My brother-in-law and sister-in-law started a Let's Chat Journal recently with my two nephews who are four and five years old respectively. My nephews wrote down what they wanted to share with their parents who would then respond.
Benefits
I think there are benefits to this. It encourages bonding between the parents and the child. You could use this as an opportunity to share feelings and build dialogue between you and your child. You can write in the journal when your child is sleeping and your child can also respond to you at his or her convenience. As parents, we may have to go overseas at times due to work commitment. During the week, there may be exciting, happy or sad moments that your child would like to share with you. You could then read more about these moments when you return home.
Moreover, it also encourages the child to express his thoughts, feelings and opinions in writing. It's a non-threatening way for the child to engage in writing. The teacher will not be using his or her red pen to put crosses in the journal.
What to write about in the Let's Chat Journal
You can write about anything that you want in the journal. Rule of thumb: Keep the tone positive. Do not scold your child or give your child instructions via the journal.
Spending Quality Time and Communication are Important
One of my friends pointed out that spending time together and face-to-face communication are still the best ways for family bonding. She is absolutely right. We are not encouraging parents to use the Let's Chat Journal as a substitute for spending quality time together. It is just a good tool to encourage the kids to pen down some of their inner thoughts and feelings when we are not around at home to listen to them. It is also a good tool to let them express themselves in writing.
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