Date:tonightParents
Today's questionTip #1
Your child won't open their journal? Stop asking
Take tonight's question for yourself. Read it out loud and answer it in front of them. When they see you play along, kids often want to answer too.
For My Confidence Journal (ages 6-12) and My Dreams Journal (ages 13-17).
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“I'd love to answer this one. What would you say?”
- 1I read today's question out loud.
- 2I answer it in front of them, in a few words.
- 3I ask: “What would you say?”
What one mom told us
Three nights of watching her, and her 16-year-old joined in
I gave one to each of my sons, ages 14 and 16, and one to myself too!! My belief: if I don't say it's made especially for teens, and they see an adult getting into it, they'll be more on board. I really love taking this daily moment for myself. The younger one was hooked right away. The older one waited to see us do it three nights in a row before he really got interested! Now it lives under his pillow.
For both journals
What their journal already says (and they may have skipped)
The first pages of the journal explain how to use it. Here's what they say, and how you can use them together.
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On the nightstand, in plain sightMy Confidence Journal and My Dreams Journal, page 7 01Keep it where they'll see it
On their nightstand or desk, not in a drawer or a backpack. It's the first tip on the “How to use your Journal” page.
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My Dreams Journal, pages 7 and 9 02A few words are enough
There's no grade and no length to reach. The journal says it too: “Don't worry too much about writing perfectly.”
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My Confidence Journal, page 7 03A missed night is no big deal
No need to catch up on missed pages. They just pick up where they left off.
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My Confidence Journal, page 10 · My Dreams Journal, page 11 04Pick the weekly reward together
The journal plans one at the end of every week: some playtime, a special snack, a movie with your family. Choose it with them on the very first night.
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My Confidence Journal, page 9 · My Dreams Journal, page 13 05Watch the movie on the page, then answer together
Some pages recommend a movie, like Paddington or Harry Potter. Watch it as a family, then answer today's question.
Ages 6-12 or 13-17
Depending on their age, start with the easiest page
Circle their mood, no writing needed
Every evening starts with five faces, from “very happy” to “angry.” They circle one, and the page is started.
My Confidence Journal, page 5Questions you answer too
When a question has the “Grown-up” sign, they ask for your answer. Answer it, then compare your answers.
My Confidence Journal, page 9A certificate at the end of each theme
There are 6 certificates in the journal, one at the end of each theme. Show them the first one right away.
My Confidence Journal, page 11Start with “About Me”
The first pages ask for their nickname, their height, their star sign, their dream job. No hard questions to get started.
My Dreams Journal, pages 4 and 5Fill in their lists
The “My Books” and “My movies” pages are lists to fill in. It's an easy way to open the journal.
My Dreams Journal, pages 15 and 16Promise not to read it
Tell them you won't open it without their permission. The journal says it too: it “isn't a test or a homework assignment.”
My Dreams Journal, pages 6 and 7Between parents
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Need ideas?- When in the day they open it
- What you did or said on the first night
- The reward that got them going
Journal still closed? Write to us
Tell us how it's going at home. We'll reply with an idea that fits your child.
support@mybookstory.co