"Your secrets are safe with me
I will keep your secrets
Just think of me as the pages in your diary"

Diary by Alicia Keys

Hi Reader!

Writing is the hardest subject to teach, and very often children only write when they have to. How can they explore this art and beautiful self expression, if they are chained to the writing process and bibliographies?

That why you should start journaling as family.

The benefits of journaling together?

• 1) your child can practice writing in a pressure free environment
• 2) you'll get to know each other all over again.

Journaling with Tweens. I have a video about journaling with younger kiddos (let's say through 2nd grade). But journaling with the older kids can be more flexible.

• Try different prompts: Get a fun journal with tween appropriate prompts.
• Start Small: Journaling forever feels like a big commitment. I like the Happy Me Journals which focus on 12 weeks at a time. Age appropriate and allows you to se a goal to complete it together.
• Get Everyone Involved: Pick out the prompt after dinner on Monday, and then at Wednesday's dinner everyone can read their answers. This can switch up your normal family conversation and hold everyone accountable to sit down and write. I love this digital "pass it back journal" designed for a parent and child to complete together. You could also keep it simple with this question a day journal.​
• No Pressure: The purpose of this is to build a love of writing- not be a perfect writer. Tread lightly when it comes to spelling and grammar. I'd rather see a child get into the flow and write a paragraph than write 1 perfect sentence. Try out Wreck This Journal (great for reluctant writers!)
• Get Personal: There are so many journals with prompts designed to build confidence + self esteem, express gratitude, worship, and reflect. Start looking at your local book store to see which one your child connects with!

What's New?

🍎 Let's Pick a School: Will I see you at the next Kindergarten School Talk workshop?? Early Bird ending soon for the Weds 9/24 and Mon 9/29 sessions. Get your discounted ticket here.​

🇳🇱 Nap Trapped: I recently returned from a trip the The Netherlands to visit my best friend. She went to high school in the US. She has a baby this summer, so I went over for a week to meet her and help out. It was really special to join my best friend in the newborn bubble. It was a very special trip, and I'm so glad I went.

Things I Love

Certified Classic: I've bee rereading the book Holes by Louis Sachar with one of my tutoring buddies. I have to say this book is still SO GOOD. I've been looking forward to our sessions together each week. I think others agree too because it's completely checked out my library.

👖 Perfect Fall Jeans!: I gave in and tried the super baggy jeans in style right now. After buying and returning a lot...of course I ended up with Good American's jeans! I wore them in May, and as soon as the temps dropped here in CLT I rushed to put them back on. Grab a belt and order your normal size because they are biiiiiig. Lucky you you can get this light washed pair for 50% off and the medium wash I own for 30% off.​

📺 Great Show: I've been watching the Later Daters on Netflix. I would call it relaxing, lightweight reality tv. It's like The Golden Bachelor if it was filmed as a realistic documentary. Have you watched it?

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Have a great week!