Author: Veronika Bošnjak, co-founder of FamilyGround, kindergarten teacher

A Safe Place for Expression

Through my work with children, I often notice how much they need a safe, peaceful place where they can put their feelings. A place like that doesn’t ask questions, doesn’t judge, and doesn’t rush them. That’s why I believe a children’s journal is something truly special - a little space that gives them freedom.

Inner Dialogue and Emotional Development

When a child writes or draws in their journal, they’re really beginning an important conversation with themselves. They learn to notice when they’re happy, when something has hurt them, when they feel proud, or when they’re worried. Sometimes little ones don’t know how to express all of this out loud, but through words, colors, or drawings, they’re able to share what they’re carrying in their hearts. Each time they do this, they take a small step toward understanding themselves better.

With a journal, children open up to introspection, even when they’re not aware of the process. When they reflect on their day and write down what was beautiful or difficult, they’re actually building an important skill - learning from their experiences and being gentle with themselves. This is the foundation of emotional resilience.

The creative aspect of a journal brings a special light into their everyday lives. Children love expressing themselves through creating, coloring, and imagining - without strict rules or expectations. In this free space, their imagination flourishes, and their self-confidence grows slowly but surely.

Therefore, I am always happy to see a child opening their journal with joy and excitement. I know that in that moment, they are holding something that can help them develop emotionally, get to know themselves better, and build inner strength. I believe it is one of the most beautiful gifts we can give them - a tool that teaches them how to be a gentle, sincere, and brave being.

The Diary as a Tool for Growth

A journal is more than just a notebook; it’s a journey into a child’s inner world, helping shape who they are. In a time when so much feels fleeting, giving children a tool to deeply understand and express their emotions is an invaluable gift. On its pages, a child can find support, a friend, and a gentle guide through a world full of challenges and joys.

In that small space of freedom, children write stories that will follow them through life, developing skills that are precious at every moment of their growing up. When they face new challenges tomorrow, they can retreat to their pages, find comfort in the already familiar words and images, and rediscover their inner hero.

The process of writing gives them the opportunity to recognize their strengths and weaknesses, teaching them that it’s okay to be imperfect. In this way, children not only build emotional resilience but also develop a capacity for empathy toward others, because by understanding themselves, they can more easily understand the people around them.

By keeping a journal, children not only grow but also create lasting memories filled with moments of joy, laughter, and even sadness. These emotions enrich their lives, and through writing, their inner worlds become deeper and more layered. The journal becomes a companion that follows them through every change and stage of their growth.