My Kid and Her Journal

I recently discovered that my daughter had been keeping a journal. When I pressed in to figure out how long she had been keeping a journal, I was surprised to know that she had been journaling for several years. When I asked how she got started she told me that the journaling started as a suggestion from one of her Sunday School teachers. I have two daughters and I’m delighted to know that both actively journal. The older one is a fifth grader and her younger sister is in third grade. I thought it would be fun to ask them some questions about journaling and see what advice they might have for kids.

What do you journal about?

(O) Stuff that happened during the day.

(Y) Whatever I want.

Do you write words about the Bible in your journal?

(O) Oh yes, and sometimes I write things that I pray for.

(Y) Yeah.

Why do you think it’s a good idea to keep a journal?

(O) So when I grow up I can go back and look at the things I’ve done and remember them.

(Y) It’s kind of like a time capsule, but on paper.

What words would you use to tell other boys and girls why they should keep a journal?

(O) So they can remember what they did when they were little.

(Y) I don’t know.

What advice would you give to boys and girls who might want to journal.

(O) Don’t leave it somewhere so your little sister will read it.

(Y) Don’t put your name and address on it so in case you lose it nobody will come looking for you. (Her words!)

The thought that struck me most is the fact that this all started because of the suggestion of a Sunday School teacher at our church. Journaling is important, not just for kids, but also for adults. I love the fact that my kids journal and I’ve been inspired to start keeping a journal of my own. (I should probably hide it from my little sister too!) As you think about journaling give kids some simple suggestions and tell them the journaling can be about anything, the important thing is to keep the journal moving. If kids get involved in journaling at an early age they will come to enjoy the special time and will years later read things they had done and laugh themselves silly. Encourage them to write words about things they learn in church, or simple prayers, then they can see how God has been faithful throughout their lives. Journal on!

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd-6th graders Explore the Bible: Kids Worship on Sunday nights at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s passionate about helping kids dig deep into Scripture, which he pursues through his daily work as leader of the Explore the Bible: Kids team. Tim lives with his wife and daughters in Mount Juliet, TN.