Guide for parents to promote writing in their daughter's life along with tips for teens.
Each day teens encounter the emotional up’s and downs of being a teenager: a load of school work, family issues, and best friend drama. The stress can be overwhelming, but there is a simple way to channel this energy - through journaling. It’s a method of self-expression that is both private and boundless. Journaling opens ones heart and soul to new possibilities, allows pent up worries to be heard and relieves the strain of daily chaos all-in-one. It is important to encourage your daughter to write in a journal so she can express herself in a positive, healthy way.
Your Role
First, you’ll want to set some ground rules. Establish a pact that you won’t read your child’s writing. How can she express herself honestly and stress-free if she’s worried you’ll read her work? Privacy is the key to making this work. You’ll also gain major trust points if you follow through, keeping your word.
Pick a Journal Out Together
It may sound corny, but if you pick the journal out together, you’ll share that memory. Not just a memory, but it will be a positive one. Teens do care about spending time with you and seek your approval even though they may not want to admit it.
There are a few kinds of journals to choose from; a spiral notebook, regular bound book, hand decorated binder or one with a lock and key. Consider what’s most comfortable and fits with her lifestyle. Some journals are specially designed to lay flat which is a very helpful asset! A book with lined pages helps so writing doesn’t slant down to one side. However, unlined journals double as doodle/sketch books! These are great for the creative/artistic girl. A journal with lock and key can promote an added sense of privacy.
Tips for Teens
Once you’ve got the perfect supplies it’s time to jump in and start releasing your inner wisdom. A blank page may be intimidating at first, but just think of it as lots of room for growth and expression.
Here are a few tips on starting your new journal;
- Take a page to write about your journaling mission. What do you want to achieve? Are you seeking to find yourself and future aspirations? Need a venue to release anger? Hope to record favorite memories?
- Create your own book blessing and put it in the front flap of your journal. It might help your thoughts flow easier!
- Make a stats page including your name, birthday, all about friends and favorite things.
Consider these ideas when you’re seeking deeper inspiration;
- Open your mind and heart to a higher power by asking philosophical questions.
- Make a story of your life.
- Mention specific events that changed your perception of the world.
- Write a letter to a lost loved one or friend.
- Talk about a recent dream/nightmare you had. Then, using dream interpretation books (check your local library) seek out its meaning.
Finally, Encouraging your daughter to journal can bring positive results. Help her find solace in journaling by opening her soul, jotting down daily moments and releasing pent up stress. Both of you can embrace the healing power of a journal. Today is the best time to start!
In journaling there aren’t any rules, basically anything goes. However, some have suggested taking a few moments everyday to journal. This consistent practice can develop into a positive soul nourishing routine. Alternatives range from every other day to once a week or whenever the urge strikes. Honor your intuition and journal at your own pace because lets face it, forcing the experience takes away all the fun.
