In our family the children are not old enough to write, but we have already begun our family journal. It has become one of our favourite reads. The children really enjoy referring back on the ideas and lessons we have written or drawn between the covers.

Creating a family journal or scrapbook is very easy and can become very precious as family members look back over time and remember the special family moments shared.

Not all of your family recordings need to be of the victories you have enjoyed. You may also like to record disappointments as a way of establishing a family history. Scrapbooks or journals can be useful in helping to teach children the importance of recording experience and memory.

TIPS FOR STARTING YOUR OWN FAMILY JOURNAL

• Choose a book your entire family can write in. We use a book with alternate lined and unlined pages so the toddlers can draw their stories.
• Date all entries so you can see the progress your family makes week by week and year by year.
• Try to set aside a regular time, at least once a week, to record what is happening in your life.
• Encourage honesty from all members of the family and allow the children to express themselves in a way they feel comfortable. If they choose to draw as opposed to write, allow them this freedom. 
• Consider using plane tickets and postcards from places you have visited, or locks of hair from first haircuts and funny stories about little incidents that happen day to day.
• Journaling is not a time to teach spelling or correct grammar. Let your children write their own stories their way. You can always add a translation at the bottom!

Article by Rachel Goodchild

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