PARENT STUFF the benefits of journaling BY ANN HARMON At evening prayer time, Christian parents often take a few minutes to recall with their child the pleasures and blessings God has provided that day. Parents may also discuss the less satisfying incidents, along with some comments on actions that could have been improved upon with a bit more obedience to God’s instructions. These valuable exchanges needn’t stop with discussions. Recording the child’s observations and responses in a journal can implant lifelong lessons intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. When beginning this habit, earlier is better. Obviously the parent does the writing as the very young child thinks back, aloud, through his or her day. At the parent’s prompting, the child responds—with gratitude for the good things and with thoughtful review of some experiences that could have turned out better. These memories from the day make excellent preparation for evening prayers. As a child matures and can assume responsibility for writing, discussion and writing times hold equal significance. The growing child needs steady reminders of the source of our blessings and of the sovereignty of God. An older child who keeps a journal has opportunities to analyze in depth both positive and negative decisions and actions, the reasons for them, and the results. “Did I do the right thing?” “How else could I have handled that?” The child will learn to acknowledge his or her responses to situations and people and to test them against biblical standards. The way is wide open for teaching godly values. Journaling could be a natural tool for leading a child to the Lord or into a stronger relationship with him. says journals allow children to observe their lives from a new perspective. Journalbuddies.com expands on the idea, explaining that writing out their reflections shows children that “often, the solutions to problems and questions are right there within themselves” and that recording possible solutions teaches the writer to formulate them and adopt them for usage. Journalmagic.com agrees, encouraging the young writer to “become an observer of his or her own world.” Squidoo.com gives much information on helping children as they begin the project, as well as on prompts for writing if they are hesitant. The website also suggests books that can serve as guidelines for parents. Momscape.com suggests strong parent involvement, encouraging parents to keep personal journals alongside their youngsters in order to model the behavior. All of the above ideas translate easily into concepts harmonizing with the Christian faith. Weaving Christian behavior into a journaling session is the next best thing to being there with a child in school or at play. Analytical and writing skills improve any child’s academic work; keeping the two pleasurable brings achievement in both. In a journal, grammar and diction are exempt from red Depositphotos/anyaberkut Advice on journaling abounds on the internet. Momscape.com 6 Christian Home & School | www.csionline.org