Journal Buddies

I remember writing in a journal as a little girl. I still have that journal… It’s so funny to go back and read what I thought was so important at the time…my hopes…my dreams…my struggles…my fears… Journaling, regardless of age, is a wonderful way to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas. There is a fabulous, gender-specific journal for children called Journal Buddies. The author and creator, Jill Schoenberg, takes journaling to a whole new level with an aim at improving a child’s self-esteem.

We received A Boy’s Journal for Discovering and Sharing Excellence to review. Unlike a traditional journal, reserved for one’s own private thoughts and words, the content of Journal Buddies is meant to be shared. In other words, your child AND his buddy (which could be a friend, parent, sibling, pet, or even an imaginary friend) complete each entry (the buddies can differ from day to day). There are thirty entries which span about a month. Not only will this journal build your child’s self-esteem, it will foster his creativity. Your child can express himself through writing, painting, drawing, stamping, stickers, photos, or anthing else he likes to do. Lastly, the book focuses on giving, sharing, and receiving kindness. I think this is especially important for boys, particuarly in a society that emphasizes the rough and tough aspect of the male species. Can you imagine the type of society we’d have if very young boys grew up with an understanding of the importance of kindness?

Each journal entry consists of a thought for the day (i.e. advice, reminders, etc.), qualities/traits/talents (this is where a buddy comes in), a focus word for the day (i.e. an idea to explore or a word to think about), and blank pages that can be used for words, art, drawings, and/or poetry. At the end of the journal, the author leaves a place for reflection. I think this is the most important part of the journal. This is where a child will realize self-discovery. I can imagine my son looking at this journal years after it’s been “written.”

Journal Buddies was a winner of the 2008 Mom’s Choice Awards which is an award representing quality and ingenuity. This award alerts the consumer as to the appropriateness of a product for children. For more information, including excerpts from the Journal Buddies, check out their website. Both the girls and boys’ version of the journal retail for $16.95 and can be purchased directly on the site.

Profuse thanks to Journal Buddies and the Family Review Network for this wonderfullly informative review opportunity.