Journaling for Connection - Parent-Child: A Year of Connection
- Dr. Stephanie Lavoie and Dr. Michelle Fardella
- Mar 17
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 11
Journaling together is a meaningful way to strengthen your relationship, foster open conversations, and help your child develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence. This shared practice creates a safe space where thoughts, feelings, and experiences can be expressed freely, deepening your connection and building trust. Use this journal as a tool for both of you to communicate beyond daily routines, exploring emotions, challenges, and victories in a supportive and judgment-free way. Each week, take turns responding to a new prompt, reflecting on each other’s words, and engaging in thoughtful discussions that encourage understanding, empathy, and personal growth.
Scroll to the bottom for the FREE downloadable Journal Prompt Sheet!
Choosing the Right Journal
Journaling can take many forms, and the best type of journal is the one that feels natural and enjoyable for you and your child. Here are a few options to consider:
Traditional Notebook – A lined or unlined notebook can make journaling feel personal and hands-on. Let your child pick out a journal with a fun design or decorate a plain notebook together.
Digital Journal – If handwriting is a challenge or your child prefers typing, consider using a shared Google Doc or a journaling app where you can write back and forth.
Voice Journals – Some children express themselves better by speaking rather than writing. You can record voice memos for each other instead of (or in addition to) written responses.
Scrapbook or Art Journal – If your child enjoys drawing or expressing themselves visually, they can incorporate doodles, collages, or photos into their journal entries.
Accommodations for Different Needs: More Than Just Writing
Journaling should be accessible and enjoyable, so it’s important to adapt the process to fit your child’s strengths and challenges. If writing by hand is difficult, here are some ways to make journaling work:
Typing Instead of Writing – Using a keyboard or speech-to-text software can make journaling easier and reduce frustration.
Drawing or Using Stickers – Some kids prefer to express their thoughts through pictures, symbols, or stickers rather than words.
Bullet Point Entries – Instead of full sentences, your child can jot down key ideas in bullet points or short phrases.
Dictation – If your child has ideas but struggles with writing them down, they can dictate their response while you write or type for them.
Making Journaling Special
To keep the journaling habit exciting and meaningful, try adding some special touches:
Create a Ritual – Set a cozy journaling time each week with snacks, music, or a comfy spot to make it feel like quality time together.
Decorate the Journal – Use stickers, washi tape, or drawings to personalize your journal and make it feel unique.
Surprise Notes – Occasionally, leave little surprises in the journal, like a positive note, a fun doodle, or an encouraging quote.
Use Fun Writing Tools – Let your child choose colorful pens, gel pens, or highlighters to make writing more engaging.
Celebrate Milestones – Every few months, take time to reflect on past entries and celebrate growth, favourite memories, or important insights.
Parent - Child Journaling Prompts:
Week 1: Getting to Know Each Other
What is something you wish more people understood about you?
Week 2: Strengths & Growth
What is something you are really good at? How do you use this strength in everyday life?
Week 3: Emotion Regulation
How do you know when you’re starting to feel overwhelmed? What helps you calm down?
Week 4: Coping Strategies
What is one thing that helps you feel better when you’re having a tough day?
Week 5: Core Memories
What is a memory from childhood that makes you smile?
Week 6: Parent-Child Relationship
What is one thing I (your parent) do that makes you feel loved?
Week 7: Self-Compassion
What is something you would tell a friend who is struggling? How can you tell yourself the same thing?
Week 8: Body Image & Self-Worth
What is something you appreciate about your body that isn’t related to how it looks?
Week 9: Friendships
What qualities do you look for in a good friend?
Week 10: Romantic Relationships & Crushes
What do you think makes a healthy relationship?
Week 11: Puberty & Changes
What is something about growing up that feels exciting? What feels a little scary or uncertain?
Week 12: Confidence & Self-Esteem
What is something you have done recently that made you feel proud of yourself?
Week 13: Facing Challenges
What is a challenge you faced in the past that you handled well? What did you learn from it?
Week 14: Social Media & Technology
How does social media make you feel? What are the positive and negative aspects?
Week 15: Family Traditions
What is a family tradition or routine you love? Why does it feel special?
Week 16: Dreams & Goals
What is something you hope to do or accomplish in the future?
Week 17: Handling Disagreements
What helps you stay calm during a disagreement? What makes it harder?
Week 18: Asking for Help
Who are three people you feel comfortable turning to when you need help?
Week 19: Gratitude & Appreciation
What is something in your life you’re grateful for today?
Week 20: Boundaries
What does a healthy boundary look like in friendships or family relationships?
Week 21: Fun & Play
What is something that always makes you laugh?
Week 22: Managing Stress
What is one way you can take care of yourself when you feel stressed?
Week 23: Role Models
Who is someone you admire, and why?
Week 24: Making Mistakes
What is a mistake you made that helped you learn something important?
Week 25: Trust & Honesty
What does trust mean to you? How do people earn your trust?
Week 26: Celebrating Differences
What makes you unique? How do you feel about the things that make you different?
Week 27: Acts of Kindness
What is something kind you’ve done for someone recently?
Week 28: Difficult Emotions
What is an emotion that’s hard for you to express? How do you usually handle it?
Week 29: Self-Care
What is one thing you can do today to take care of yourself?
Week 30: Handling Peer Pressure
What would you do if a friend pressured you to do something you didn’t want to do?
Week 31: Family Support
What is one way our family can support each other better?
Week 32: Facing Fears
What is something that used to scare you but doesn’t anymore?
Week 33: Encouragement
What is something you wish someone would say to encourage you right now?
Week 34: Apologies & Forgiveness
What makes an apology feel genuine to you?
Week 35: Decision-Making
How do you make important decisions? What helps you feel confident in your choices?
Week 36: Handling Change
What is a big change you’ve experienced? How did you adjust?
Week 37: Standing Up for Yourself
Have you ever had to stand up for yourself or someone else? What was that like?
Week 38: Being Yourself
When do you feel most like yourself?
Week 39: Navigating Disappointment
How do you handle feeling disappointed? What helps you move forward?
Week 40: Letting Go of Perfection
What is something you’re learning to accept, even if it’s not perfect?
Week 41: Making Time for Fun
What is something fun we could do together this week?
Week 42: Dealing with Criticism
How do you handle constructive criticism? What helps you not take it personally?
Week 43: Taking Risks
What is something you’ve done that took courage?
Week 44: Family Bonding
What is one thing we do together that makes you feel connected to me?
Week 45: Trusting Your Instincts
Have you ever had a gut feeling about something? How did you know to trust it?
Week 46: Expressing Love & Affection
How do you like people to show love and care for you?
Week 47: Giving Back
What is one way you’d like to help others in your community?
Week 48: Finding Joy
What is something that brings you joy, no matter what?
Week 49: Looking Back
What is something you’ve learned this year that has helped you grow?
Week 50: Looking Ahead
What is something you’re looking forward to in the next year?
Week 51: Reflection & Connection
What is one thing you’ve enjoyed about journaling together?
Week 52: A Letter to Each Other
Write a letter to me (and I’ll write one to you) sharing something special about our journey together this year.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to journal—what matters is the connection and self-expression it fosters. As you go through this journey together, celebrate the moments of insight, laughter, and growth along the way.
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journaling prompts sheet!
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IMPORTANT: Information shared by WonderTree is not intended to replace or be constituted as clinical or medical care. It’s intended for educational purposes only. Each child is unique, and the information provided may not be applicable to your specific situation. If you need support, please establish care with a licensed provider so that they can provide tailored recommendations for you or your child. This blog is non-monetized.
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