The Benefits of Journaling for Children
This is a collaborative post. Thank you for supporting the posts which make this blog possible.
A journal is much like a diary; the process of writing down experiences, thoughts and feelings, and ideas in a notebook. It can be structured with particular themes and goals, or it can be a place to jot down both positive and negative emotions with no planned agenda. Journaling is a great outlet for both adults and children alike for various reasons, but I have teamed up with an independent school in Cobham to explore the benefits of journaling specifically for children.
Improves Mental Health
One of the most important benefits of journaling is that it can help a child relax, manage their anxiety and cope with anything that might be causing them stress. Bottling up one’s emotions is never advisable, but getting them all out on paper in a safe space will allow youngsters to address certain issues and visualise solutions. Children with a healthier mind tend to be happier and perform better in school, because they are not held back by the weight of their worry.
Builds Resilience
When children jot down their emotions and experiences in a journal, they are able to process and reflect on what they might be going through. This may help them make sense of certain events and allows them to understand themselves on a deeper level. They may start to think about how they could have handled situations differently. As mentioned above, this can help improve their mental health, but it also allows them to learn from the past and become more resilient towards any challenges they are faced with in the future.
Enhances Writing Skills
Children who regularly practise writing, whether creatively or by keeping a journal, tend to become better at spelling and grammar. It also enhances their vocabulary and helps them with their handwriting. Written communication skills are important throughout life, but particularly in school where students are expected to write essays. So, one could argue that journaling helps children perform well in school.
Encourages Organisation
Many people use journals to keep themselves structured and organised. A journal doesn’t have to be exclusively for writing about what has upset your child that day, it can also consist of a to-do list, allowing them to break down tasks that might be overwhelming into smaller, more manageable chunks. This preparation can, in turn, reduce anxiety and perhaps even boost self-confidence. It can also help children to achieve their goals and keep them motivated.
These are just a few of the many benefits of journaling for kids, and there’s no time like the present to get started.
Leave a Reply