Journaling is a simple and effective way to help children grow into confident and capable adults. With each blank page, kids have a new opportunity to express themselves through writing and drawing.
Curious how journaling might help your child be the best they can be? Read on for five benefits of a journaling practice for kids.
Reason #1: A journal is a judgment-free zone
In our modern age, kids are often pulled into the digital world and social situations where they can face judgment about how they look, act, and feel. This can result in poor self-image and cause them to lose focus on their own preferences and capabilities. Ultimately, it can cause them to lose touch with themselves.
A journal is a space that belongs to them, free from outside influences. When kids have breathing room where they can think and create without expectation, they can grow in all areas of life.Â
Reason #2: Journaling is associated with greater emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the capacity to identify and understand feelings in yourself and others, and how to navigate those feelings to empathize and work through challenges.Â
Children with greater emotional intelligence are more likely to be successful in school and relationships, which then helps them in their careers and adulthood.Â
Here are some of the ways a journaling practice helps children develop emotional intelligence.
- Reflecting on situations can help kids identify how they and others felt.
- Journaling gives children a chance to consider what they could do differently to improve the outcome for everyone, improving their problem-solving skills.
- Research has linked journaling with reduced stress, so it can be a healthy way for them to cope with stress.
Reason #3: Writing and drawing helps children develop communication skills
As any adult who’s had to look up the spelling of a word knows, you never truly stop developing your writing and communication skills.
Daily writing allows kids to practice spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Art is also a valuable form of communication, so drawing and art should be supported as much as writing.
Even if everything they write or create isn’t perfect, journaling can help children learn how to express their feelings and ideas to others. Through their journaling practice, they can find their unique voice.Â
Reason #4: Journaling gives kids confidence
Self-exploration is essential to help kids develop confidence.Â
Simply reflecting on their day or an event can help them identify their skills and strengths so they can rely on them and handle whatever comes their way.
When children feel prepared, they’re more likely to have a can-do mindset.
Reason #5: Keeping a journal is a healthy habit
With so many screens and distractions, taking personal time is a healthy habit in itself. Journaling provides a time for kids to do just that.
Through their personal journal, kids can also practice mindfulness and track their goals, which has been linked to greater happiness and better health.
Support your child’s journaling to support their success
As a parent or caregiver, you naturally want to give your child all the tools they need for success. They don’t come with instruction manuals, but you can help them create their own toolkit for confidence, happiness, empathy, kindness, and personal growth by supporting their journaling practice.
Our family developed the Dream Cast Journal and Conversation Cards to help kids and families start an impactful journaling practice together. Get our Conversation Cards for free in the Dream Cast Project Android app.
