There’s magic in watching your child’s imagination come to life on a page - doodles, silly spellings, or even little sentences that show you what’s going on in their head. However, getting kids to journal can feel like a challenge, especially in a world filled with screens, distractions, and instant entertainment. 

The truth is, journaling doesn’t have to feel like “writing homework.” When introduced the right way, it becomes a safe space for creativity, emotions, and dreams to grow.  We believe that journaling should feel like playing in the clouds – light, joyful, and full of possibilities. And if your child isn’t naturally drawn to writing, that’s okay. Here are some tips to spark their curiosity and help them fall in love with journaling.

1. Start with curiosity, not rules

The aim isn’t to create a perfect routine but to spark their curiosity. Our journal is designed around daily questions that encourage kids to reflect, open up, and express themselves, even if writing isn’t their favorite thing yet.

You can encourage them by saying something like: “How about we put screens to the side and try something different that could be fun, maybe even something we do together?”

Sometimes, a small prompt can help get things started. The idea is to allow them to explore their thoughts and feelings in a relaxed and playful way.

For example, you can let your child decorate their journal cover, write their name, or add stickers. When they feel like it’s theirs, they’ll be more likely to open it regularly and enjoy exploring it.

2. Make it a shared moment

Kids mirror what we model. If they see you journaling or reflecting, they’ll want to try too.

Create a cozy routine, after dinner or before bedtime, where you both take a few minutes to write or draw. These shared moments build connection and teach kids that reflection is a part of self-care, just like brushing their teeth or getting ready for bed.

Pair it with something comforting: a soft light, calm music, or a warm drink. When the environment feels soothing, your child will feel more comfortable opening up.

3. Let them draw, scribble, or doodle

Some kids find it easier to show how they feel through pictures before they can explain it with words. You can encourage them to doodle, color, or create comics in their journal. Maybe they’ll draw how they felt during the day or sketch something fun they saw. Over time, those drawings might turn into sentences or little stories.

4. Use prompts to get started

Sometimes, facing a blank page can be overwhelming, especially for kids. That’s why InClouds. Journal is filled with gentle questions and prompts designed to help children feel brave, proud, or inspired. It also encourages them to explore feelings that might make them nervous or unsure. These prompts turn journaling into a safe space to explore all emotions, making each child’s self-discovery journey easier and more joyful.

5. Let them journal at their own pace

Journaling doesn’t have to take a long time. Shorter sessions often work better, especially for younger children. Just a few minutes of focused creativity is enough. If they want to write more, that’s great! If not, keep it light and relaxed. The main thing is consistency, not length. When journaling feels like play, kids will naturally come back for more.

6. Celebrate their effort

Every time your child opens their journal, they’re practicing some kind of self-reflection. Celebrate that effort!

Whenever they choose to share or discuss parts of their journal, you might say: “I love hearing about your day.”, “You noticed so many small details today!”, “That’s really creative drawing!”

Try not to correct their spelling or grammar too much. Instead, focus on what they’re expressing. The more positive the experience, the more confident they’ll feel sharing their thoughts.

7. Encourage them to share their feelings and dreams

Journaling can be a safe space where kids share all kinds of emotions, whether they’re proud of their achievements, brave enough to try something new, or inspired to reach their goals. It’s also a place where they can be honest about what makes them nervous or unsure, helping them process and better understand their feelings. 

Our journal’s gentle prompts help them express a full range of emotions, making each journal entry a step toward confidence and self-awareness.

8. Make it a simple routine

Habits grow through consistency, even if it’s just two or three times a week. That small regularity can make a big difference. 

Here are some ideas to help make it feel like a simple, everyday thing:

• Keep the journal and pen in a spot where your child can easily find them
• Pair it with a calming ritual, like a cuddle or a bedtime story
• Journal together on weekends and let your child lead the session

When journaling feels like a cozy, comforting moment rather than a chore, kids will start to look forward to it.

9. Make it theirs 

Finally, let journaling be a private, safe space for your kid. Don’t go through their journal without asking, even if you’re curious.  

Kids need to feel like they own their thoughts. When they know their words are theirs, they’ll be more honest, open, and creative.  

You can invite them to share if they want, but it should always be their decision.  

Every child has something special to share; they just need a place to put it all out there. Whether your kid writes, draws, or simply dreams on its pages, each moment spent in their journal helps them grow and feel more confident.

That’s what InClouds. is all about: making journaling simple, fun, and something kids look forward to so they can truly express themselves without pressure or confusion about where to start.