Shared Journal Prompts for Guardians
A shared journal can help foster a supportive and understanding relationship between guardians and teens, create a safe space for self-expression, and strengthen bonds by promoting open communication. It can be an invaluable tool for both emotional and personal growth for both individuals involved. A shared journal creates a safe space for both guardians and teens to express thoughts, feelings, and concerns without the pressure of face-to-face conversation.
It encourages open dialogue, especially for teens who might find it difficult to speak directly about certain topics. When both parties can communicate openly and honestly through writing, it helps build a sense of trust. Teens may feel more comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment or confrontation, which can sometimes happen in verbal communication.
1. Daily Highlights:
What was the best part of your day today, and why?
Was there anything challenging that happened today? How did you handle it?
2. Feelings and Emotions:
How are you feeling right now? Why do you think you feel that way?
What emotion did you feel the most this week? What triggered it?
3. Values and Beliefs:
What is one thing you believe is important in life?
What’s a value you think we should work on as a family?
4. Family Time:
What’s your favorite family tradition? Why does it matter to you?
Is there something we could do together that you think would be fun?
5. Dreams and Aspirations:
What is something you hope to accomplish this year?
If you could do anything, what would your dream job be, and why?
6. Challenges and Growth:
What’s one thing you’re struggling with right now? What do you need help with?
What’s a lesson you've learned recently that you didn’t know before?
7. Gratitude:
What are three things you're grateful for today?
What’s one thing I did this week that made you feel loved or supported?
8. Self-Reflection:
What’s something you admire about yourself?
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
9. Fun and Light-Hearted:
If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
What’s the funniest thing that happened to you recently?
10. Conflict Resolution:
Was there a moment this week where we disagreed? How could we have handled it differently?
How do you prefer to resolve conflicts, and how can I help with that?
11. Big Questions:
What’s one thing you want to understand better about life, the world, or people?
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and why?
12. Love and Connection:
How do you like to feel loved? What makes you feel connected to me?
What’s one thing I can do to make our relationship stronger?
13. Looking Ahead:
What’s something you’re excited about in the future, big or small?
What do you want us to work on together in the coming months?
14. Memories and Milestones:
What’s a memory from your childhood that makes you smile?
What’s something special we can look forward to doing together soon?
15. Perspective Shifts:
What’s something you’ve changed your mind about recently?
How do you see the world differently now than you did a year ago?
16. Parent-Teen Relationships:
What’s one thing you wish we did more of together?
What’s something you wish I understood better about being a teen?
These prompts can help open up communication and create an opportunity for deeper conversations between guardians and teens. Feel free to modify them to fit your specific relationship! Try them out and let me know how it’s going!
