Setting Up a Journaling Routine for Kids

Once you have decided to have your kids write in a journal, you might want to consider 
a routine. The routine comes in handy because it gets your kids used to writing in their 
journal, just like brushing their teeth or doing their homework. But you don’t want it to 
feel like a mandatory chore, or they won’t really benefit from it.

Here are some simple ways to create a journaling routine that is kid-friendly.


Choosing the Best Time

Think about the perfect time during the day when you could have the routine. For kids, 
this will depend on their school, homework, and other obligations. This might be in the 
morning if your kids tend to have a little extra time before school, right after school when 
they get home, or maybe in the evening before dinner. You can have TV or computer 
time as a reward after they have done their daily journal practice.


Having a Dedicated Journaling Space

It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but simple a space at their desk in their bedroom or a 
corner of the kitchen table. Have the journaling materials readily available, like a journal 
or notebook and writing utensils. You can have some decorative items or music if you 
think it would help your kids concentrate and get more excited for journaling. When it is 
a space they recognize as their writing space, it makes it much easier to turn this into a 
routine.


Providing What Your Kids Need

Make sure your kids have everything they need for journaling, which can be simple and 
inexpensive. You don’t have to buy the most expensive leather-bound journal and 
hundreds of dollars worth of craft supplies. Start slow, with just any notebook you think 
your kids will want to write in, and something to write with. You can slowly start 
incorporating more writing materials and other supplies. 


Letting Them Change the Routine as Needed

Pay attention to when your kids are excited about journaling, and when they have 
trouble focusing. This can be an indication of when it might be time to make minor 
adjustments to their journaling routine. Maybe you notice one of your kids prefers writing 
in the morning, but their sibling focuses better after homework is done. It is okay to 
make the journaling routine individual and unique for each of your kids, just as unique 
as they are.



