... a safe place to test the waters of self-expression. -- Lucia Capacchione, The Creative Journal for Children
In honor of February being Children's Mental Health Month, this is the fifth in a series of articles on the benefits of journaling on the mental and emotional health of children. Also see:
1. Why children should journal: An overview
2. Why children should journal: Academic
3. Why children should journal: Therapeutic
4. Why children should journal: Prompts for pre-writers
"...Develops sense of personal responsibility, self-reliance and self-respect." (Capacchione)
Journaling is crucial for middle-graders as they begin to experience physical and emotional changes. Through a consistent dialogue with the "observing ego" the journal provides stability through the turmoil. This allows the true self beneath the pimples and attitude to be (re)discovered and hung onto.
While children may begin to have trouble communicating with parents due to the immensity of their emotions and no words to describe them, writing allows the child a safe place and the time to first wrap their heads and hearts around what they are experiencing. They will learn the language of their feelings and the process of their thoughts. They will discover their own opinions and the confidence to express them.
Parental respect helps self-esteem
A parent's support of this expression relays to the child that his/her feelings, thoughts, and ideas are legitimate and respected - and therefore, s/he, as a person, is also. By respecting your child's privacy by not reading the journal also sends the message that they have a right to their own feelings. This boosts their self-esteem and confidence. Giving permission for free-expression in private opens the door for more open, family communication.
An expressive child is a happier child
We are all naturally creative - that is the human condition. Journaling allows your child a place to nurture this natural ability. Whether it is expressed as art, a great idea for school fundraising, a new way of looking at a family problem, or how to rearrange his bedroom, the journal is blank slate for your child's imagination. The journal is a place to experience and pursue their potential.When we are challenged, thinking, and creating - being our true, authentic selves - we are happier.
PROMPTS (drawn and/or written)
- "Dear Me...." (write a love letter to yourself)
- This is how others see me.... This is how I see myself...
- Happiness is...
- I get mad/sad/happy/excited/etc. when....
- I need...
- I want...
Once children are confident writers and comfortable with journaling they can also just free-write whatever is on their mind. Free-writing (stream of consciousness, word association) is freeing and can get the writer to a deeper place of thinking - more meditative. This can reduce anxiety and stress.
However your child chooses to use their journal, it is a tool unlike any other. It is a gift to be given the freedom to discover who you are from the inside out!
References
Capacchione, Lucia. (1982). The Creative Journal for Children: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Counselors.
Lee, Janet Mentore. (2009). The Daily Doodle: A Journal for Ages 4-7.
Oshinsky, James (1994). Discovery Journal.
For more information: To get you started on your own journey of self-discovery, visit my blog for writing prompts and tips or to find an upcoming journaling workshop in the Rutland, Vermont area, including art journaling for children at Hands On, Minds On Children's Art Studio coming in the near future.
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