One of the most important things you can teach a child is to be grateful. We created Happy Thoughts Journals for Kids as a tool to slow down, reflect and focus on the good. The journals are a place for me to write happy thoughts to my children and for my children to share happy thoughts too.
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WHAT YOU NEED FOR HAPPY THOUGHTS JOURNALS FOR KIDS
spiral drawing sketch pad-like this one
white construction paper
liquid watercolors
black permanent marker
markers
HOW TO MAKE THE HAPPY THOUGHTS JOURNALS FOR KIDS
Begin by gluing a piece of white construction paper
My kids were so excited about embarking on this new project! Before beginning we discussed that these journals would be used to share our happy thoughts of the day. I told them that I would also be writing in their journals from time to time and share what makes me happy when I think of them. They loved the idea that the journals would be filled with both of our thoughts. We started by decorating the covers of their happy thoughts journals with our favorite liquid watercolors
Once my kids decided they were finished we let the journal covers dry.
Once dry I kicked off the journals by writing a happy message to each of my children. Oh did they LOVE reading these messages. Huge smiles all around the table and such a wonderful way to focus on the good we embrace daily.
Once we took the time to read the messages my children took the time to reflect on their days and choose a happy moment to highlight in their journals. My 4 year old daughters drew the pictures and I wrote their words. My 6 year old son worked on this part independently. Love the look of concentration on Luca’s face! “I love how Quinny kissed me on the head.”
My next happy thought quickly came to me as I saw my daughter Charlotte climb up on the window ledge one day and flip through her Happy Thoughts Journal. Love this quiet moment of reflection.
The Happy Thoughts Journals for Kids would be perfect in a classroom or home setting. I love the idea of using the journals in the classroom and having teachers add messages, as well as send the journals home so parents/caregivers can add their happy thoughts too. Happiness is contagious. Be the good.
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What a beautiful idea! Great way to help child focus on positive things and learn to be grateful! I will make one of those for my son 🙂
Thank you so much Anik!
what a sweet project! The last picture of your daughter looking through her journal put a smile on my face, how precious! Going to try this with my 2!!
Thank you so much! Enjoy the experience!
I just came across your blog and am very much enjoying your posts! This is such a sweet idea. We recently started up a mother daughter journal (with my eight year old) and it quickly became her ‘vent’ journal for things that bothered her that day… not my intention but it was a good way for her to release some frustration. I much prefer the happy journal direction! 🙂
That is so wonderful that she has you and feels comfortable sharing. What a great gift to your daughter.