What do we all think about the idea of creating journals for our toddlers and preschool-aged children or grandchildren?From the AARP article "Start a Tradition With Your Grandchildren",
The Write Impression: Dahlia Duran, Oak Brook, Ill., one grandchild
I started a journal for my four-year-old grandson even though he can't write yet. When I sleep over, I ask him what he would like to remember about his day when he grows up, such as events that took place at his preschool. I write down his answer and he draws a picture on the following page. He loves it! I thought this was a good way to get him to tell me about his day, and when he's older and learns to write, he can take over the journal.
My dear sweet Mother emailed that blurb to me the other day (thanks, Mom!) and I had one of those a-ha moments one experiences in the face of a simple but brilliant idea.
As part of our nighttime routine with Joseph, while I am nursing and rocking and reading to Lily, Dennis reads to him and plays with him for a bit. Then it's my turn to read to Joe and and attempt to cuddle him while he pushes me away and climbs on my back and tries to "ride" me. That would be a perfect time to ask him about the day. I would put his words on one page, and let him draw on the right side of the page, then read to him. If he ended up getting too wound-up by this activity, I would move it to the time after lunch, just before nap time. Then, when he is older, I could ask the questions and he could fill in the answers himself. Eventually, hopefully, he would want to do it on his own, and learn to take refuge in his journal, to share his joys, or unburden himself, whichever the day should call for.
I don't think it matters if we use expensive journals or reasonably priced notepads. I just think it matters that we do it. What a wonderful gift to give our children. The gift of self-expression. And I know for certain that they would cherish these journals in their later years, as would their children and grandchildren. Perhaps it will even become a family tradition.
We will start today. :)
A colleague has started her own journal too for her children. It's an enterprising venture and a surely heartwarming gift to them when they're old enough to take over.
ReplyDeletePublishing it later as a book would be a great memorabilia for the family.
There were so many times I wish I kept a journal as a child. Megan keeps one, but she's the organized, structured one. This does sound like a great way to preserve memories for you and your children. I can't imagine a greater gift than that of the moments spent with your family. And now your kids will get to know how much they meant to them, too. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how much we forget, isn't it Anne? I wish I had a childhood journal to refer to during those periods in my life when I lost myself. Who we are as children, when unsullied by bad decisions we make as young adults, is who we should strive to come back to, a touch point of sorts for our souls.
ReplyDeleteOoh, that's a great suggestion! Can you imagine having your grandmother's childhood journal?
ReplyDeleteEven if we did this once a week, or once a month, or once a year - it would still mean so much!
That sounds like a great idea. I've kept several things from my children's childhood.
ReplyDeleteGood! Now you have to try to remember where they are. I always put special things in a super special place so I won't lose them, then never find them again. Best to go with where your first instinct leads you because that is the instinct you will use when trying to find them.
ReplyDeleteBut I digress (severely...)
I have journals that each of my children wrote and drew in daily as young children. One word: PRICELESS.
ReplyDeleteFANTASTIC tradition Heather. It qualifies as a "roots" part of giving your children "Roots and Wings".
I also made a scrapbook out of all the funny little cards/pictures/and notes they made me, or left on my pillow, over the years (Very simple, just a binder with page protectors. Whenever I got one, I just slipped it into the next page). I call it my "Hugs and Kisses" album. It never fails to make me remember each of their little "stages" and personalities.
And even though none of them has felt a need to continue keeping a journal - they still journal somewhat between Facebook and e-mail and texting to family/friends. I noticed when those things are saved over time and put in order, they too can capture the emotions and feelings of a moment.
Aside from journal you can make your own scrap book for your children. You can put picture of first haircut, or memorable items from your bonding moments. Gina's right this moment is priceless.
ReplyDeleteFirstly , I LOVE this theme's lay-out and your header w logo.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I LOVE this theme's lay-out and your awesome pro-looking header.
I have saved all Kelly's drawings and school work, making a scrapbook would be great. And she does have a couple journals. Remember to mark down the DATES of entries, as time slips away and you forget the exact age thingss were drawn and written.
smoochies!
xo
What a great way to start your children of on a world of recording their daily happenings. It is educational and later may provide an avenue to vent their feelings thereby making for happier adults.
ReplyDeleteToo bad for me I only started it a couple of years back when I took up blogging. Who knows, one day they may become Probloggers in their own right.
.-= Sire´s last blog ..The Myth That DoFollow Leaches Your PR =-.
Gina, dagnabit, I'm going to keep on you until you write a book. You should have a blog, it would most certainly lead to a book deal. You've got such a unique and experienced perspective on parenting. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd started printing out pictures of the kids from the get-go. I take a ton pretty much on a daily basis. Now the task has shifted from daunting to monumental. Maybe if I start right now, then I can go back and pick up the ones I missed at a later date, instead of trying to go back and start from the beginning.
I really have to get going on that, Jhong! I've been saving everything, but not putting it in order. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing links to your family moments, love Sam's first haircut. Too cute!
Thank you and thank you, Jannie!
ReplyDeleteGood for you. You take such wonderful photos of Kelly. Love the series when her poor arm was in a cast. And you are so right about writing down dates. We should get in the habit of dating everything from our kids' stuff to our own little doodles and written thoughts.
Hey, better late than never!
ReplyDeleteAnd coming over from Blogger, and re-categorizing my posts has given me new incentive to keep doing the silly family posts. So much of that stuff I would have forgotten about. As it is, I can print these things out and add them to their scrapbooks.
Family posts aren't silly at all Heather, and you are way too organized for me.
ReplyDelete.-= Sire´s last blog ..Search Engines Both New And Old, And How They Affect You =-.