Engaging kids in meaningful conversation can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. While adults might find solace in sharing with friends over a refreshing walk, children communicate differently. Instead of getting the standard “Good” in response to “How was school?”, introducing them to journaling can be transformative. Writing prompts for kids, especially thought-provoking journal prompts for kids, pave the way for them to delve deep and articulate their feelings and experiences.
“Journaling is a powerful way for everyone, including children and teens, to process emotions,” explains Jennifer Lytle, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Central Texas. “The power of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keypad) is aligned with how therapy can help individuals, as expressing emotions, putting thought into writing and fleshing out ideas allow the body and mind to process experiences in a way that simply thinking about them does not.”
” … putting thought into writing and fleshing out ideas allow the body and mind to process experiences in a way that simply thinking about them does not.”
— Jennifer Lytle, licensed marriage and family therapist
Of course, like the open-ended “how was your day?” question that nearly always results in a one-word answer, a blank page can be cause for kids to clam up. One solution, however, is to provide journal prompts, which can help get them writing.
Here, experts share why journal prompts are key for children and teens and offer a (big!) list of journal writing prompts for kids. Write on.
Benefits of journaling for kids
The benefits of journaling for kids are massive, says Alexandria Lanza, a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey, who notes journal writing supports the following:
- Emotional expression.
- Self-reflection.
- Communication skills.
- Creativity.
- Stress relief.
- Goal setting.
- Memory.
Christina Geiselhart, a licensed clinical social worker with Thriveworks, adds that while “any form of self-expression is helpful for children, journaling can help them organize their thoughts and process experiences.”
It can also show kids, who often feel like they have no control, “all the aspects of their life they can take control of,” she adds.
“[While] any form of self-expression is helpful for children, journaling can help them organize their thoughts and process experiences.”
— Christina Geiselhart, licensed clinical social worker
How do journal prompts help kids?
Similar to an icebreaker, a journal prompt gets the ball rolling. “A prompt can help kids overcome writer’s block, expand their creativity, focus their writing, provide direction and enhance their engagement,” Lanza says. “They also encourage children to tap into their emotions and thoughts while fostering their writing skills.” Win-win!
When giving kids a journal prompt, though, Geiselhart says to be sure to emphasize the fact that “this type of writing is not formal like a school assignment.”
“A prompt can help kids overcome writer’s block, expand their creativity, focus their writing, provide direction and enhance their engagement.”
— Alexandria Lanza, licensed professional counselor
“For journaling to be effective for kids, they should be encouraged to make it their own,” she says. “Proper grammar should not be required, nor complete sentences.”
Complete list of journal prompts for kids
Whether you fill a notebook with prompts or give kids a new idea every few days, based on what you think would resonate most, here are several journal prompts for kids (broken down by subject) from Geiselhart, Lanza, Lytle and Laurie Hollman, a licensed clinical social worker certified in infant-parent psychotherapy.
Imaginative and creative journal prompts for kids
1. Describe and/or draw a picture of your happy place. Think about your five senses. What does this place smell like, sound like? What do you see or feel? Is there anything you taste in this happy place?
2. What do you hope your life will look like in five years? What will you be doing? Who will you be spending time with? What exciting adventures might you go on?
3. If you created a movie, what would it be about? Who would act in the movie? Where would it take place? Describe in detail and let your imagination run wild.
4. Describe your perfect birthday cake and draw a picture. Why is this the perfect cake for you? Have you ever had a cake like this before? When you think about eating this cake, what would it taste like? How would having this cake for your birthday make you feel?
5. Imagine an exciting adventure. Where are you going? Who are you going with?
6. Name a character in a book or movie or video game you would like to be. Why?
7. Write about a daydream you had today that you barely remember.
8. If you could design the best present you could get today, what would it be?
Journal prompts for kids’ mental health
9. Make a list of songs that help you feel in a good mood. Think of funny songs, high-energy dance songs, songs that bring back fun memories. List them all out and then create a playlist with these songs and use it when you are feeling down.
10. Self-care is important. Think of your five senses (touch, sight, smell, sound, taste) and list what you can do for self-care in each of these categories.
11. Draw circles on your page. They can be in different colors and sizes. These are thought bubbles. Now fill in thoughts or words that help you feel calm and relaxed.
12. Write about a time when you felt lonely. What or how would you have changed?
13. Name three things that make you feel safe at school.
14. Name three things that make you feel safe at home.
15. Name three things that make you feel safe in your community.
16. Anger is often energy that is building up inside of you. This is normal, but what you do with the energy is important. What are some ways you manage your anger? How do you use this extra energy for something positive?
17. Write about a time when you felt afraid. Can you write a new ending?
18. Is there a time when worry was bigger than you? What happened? What do you wish happened? Write about it or draw a picture.
19. If anger were a color, what color would it be? What would it smell like? If it were an animal, what animal would it be? Why?
20. Trying new things can be exciting or scary. What are some new things you would want to try? Mark down if they make you excited or scared when you think about them. If they make you scared, list ways you could help yourself not feel as scared.
Prompts for self-exploration
21. What is one thing you felt proud of today? Why did it make you proud?
22. Name three people in your life you see as influential. Why are they influential for you?
23. What are three jobs you would be interested in when you grow up? Why are these jobs interesting to you?
24. What are three jobs you would not want to do as an adult? Why would you not want to do them?
25. Make a list of things you’re grateful for.
26. Write about a moment of happiness in your life.
27. Have a conversation with yourself about your views or opinions on something that interests or confuses you.
28. What are three qualities that make a good friend? Do you see these qualities in your friends? Do you see the qualities in yourself?
29. Describe a time when you felt sad.
30. Think about traveling the world. What places would you want to visit? What would you do there? What would you eat? Why do these places interest you? How are they different or similar to where you live now?
31. Draw a picture of what worry might look like and label its parts.
32. Compose a letter to someone you love. Tell them why you love them.
33. Share the story of you. What is important to know about you? What are your favorite things about you?
Journal prompts from observation
34. Name your favorite carnival or amusement park ride. Why is it your favorite? Describe how you feel when you ride it.
35. How would you describe your bedroom/ living space? Does it or does it not represent you? What would you change?
36. When was the last time you were being silly? What were you doing and who were you with? Remember this when you feel sad or overwhelmed. Being silly can change your mood quickly.
37. Do you or did you have a pet that brought you joy? Can you describe this pet and draw a picture of the pet? What was it about this pet that you remember so fondly?
“Prompts like these are self-reflective, increasing a child’s way of getting to know their insides, their beliefs, their views, their confusions, their goals, their hopes and their loves,” says Hollman. “It expands not only their imagination, critical thinking skills and nuanced thinking but also increases their capacity to wish and hope and dream.”
