Parent/Child Journaling

As my son gets older, his needs are changing.  He needs more privacy, more time with his friends, and time to do his own thing.  He needs to know that he is safe to express his feelings and the challenges he is going through with school, home, with his sister, etc. 

My friend shared this idea that she implemented with her son - a parent/child journal.  I loved this idea, and I decided that I wanted to try it. 

 This is a journal where my son can write anything he wants; nothing is off the table.  He can write about his feelings, frustrations, pet peeves, and what is bothering him, and I will write him back.  It can be easier for him to ‘talk’ knowing that he won’t get in trouble for what he writes, and he can open up about what’s bothering him.  When he writes in it, he tucks it under his pillow, or puts it on my husband’s pillow or mine.  We will read it and respond; tucking it back under his pillow. 

We’ve been doing this for over a year now, and I have to tell you how great it feels knowing that he is comfortable opening up to us.  This doesn’t mean that he will always open up to us.  He’s still a pre-teen, and it certainly may change.  But for now, we have found an avenue that works, and we will stick to it until further notice!

Written by Paula Dibbits, RECE, Parent Support Educator