Journal Ideas

As published in the LaPorte County Herald-Argus, June 26, 2010:

Journaling Ideas for Parents
By, Michelle Harmon

Some of you keep a journal or a diary where you write down your most intimate thoughts, create poetry, doodles or you may even keep a gratitude journal to remind you of the things in life for which you are grateful. Journaling about your kids and about your experience raising them can be very cathartic, rewarding, and can also remind you to be grateful that you have been given such a grand opportunity to be someone's Mommy.
When my oldest daughter was born, I kept a journal in which I documented her first smile, her first time rolling over and other less monumental events in her babyhood. I also wrote what I was feeling at the time, whether it was awe at the wonder of my child or pure exhaustion. I wrote the journal like I was talking to my daughter. I plan on giving it to her when she is grown and has her own child. If you haven't done this, try it. You won't regret it. Even if your kids are older, any age is full of things to note. And if you don't want to do a whole journal, write your kids letters. Letters that document an event or that even tell of a struggle, letters that are honest and heartfelt. Letters that will help you get out how you feel and that will make your child smile when you present them to her years later.
Another idea is to keep a parenting journal for yourself. Keep this separate from your personal diary and only write things in it that pertain to parenting and your kids. Write about the struggles of potty training and the joy when he finally pooped on the potty! Write about the tumultuous adolescent years and how you got through them. This can be a valuable tool for you to go back and see what techniques worked, not to mention to remember your child at age 2 as he stands before you at age 12. This can also be something that you share with your children when they have children of their own.
Finally, you could keep a journal with your child. That is, a notebook where you write to each other. This can be particularly helpful when the family is going through turmoil like a divorce. Sometimes children (and adults) have a hard time talking about things, but they may find it much easier to write about their feelings. Keep this journal in a special place where your child can write you a message whenever he feels so inclined, and you can write back and he will know where to find it later. This can be a great way to build a close relationship between you and your child.
Happy writing!