As the school year gets underway, mornings take on a new look for us. My parent/child communication journal is now becoming a part of my routine...along with a big cup of coffee. Check out how I'm going to #createdelight this school year and grab your own journal covers to create your own journal with your child.
This journal was not my original idea...it came from a lady I attended a church retreat with years ago. We were all swapping some of our favorite parenting ideas and she told us about the journal she shared with her preteen daughter. She talked about how much the lines of communication were opened with that journal and what an amazing tool it had been. Over the years, she had saved up dozens of these journals...filled to the brim with notes between all of her children and herself. They were treasures and she suggested all of us other moms try this idea. Now that my kids are of the age to really appreciate this kind of tool, I'm excited that we're starting to put it into play. See how this is becoming a part of my morning routines (and my kids' evening routines) below.
This summer has been packed. Between travel and fun times at home, I feel like I've spent some really great time with my kids making lots of good memories. It almost hurts my heart to have to send them off to school now. The house will be so quiet and I'll miss all of our fun times that we had during the carefree days of summer.
One thing about this house that blesses me is the view from my office. Can you see it, above? Across the street is my kids' school. On a good day, I manage to get peeks into their school time when they're out on the playground...and often, I get a big wave, too! Sitting here and writing my journal to each child is something that I've started even before the first official day of classes. I know it will be a fantastic way to remain a part of their days...even if it's just from across the street.
This journal is a "trading" journal. I may write in it one day and then leave it on my son's bed. He may get to it that day...or can even take a few days to write me back. It can be about anything. Like, really. I want these to be safe spots for these two boys of mine to be able to share openly.
My friend, who I mentioned above, shared that these journals were sacred during those fun "teenage" years with her kids. Even if they were moping around the house, or off with friends, once or twice a week, the journal would show up on her nightstand and she'd be thrilled to read what they had to share with her. Some of those entries were heartfelt needs for mom, in a way that wasn't always easy to express aloud as a teen. Some were just "hey mom, you're awesome!" No matter what, she treasured them (and continues to with her youngest).
Along with my morning journal time to my boys, I also have a cup (or three) of coffee. Since I work from home, leaving to go to the coffee house isn't always ideal (because, if I'm being completely honest here, I work in my PJs a lot. A lot.). International Delight's Caramel Macchiato Creamer has always been one of my faves. It's such a delightful way to start the day. And it still gives me that coffee house vibe...straight out of the fridge!
The above journal entry is from my youngest. I found it on my desk this morning (signaling it was my turn). That sweet kid brings a tear to my eye and a tug at my heart. I can't even fuss at him for getting into my label maker over this...sweet boy.
Above is my older son. The evening time is the perfect time for journaling...or reading or whatever. But, if he can get a note or two to me about what's going on in the week, I'm a happy mom.
I created several journal covers...for both moms and dads (I know my husband will be picking this up, too, y'all...he's a writer at heart and loves those boys to pieces). They fit any standard composition book or even larger (or smaller). There's no special size you need. Click below on the one that works the best for you to start a download.
For more fun ideas to create delight, check out the International Delight site here. Be sure to sign up for the International Delight newsletter here, too, and get an instant member coupon!
Other fun ways to create DELIGHT:
Neglect your chores like me and don't miss a thing:
I have a friend who used this kind of journal when her daughter was growing up. It became a treasures activity for both of them.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great idea! I love that you can glue the printable right on top of a notebook.
ReplyDeleteMichelle F.
What a wonderful idea. I love that it keeps the lines of communication open and gives you priceless memories like the one from your youngest.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! This would be great for my daughter and I she is getting to that age where we need to learn how to communicate better.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful idea! I need to start doing this for my daughter!
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the sweetest ideas I've heard about. Also, my kids' school was across the street too. I loved it!
ReplyDeleteI love how you express this bright idea. I wish my son learn about this.
ReplyDeleteThe parent/ child journal is such a great idea - thanks for the printables too!
ReplyDeleteThis is an adorable idea!! I'm saving this for when my little one is a little bit older :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome idea. I love this! I would have never thought about making a journal between parent and child.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this idea! Such a wonderful way to improve communication and preserve memories for your family!
ReplyDeleteI just love this idea! I bet you'll read those for years to come!
ReplyDeleteA communication journal is a really great idea. I was a kid who had such an easier time writing my feelings out. Something like this could have certainly helped with the relationships with my family. Good thing I became a writer then, huh?
ReplyDeleteIt should read Mom and me not Mom and I.
ReplyDelete