It can be hard for children to understand and manage their emotions as they grow and mature, and it’s our job as parents to help them with this in any way we can. We also have a responsibility to support our kids in communicating how they’re feeling in an appropriate and productive way. Journaling is a great way to help children with this. Read on to learn more about how writing in a journal benefits children from a girls’ prep school in Surrey.
Managing challenging emotions
Writing in a journal can help children process any uncomfortable or challenging feelings they’re experiencing, such as anger, anxiety or sadness. A journal provides a safe and non-judgemental space for them to express and understand their thoughts and emotions. Your child might find it easier to articulate how they’re feeling in writing, as opposed to verbal expression. We often feel better when we get what’s in our head out on paper, and children are no different. This can provide a feeling of calm during anxious or unsettling times. Journaling regularly will help your child manage big feelings and contribute to good mental health.
Improved writing skills
As well as helping children understand and deal with emotions, writing in a journal regularly will improve their writing skills. They’ll start using new words to describe how they’re feeling or what’s going on in their life, and experiment with turns of phrase they might have heard. Having control over how long each piece of writing is and the way in which they write will also boost their confidence and enjoyment of putting pen to paper. It will also enhance their handwriting skills.
Enhanced communication skills
Through journaling your child will learn to communicate ideas and feelings in writing, and this is a skill which will stand them in good stead throughout their life. They’ll likely encounter many different forms of written communication during their education and working life, and writing in a journal during their childhood will help them understand and implement different writing techniques.
Stimulates creativity
Children can use their imagination when journaling – their journal entries don’t have to be completely factual. They’ll learn to use storytelling techniques which will enhance their creative writing skills, for example, by describing a dream they’ve had or writing about an event they went to. Your child might even decide to write some fiction after enjoying journaling regularly.
Why not make an occasion of letting your child pick their own new journal so it’s something exciting for them to look forward to.
About Debz Louise
Debz Louise is a UK-based lifestyle expert and the founder of several lifestyle blogs. Specialising in everything from interior design and home renovation to body-positive fashion and parenting, Debz brings a wealth of hands-on experience to every guide. Her mission at Stereotude is to simplify the modern world for her readers through expert curation and fiercely honest advice.