Top 10 benefits of journaling for children!

At Maped Helix, we are big advocates for journaling and the wonderful way it teaches both our children and us as adults the importance of regularly practicing mindfulness. There’s no denying the many physical and emotional benefits to journaling – implementing this routine from a young age can have life-long, positive impacts. Here is a list of some of the amazing benefits you could be opening your children up to by encouraging them to start journaling:

 

 

1. Encourages Versatility

 

There’s no one ‘perfect’ way to journal and the world of journaling very much encourages people to explore their own favourite way to get creative. Some people may prefer prompts, colour-focused expression and/or completely free reign journaling styles but most importantly, each is celebrated. This will encourage your children to pick the journal genre that is right for them and embrace this wholeheartedly.

 

 

2. A creative outlet

 

There’s nothing better than arts, crafts and writing to completely allow your children the space to let their imaginations run wild. By implementing our “no rules” tip in our how to introduce them to journaling blog, you can create a place that allows them to completely explore their feelings, favourite things and act as a physical outlet for all of their ideas.

 

 

3. Improves their writing skills

 

Journaling can also be such a great and subtle way of getting them to practice their handwriting skills they learn at school without it feeling like a task or homework. It will allow them to see handwriting in a completely different light and actually as something they can enjoy and get creative with.

 

 

4. Makes them better communicators

 

By encouraging daily mindfulness through journaling, we are also in turn teaching them how to be more in tune with their emotions. This can be an incredible lesson as they become more emotionally-open people and find it easier to communicate with friends, family and even their teachers.

 

 

5. Reduces screen time and increases quiet reflection

 

Introducing this new activity will indirectly reduce their screentime dramatically. They will slowly choose this special time in favour of time in front of the television or mobile device. This could greatly improve their phonics development outside of the classroom.

 

 

6. Improves their confidence

 

The improvement to their confidence won’t just apply to them physically, but also in terms of their thoughts, ideas and talents. By allowing them the space to enjoy being themselves, exploring their feelings, and appreciating what they are good at/enjoy, you will definitely see much more healthy, self-confident children.

 

 

7. Celebrates uniqueness

 

Journaling can have the ability to create a wonderfully safe space for children to express their uniqueness and feel empowered by it. This continuation of openly expressing themselves will in time, be sure to translate into their everyday lives. They will feel confident to always be true to themselves as they approach teenage years and adulthood.

 

 

8. Encourages character growth

 

During childhood and teenage years, it can almost feel daunting to express a different interest or to go against the grain of friends and classmates. The lack of rigid structure or rules in journaling helps children to safely explore their own likes and dislikes and give them the skills to be confident in their own opinions and feelings.

 

 

9. Create stronger school-learners

 

Not only is journaling a great source of self-growth and mindfulness, but it is also a great way of strengthening their classroom learnings. Whilst journaling, they’re also subconsciously practicing their reading, comprehension and creativity skills which will all be extremely beneficial to their classes at school.

 

 

10. Overall better mental and physical health

 

Right through to adulthood, journaling has always been used as a mindful activity and a great way of reducing stress levels, encouraging a healthier immune system and boosting their self-esteem.

 

 

There really is no downside to incorporating more journaling into their day to day routine and encouraging them to explore the amazing benefits of expressing their emotions in a creative way. This could uncover amazing talents and skills whilst also becoming a safe place for them to express themselves in a healthy and mindful way.