How to start a parent–child journal (and actually keep it going)
Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had with my daughter didn’t happen at the dinner table or in the car on the way to school. They happened in the quiet space between pen and paper — in a notebook we passed back and forth, like a secret.
When we first started, I wasn’t sure if it would stick. Life with kids is busy. There are already school notes, birthday invitations, sports schedules. Did we really need another “thing” to remember? But here’s the magic I discovered... when you make journalling easy, fun and pressure-free, it becomes something you both look forward to, not another chore.
So if you’re curious to try it, here’s how to make it work (and keep it going).
1. Start simple
You don’t need a perfect setup. A dedicated journal (like our Pass-Back Journal) makes it special, but even a $2 notebook works at the beginning. The important thing is to have one place where your shared writing lives.
2. Choose your “pass-back” moment
Find a natural rhythm in your week. For us, it started as a Sunday afternoon thing, then a before-bed ritual and finally shifted to “whenever one of us had something to say”. Some families like a set schedule — others love the surprise of finding the journal left on their pillow. I can't tell you the joy I would feel to wake up in the morning and find the notebook placed on my bedside table, ready for me to dive in.
3. Keep prompts playful and open
Not every entry has to be deep and meaningful. In fact, some of our favourites were silly: “Draw the most ridiculous animal you can think of” (highly recommend for ages 6 - 8!). The lightness invites honesty when bigger topics pop up. And sometimes a wholesome belly laugh is something we both need.
4. Respond with curiosity
When your child writes something, resist the urge to “correct” or over-analyse (and if you're like me - resist the urge to fix spelling and grammar!). Ask follow-up questions in writing. Show them their voice matters by letting their words lead the conversation.
5. Celebrate the small wins
The real success isn’t filling the journal, it’s the grin when they see you’ve written back. It’s the unexpected detail they share because the page feels safe.
Why it works
Psychologists often talk about “low-pressure connection points” — moments when kids can express themselves without the intensity of face-to-face conversations. A journal creates exactly that. My lifelong best friend, a child psychologist (hi Annie!), says she’s seen children share feelings in writing that they couldn’t yet articulate aloud. Giving kids that voice strengthens trust.
Final thought
A parent–child journal isn’t about perfect sentences or neat handwriting. It’s about the invisible thread it weaves between you. Over time, you’re not just keeping a journal — you’re keeping each other close.
So grab a pen, start small, and pass it on.
