Getting children to open up is harder than it sounds. Whilst venting to friends during a brisk walk may sound like a no-brainer — and the ultimate therapy — to you, kids aren’t so cut and dried. Remember what happens when you ask a child: “How was school?”! A good way to get kids talking, so to speak, is journal writing.
Journalling is a powerful way for everyone, including children and teens, to process emotions. The power of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) is akin to how therapy can help individuals, because expressing emotions, putting thoughts into words and fleshing out ideas allow the body and mind to process experiences in a way that simply thinking about them does not.
Of course, like the open-ended question, “How was your day?”, which nearly always results in a single-word answer, a blank page can cause kids to clam up. One solution, however, is to provide journal prompts for kids, which can help get them writing.
Here, experts share why journal prompts are key for children and teens, and they offer a (huge!) list of journal entry starters for kids. Write away!
Benefits of journalling for kids
The benefits of journalling for kids are massive. It’s well known that journal writing helps in many areas:
- emotional expression.
- self-reflection.
- communication skills.
- creativity.
- stress relief.
- goal setting.
- memory.
Of course, any form of self-expression is helpful for children, but journalling can help them organise their thoughts and process their experiences.
It can also show children, who often feel like they have no control, all the aspects of their life that they can take control of.
How do journal prompts help?
Similar to an icebreaker, a writing prompt gets the ball rolling. It’s been shown that a prompt can help kids overcome writer’s block, expand their creativity, focus their writing, provide direction and enhance their engagement. They also encourage children to tap into their emotions and thoughts whilst fostering writing skills. Win‑win!
When giving kids a journal prompt, though, it’s important to emphasise the fact that this type of writing is not formal like a school assignment. For journalling to be effective, kids should be encouraged to make it their own. Proper grammar should not be required, nor complete sentences.
Journal prompts for kids
Whether you fill a notebook with prompts or give children a new idea every few days, based on what you think would resonate most, here are several journal prompts for kids (broken down by subject).
Imaginative and creative journal ideas for kids
1. Describe and/or draw a picture of your “happy place”. Think about your five senses. What does this place smell and sound like? What do you see or feel? Is there anything you taste in this happy place?
2. What do you hope your life will look like in five years? What will you be doing? Who will you be spending time with? What exciting adventures might you go on?
3. If you made a film, what would it be about? Who would act in the film? Where would it take place? Describe it in detail and let your imagination run wild.
4. Describe your perfect birthday cake and draw a picture. Why is this the perfect cake for you? Have you ever had a cake like this before? Imagine eating this cake: What does it taste like? How would having this cake for your birthday make you feel?
5. Imagine an exciting adventure: Where are you going? Who are you going with?
6. Name a character in a book, film or video game you would like to be. Why?
7. Write about a daydream you had today that you barely remember.
8. If you could design the best present you could get today, what would it be?
Journal prompts for kids’ mental health
9. Make a list of songs that help put you in a good mood. Think about funny songs, energetic dance songs or songs that bring back fun memories. Write them all down and then create a playlist with these songs and use it when you are feeling down.
10. Self-care is important. Think of your five senses (touch, sight, smell, sound and taste) and list what you can do for self-care in each of these categories.
11. Draw circles on your page — they can be in different colours and sizes. These are thought bubbles. Now fill them in with thoughts or words that help you feel calm and relaxed.
12. Write about a time when you felt lonely. What would you have changed? How?
13. Name three things that make you feel safe at school.
14. Name three things that make you feel safe at home.
15. Name three things that make you feel safe in your community.
16. Anger is often energy that is building up inside of you. This is normal, but what you do with the energy is important. What are some ways you manage your anger? How do you use this extra energy for something positive?
17. Write about a time when you felt afraid. Can you write a new ending?
18. Is there a time when worry was bigger than you? What happened? What do you wish had happened? Write about it or draw a picture.
19. If anger were a colour, what colour would it be? What would it smell like? If it were an animal, what animal would it be? Why?
20. Trying new things can be exciting or scary. What are some new things you would want to try? Mark down whether they make you excited or scared when you think about them. If they make you scared, list ways you could help yourself not feel as scared.
Prompts for self-exploration
21. What is one thing you felt proud of today? Why did it make you proud?
22. Name three people in your life you see as influential. Why are they influential for you?
23. What are three jobs you would be interested in when you grow up? Why are these jobs interesting to you?
24. What are three jobs you would not want to do as an adult? Why would you not want to do them?
25. Make a list of things you’re grateful for.
26. Write about a moment of happiness in your life.
27. Have a conversation with yourself about your views or opinions on something that interests or confuses you.
28. What are three qualities that make a good friend? Do you see these qualities in your friends? Do you see the qualities in yourself?
29. Describe a time when you felt sad.
30. Think about travelling the world. What places would you want to visit? What would you do there? What would you eat? Why do these places interest you? How are they different or similar to where you live now?
31. Draw a picture of what worry might look like and label its parts.
32. Compose a letter to someone you love. Tell them why you love them.
33. Share your story. What should someone know about you? What are your favourite things about you?
Journal prompts from observation
34. Name your favourite carnival or amusement park ride. Why is it your favourite? Describe how you feel when you ride it.
35. How would you describe your bedroom/living space? Does it represent you or not? What would you change?
36. When was the last time you were silly? What were you doing and who were you with? Remember this when you feel sad or overwhelmed. Being silly can change your mood quickly.
37. Do you have or have you ever had a pet that brought you joy? Can you describe your pet and draw a picture of him/her? What was it about this pet that you remember so fondly?
Prompts like these are self-reflective, increasing a child’s way of getting to know their beliefs, views, confusions, goals, hopes and loves. It not only expands their imagination, critical thinking skills and nuanced thinking, but also increases their capacity to wish, hope and dream.