Thoughts on Journal Buddies by Jill Schoenberg
What I like about you?! The most important job as a parent is to give your child a feeling of self worth. Kids need to know they’re worth the trouble and that parents don’t expect everything to go right all of the time.
Kids pick up on that when you spend time with them. Engaging in activities together is a sure fire way to bond and get an insight into each others life.
Journaling is a great way to chronicle events, share thoughts and reflect on life BUT… it’s often easier said then done. When I was a little girl, I often started journals left and right. Writing the first thing that came to mind. My inspiration was Laura Ingalls Wilder’s remembrance books, remember that? I was convinced someone, someday would base a television show on them… I wrote feverishly for a few days and then would toss the journal in the corner until the next attempt.
Looking at all those blank pages got overwhelming, I would run out of things to write. Focusing on the day’s events I didn’t take the chance to weave in other activities. For me, journaling was all about putting the pen to the paper so I didn’t incorporate any other type of expression.
Journal Buddies brings home the point that to be successful, most kids will need to bring in other forms of expression… poetry, sketches, drawings, stickers, stamps, printing out things from the web, etc… and guess what!? there’s nothing wrong with that.
There’s no reason to limit kids’ expression and effort. Collages from newspaper clipping are wonderful living history moments. But the best part about Journal Buddies is the encouragement Jill Schoenberg gives to buddy up! Kids can buddy up with a parent, sibling, teacher or anyone else willing to answer and participate.
Primarily targeted to kids 8 – 12 years old, there are Journal Buddies for Girls and Boys. You can start any day of the week. There are 30 numbered entries in the journal, each day there’ll be a short Q & A then there are two blank pages and one lined page. The book also comes with an embellishment kit to decorate those pages. It’s a lot of fun, filled with positive affirmations which will build your kid’s self esteem.
I almost forgot to mention that the book came personally signed by the author herself… very nice touch! There’s something concrete about writing things down, makes it more important I think. If it’s written it can’t be taken away, seems permanent. What a great gift for Valentine’s Day or any other occassion for the little one in your life. Let me know your thoughts on Journal Buddies. Happy writing!
The journal buddies books are fun, interactive journals intended to help adults (parents, teachers, mentors…) build and strengthen a child’s self-esteem.
Thanks to the FRN on the chance to review this journal.
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