Scribbling is a healthy form of self-expression for children, and it helps initiate the creative process. Janet Mentore Lee: The Daily Doodle: A Journal for Ages 4-7.
In honor of February being Children's Mental Health Month, this is the fourth 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
Even the youngest children can benefit from a journal
By expressing their emotions on paper they are learning to accept themselves and to develop coping skills for future confusion, hurts, and anxiety.
Prompt your child to draw a picture or just scribble to their hearts' delight. If there is a story that accompanies the scribble or drawing you may write it for them (but never draw for them!). By doing this you are showing your child that their thoughts, feelings and ideas are important. This will encourage a positive sense of self and self-esteem as they grow.
Make journaling accessible and fun
Here are some ideas to get your child "talking:"
1. Provide them with their very own journal and make it clear that they can write or draw whatever and whenever they like.
2. Always have pens, crayons, and other supplies available.
3. When your child is exhibiting some kind of anxiety, anger, excitement, or any other emotion, prompt them to express it in their journal (not as a replacement for talking to an adult, but rather as a supplement - this will teach your child that all their emotions are valid and that expressing them is important.)
4. Work with them. Help them get started by asking questions or writing a prompt (below) and then ask them to tell you about their drawing.
PROMPTS
- The best thing about my day was...
- The worst thing was...
- This is my family.
- This is a picture of me.
- Today I am feeling _____.
- When I am feeling sad/angry/happy, I like to ____ to make me feel better.
- Scribble!
- My favorite toy is..... It makes me feel....
Be creative! Ask questions about play time, food, family, friends... anything! Let your child tell you what they want to draw or "write" about. Then ask them to tell you about it.
Encourage and allow them to do whatever they want to. Even if you have offered them a prompt about their teacher and they draw their teddy bear - go with it! Offer them the freedom to be as creative and free as they wish.
And praise them and encourage the process - for putting crayon to paper, not how "good" or "bad" the drawing is. ("I see you drew a purple shape. That's great that you drew that! Can you tell me about it?")
By giving your children the freedom to express themselves, they will grow in confidence and more accepting of their own ever-changing, and sometimes, confusing emotions.
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.
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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