there at their beck and call. A journal can include facts about their favourite animal, drawings or even a loose collection of different thoughts. To encourage your child to express themselves better, allow them to decorate their journal with whatever they want. A journal is meant to be about self-expression are not perfection. Give them the space to make this journal completely what they want it to be.
Help With Feelings
Journaling helps young ones to address any big feelings that they may not be familiar with. Many children struggle to verbalise how they are feeling. Especially when they don’t understand what is going on. A journal is a safe space that is free of judgement which is why it could be a great place for your child to sort through their complicated emotions such as sadness and anger.
Depending on your childs age, the journal can take different forms. Allow your child to choose what they want to write about as over time, the topic of their writing could change depending on the situation. With so many reasons to start a journal why not pick up one and some nice new pens for your child today!
