Journaling During the Summer (or Covid-19) Break

Right now, Coronavirus has schools out for summer and parents left looking for good at-home activities. While enduring additional stress and lifestyle adjustments, people can greatly benefit from taking time to reflect on their life, goals, and the months leading up to the change.

Journaling is a creative and beneficial activity for students of all ages. Not only does it improve writing skills, but encourages introspection and thoughtful observation. It makes transitions easier, and reminds people of the things that matter most to them.

Why Journaling?

There are many reasons to keep a journal. Some people enjoy writing down notes about their day to keep track of accomplishments; others focus on goals and practical steps for attaining them. For some, simply writing about everyday events can seem boring, but writing about hopes for the future, interesting dreams they remember, or clever things they read can help them put to paper the things they enjoy most in life. Writing down both the good and the bad can help put things in perspective, and get the author into a fresh mindset.

It is also important to create a schedule with your child during school breaks. This will help them to form beneficial habits and make the most of their time.

How can I encourage my child to write?

It's great to start with small goals because writing gets easier with time. You don't need to give directions or word count goals if your child is having a hard time- many kids enjoy the creativity that comes with having no hard guidelines.

Ask your child what they would like to write about. Are they excited to write about their day, or a dream they had, or a joke they heard? Any of these are a great start. If they don't have an idea, you can give them an age-appropriate prompt to get them going. There are a few examples below.

Journaling can benefit anyone, so you might also encourage them by setting aside 10 minutes to write down your own thoughts alongside them.