I love journaling.  It is truly the heartbeat of everything I do creatively and has been my whole life.  Nearly every good idea I’ve ever had my whole life is scribbled down in a notebook somewhere.

Today I’d like to introduce you to the idea of Family Journaling.  Gather around the table with some paper or composition books, set a timer for 2-10 minutes (depending on the ages of your children), read a writing prompt (pick one from the list below!), and write until the timer stops.  When you are done, everyone go around the table and take turns reading what you wrote.  It is always fun to hear how a writing prompt will spark a different response in each participant.  Go another round or save the 7 prompts for a daily dose of Family Journaling Time.

A few more words:
Some children (and adults) will love this time.  Others may need some encouragement that there are no wrong answers.  Just have them try to keep their pencils moving and their thoughts traveling from the brain to the hand to the paper.

Please don’t worry about grammar or spelling.  This is about having and sharing ideas, and that is what should be celebrated.  Children should be allowed to share their ideas freely without worrying with these details.

Younger children can draw pictures while the timer is going, and then they can tell their responses while showing their pictures.

Hope you enjoy today’s idea for creative family fun!  See you tomorrow as we continue to make something everyday together.

These prompts were taken from a longer list included in my free downloadable booklet called Writing Down Life, A Guide to Becoming a Lifelong Journaler in 10 Minutes a Day. If you would like me to email you a copy, just submit your name and email below for an instant delivery to your inbox.  This will also subscribe you to my blog, so you won’t miss any ideas from the Creative Family Idea Box.