Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everyone and
welcome back for another deep
dive.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Excited to be here.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Today we're diving
into something that I think a
lot of parents and educators outthere will appreciate.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Oh yeah, this is a
good one.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
We're talking about
journal prompts for kids and
specifically we've got thisawesome blog post from
Lestallion.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
They make journals
right.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
Yeah, they make
journals and they've put
together like 50 of theseprompts.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
That's a lot.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
I know it's a lot
Right, but they're all about
getting kids to, like you know,express themselves and be
creative and all that good stuffcan be tough.
It can be tough, right, becausesometimes kids just need a
little nudge to get started.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
A little inspiration.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
And that's where
these prompts come in.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
So what I find really
interesting about this list
from Westallian is that it's notjust like random ideas.
They've actually grouped theminto these categories.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Oh, that's cool.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Yeah, it's like
they've really thought about
different aspects of a child'sdevelopment.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Like what kind of
categories are we talking about?
Speaker 2 (00:54):
Well, some are just
pure fun, like you know, to
spark their imagination.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Okay, give me an
example.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Okay, so one prompt
is imagine you could fly
anywhere in the world for a day.
Where would you go and whatamazing things would you do
there?
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Oh, that's a good one
.
I can already picture kids likecoming up with all sorts of
crazy adventures.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Exactly, and that's
the whole point.
It's about getting them tothink outside the box.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
And to really use
their imagination.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Yeah, like it's not
just a writing exercise.
It's about tapping into theirsense of wonder and possibility.
I like that and it encouragesthem to, you know, think beyond
their immediate surroundings.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
Right, like the world
becomes their oyster.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
But what about the
kid who's like I don't know, I
just fly to Disneyland?
Like how do you get them tothink a little deeper?
Speaker 2 (01:39):
That's where the
adult comes in, right.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
You can gently guide
them.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
You could ask them
like okay, disneyland, but what
would you do there?
That's special.
What would you see first?
Who would you meet?
Speaker 1 (01:50):
It's like you're
helping them build out the story
.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Exactly You're
scaffolding their imagination.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
Okay, so we've got
these imaginative prompts, but
Lestallion doesn't just stick toflights of fancy.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Right, nope, they
cover a lot of ground.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Like what else?
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Well, they have some
prompts about feelings and
friendships, which I think isreally important.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
For sure,
relationships are huge.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Right, and one prompt
is think of a friend who makes
you laugh the most.
What do you love about spendingtime with them?
Speaker 1 (02:17):
Oh, that's sweet.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
It is, and you know.
Building strong relationshipsis crucial for kids, but this
prompt gets them thinking aboutthose positive connections in a
concrete way.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
It's like making them
aware of the good stuff.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Exactly, and it helps
them appreciate those
relationships even more.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
This is reminding me
of all that research about
emotional intelligence.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
It's not just about
being nice.
It's about understanding yourown feelings.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
And how to navigate
social situations.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
Absolutely, and
studies have shown that children
who can identify and articulatetheir feelings tend to have
better social skills later inlife.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Hmm, that makes sense
.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
And these prompts,
even seemingly simple ones, can
be early training for that kindof emotional literacy.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
It's a really good
point.
I'm starting to see how muchthought went into these prompts.
They're not just random ideas.
They're actually targetingspecific developmental skills.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
Exactly, and the
beauty is it's all disguised as
fun.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Right.
Kids are naturally drawn tostories and imagination and
self-expression.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
And these prompts tap
into that innate desire, while
subtly fostering important lifeskills.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
So we've talked about
flying around the world and
thinking about friends.
What other kinds of prompts didthe Stallion come up with?
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Well, they also have
some that focus on personal
growth and self-discovery.
Oh, interesting, like what Forexample, write about a time when
you felt really proud ofyourself.
What did you accomplish and whydid it make you feel so good?
Speaker 1 (03:37):
Okay, this one's
interesting.
It's great to encourage a senseof accomplishment.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
But what about kids
who maybe haven't had those big
proud moments yet?
Could this backfire and makethem feel inadequate?
Speaker 2 (03:48):
That's a really good
point, and this is where the
adult's role is so important.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
Okay, how so?
Speaker 2 (03:54):
It's about helping
the child reframe the question.
Instead of focusing on hugeachievements, maybe it's about
recognizing small victories.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Like what kind of
small victories?
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Like that time they
learned to tie their shoes or
help the sibling, or even justtried something new.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Right.
It's about finding those littlewins that build their
self-confidence.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
Exactly.
It's not about comparing themto others, but about recognizing
their own progress.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
And even if a child
struggles to come up with
something, they can be avaluable conversation starter
too.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Absolutely.
You can gently guide them,asking what's something you've
been working hard on, what'ssomething you're good at.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
It's all about
helping them see their own
strengths and potential.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Exactly, and it's not
always about you know those big
achievements either.
Speaker 1 (04:40):
Right.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
It's about
normalizing effort and
perseverance.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
Like trying and
trying again.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
Exactly, and there's
this other prompt that really
highlights that.
It asks think about a new hobbyyou'd like to try.
What interests you about it andhow would you start learning?
Speaker 1 (04:55):
Ooh, that's a good
one.
I feel like we often get stuckin like what we're already good
at, you know.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
Totally.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Like if you're the
sporty kid or the artsy kid.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Yeah, you find your
niche.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
Yeah, but this prompt
is like hey, step outside that
box, try something new.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
It's all about
fostering a growth mindset.
Speaker 1 (05:14):
I love that term
growth mindset.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
It's planting that
seed that they can try anything,
learn anything.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
And it's okay if
you're not instantly amazing at
it.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Exactly, that's such
an important message, especially
these days oh yeah, with socialmedia and everything it's like
everyone's got to be perfect allthe time.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
Right, it's all about
the highlight reel, but these
prompts, they're like anantidote to that pressure.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
They are.
They're about the process, theexploration, not just the
outcome.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
The journey, not the
destination.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
So we've got these
prompts about trying new things,
but what about, like biggerdreams and goals for the future?
Speaker 2 (05:46):
Well, the Stallion
has got you covered there too,
oh really.
Yeah, there's one prompt thatsays imagine yourself in 10
years.
What kind of person do you hopeto be and what would you like
to be doing?
Speaker 1 (05:57):
Whoa, okay, that's a
deep one.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
It is right.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
Like I wish someone
had asked me that when I was a
kid.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
Right, and what's
really cool about this prompt is
that it encourages a sense ofagency.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Agency, meaning like
they have control over their own
future.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Exactly.
It's not just about daydreaming, it's about connecting those
dreams to actions.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Like, if you want to
be a veterinarian.
What steps can you take now toget there?
Speaker 2 (06:25):
Exactly, it's like
planting the seeds for a life
plan, but in a fun,age-appropriate way.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
And those are skills
that go way beyond just writing
in a journal.
For sure, it's about planning,decision-making, taking
responsibility for your ownfuture.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
Exactly, and these
prompts are like little mental
workouts for those skills.
Speaker 1 (06:42):
Now I know some
people might think like 10 years
, that's too abstract for a kid.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Right.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
But honestly, kids
are way more insightful than we
give them credit for.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Oh, absolutely, they
can surprise you.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
So we've talked about
imagination and trying new
things and future goals.
Yep, what about like gratitudeand appreciating the good stuff
in life?
Speaker 2 (07:01):
Oh, they've got
prompts for that too.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
Awesome One that I
really like is reflect on a time
when you felt really loved whathappened and how did it make
you feel Okay, that's a good one.
It's so important to teach kidsabout gratitude.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
It is, and you know,
research shows that fostering
gratitude is linked to all sortsof benefits.
Like what Increased happiness,resilience, even better physical
health.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
Wow, gratitude is
powerful.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
It really is.
But I'm curious yeah, do youever worry that, like prompting
a kid to be grateful whenthey're upset is a bit forced?
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Oh, totally Like.
Shouldn't they be allowed tojust feel their negative
emotions?
Speaker 2 (07:40):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
Like you don't want
to just brush those feelings
under the rug.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
That's a valid
concern, but it's not about
denying negative emotions.
It's about broadening theirperspective.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
Okay, I see what you
mean.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
It's like saying, yes
, this bad thing happened, but
there's still good things inyour life too.
It's about balance.
Exactly.
It's not about toxic positivity.
It's about helping them see thebigger picture.
Speaker 1 (08:01):
And that's something
I think a lot of adults could
benefit from too.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Absolutely.
We can all use a littlereminder to focus on the good
sometimes.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
You know we've been
talking a lot about the benefits
of these prompts we have, butI'm curious what would you say
to a parent who's like my kid,hates writing?
This will never work.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
I would say, first of
all, don't force it Right.
Journaling should be a fun,enjoyable experience, not a
chore.
Totally Maybe.
Start small with just oneprompt a week, and it doesn't
have to be long.
Even a few sentences is a greatstart.
One prompt a week, okay.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
And it doesn't have
to be long.
Even a few sentences is a greatstart.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
It's about building
the habit Exactly and you know
what?
Maybe even do it together.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Oh, I love that idea.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Like.
Grab a journal and explore someof those prompts alongside your
child.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
It could be a really
cool bonding experience.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
It could, and you
might be surprised at what you
discover, both about them andabout yourself.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
This whole
conversation has been so
inspiring.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
It has.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
I'm really impressed
with the thoughtfulness behind
these prompts.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Me too.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
They're fun, engaging
and sneakily educational, all
at the same time.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
It really makes you
think, huh.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
It does Like.
Could we as adults use a littlebit of that childlike wonder?
Speaker 2 (09:08):
Oh, totally.
Sometimes we get so caught upin the seriousness of life.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
I know right?
Oh, totally.
Sometimes we get so caught upin the seriousness of life, I
know right, like bills and workand all that Exactly.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
We forget to tap into
our imagination.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
And that sense of
possibility.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
I think those prompts
, even though they're written
for kids, could be a really coolway for adults to reconnect
with their own creativity.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Like give ourselves
permission to play again.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Exactly To explore
those what-if questions without
judgment.
Exactly To explore those whatif?
Questions without judgment.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
I love that and you
know, as we're talking about
this, I'm realizing that theseprompts aren't just about
individual growth.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
What do you mean?
Speaker 1 (09:40):
Well, they also touch
on things like empathy and
social responsibility.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Oh, you're right.
There are prompts thatencourage kids to think about
their impact on the world aroundthem.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
Like.
Think of a way you can helpyour community.
What can you do to make apositive difference?
Speaker 2 (09:57):
That's a good one.
Speaker 1 (09:58):
It's like planting
those seeds for active
citizenship.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
From a young age.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
It's pretty amazing
how much depth LaStallion packed
into these proms.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
I know right.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
They've really
managed to address so many
different aspects of a child'sdevelopment.
Speaker 2 (10:10):
Emotional social
creative.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
Even that sense of
purpose.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
And they've done it
in a way that's fun and engaging
for kids.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
It doesn't feel like
a lecture.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
No, it feels like an
adventure.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
So for anyone
listening who's thinking, okay,
this sounds great, but where doI even start?
Speaker 2 (10:26):
I'd say start by
checking out Lestallion's full
list of 50 journal prompts.
Okay, there's something therefor every kid, no matter their
age or interests.
Then just pick one that sparksyour child's curiosity.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Or, even better, let
them choose.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Exactly and remember,
it's not about forcing them to
write pages and pages Right.
Even a few sentences or adrawing or a simple list can be
incredibly valuable.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
The key is to make it
a fun and positive experience.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
Exactly, and don't be
afraid to join in the fun
yourself.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Grab a journal and
explore those prompts alongside
your child.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
You might be
surprised at what you discover,
both about them and aboutyourself.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
I think that's a
perfect note to end on.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
It is.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
So to all our
listeners, whether you're a
parent, a teacher or justsomeone who loves a good journal
prompt.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
We hope this deep
dive has inspired.
You.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
To explore the world
of journaling with the kids in
your life.
It's never too early or toolate to start.
Journaling can be a powerfultool for self-expression
creativity and personal growthat any age.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
It's so true.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
Thanks so much for
joining us on this deep dive
into the world of journalprompts for kids.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
It's been a pleasure.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Until next time, keep
exploring, keep learning and
keep those journals open.