Journaling and gratitude for kids

[Whereswallywonka]

Talking to my daughter (age 7) about school is like getting blood out of a stone! She’s had issues with kids in the past and I’m trying to get her to open up and talk about her feelings.

Someone suggested journaling and specifically gratitude check ins …. but not sure where to start?

If you do this, how do you facilitate it and what questions would you ask? She particularly likes drawing.

Hmmmm I think this is a bit much. She obviously doesn't want to communicate with you about this so forcing her to write it down is just going to feel like punishment.

Rather than giving her what will appear to her to be extra homework, I'd work on building a more open relationship with her. You might also find that some form of therapy would be helpful, so there's someone neutral to talk to.

Interesting view, I’m not going to force her to do anything, but being able to recognise and express your feelings is a life skill. I see that as an important part of parenting, but not sure how to go about supporting her in this. She enjoys writing & drawing and wants to keep a journal.

Our DD has a 'secret book' where she can write down anything that's bothering her and get it out of her system. I have cast my eye over it a couple of times, and it's just 'i hate mummy, won't let me play Roblox, fuck fuck fuck' and 'i hate school lunches' type stuff.

When she was much younger, she was scared if a witch living under her bed. So, she drew the witch, then we screwed up the paper and put her in the recycling bin - no more witch. Did the trick.

The secret book is working for her, as she can't say fuck to our faces! But big problems we talk about. Sometimes she tells us her favourite bear is sad and why, when it's obviously her.

Open conversation, having her back, giving examples of when something similar happened to you and how you handled it etc.

Good luck.

Thanks @elQuintoConyo I really like the idea of her having a secret book