Q&A a Day for Kids: A Three-Year Journal

My child is 9 years old, I realized this recently. He is 9. He is half way to adult hood. He was born yesterday, just yesterday it feels like. These 9 years have flown, the next 9 will be tomorrow and I want them to last a life time, because one day he’ll leave, grow up and start a family. I won’t see or talk to him everyday, so I want to hold on to memories.This diary is something I saw originally on Pinterest and instantly bought it. It’s fantastic. We’ve only been doing it for a month, but my child insists that he will be exactly the same in 3 years. He enjoys answering the questions. Some are easier than others, some are silly, some show character. For example, “What snack does someone else have that you wish you did?” “If you could help kids in another country what would you do?” I’m paraphrasing from memory but these are questions that pinpoint what your kiddo is thinking in any given moment. Likes, dislikes, hopes, there are no wrong answers, there is only acceptance to his feelings. You come home from school or daycare or from a hard day of play and your child gets to express a part of himself. Answering a different question everyday for 3 years. A memento of his growth, something to hold on to. I’m feeling all sad because one day he’ll be an adult, and I know I’ll be grateful for this memento, plus his children will love seeing it one day.

We're just shy of finishing our second year writing, so I've been able to see last year's as I've filled out this year. My daughter is now 7, and I think starting it when I did was great. We read the questions during the bedtime routine. A few gems:What do you hope for?6 years old: I hope to be rich7 years old: I hope to be happy tomorrow, and not a grumpWhat have you done lately that you're proud of?6 years old: Went on an expedition all by myself7 years old: Touched the bottom of the 8 feet deep section of the pool for the 1st time.If you could buy anything what would you buy?6 years old: thousands of dolls7 years old: something that stops cancer or a My Little Pony mansionWhat are you especially good at?6 years old: Jumping. I can jump so high!7 years old: Being awesome (ORLY?? ha)Ok, enough, but let me tell you, this is a great springboard for conversations. I don't have to ask "tough" questions and get a shrug, or try to force an awkward discussion about "what did you do in school today" because it all comes out when I ask these questions and show that I'm accepting of every answer she gives. She has even said she didn't want to answer a question, and that was ok with me. It's still an answer, right? A question in this book is what raised the big red flag for me when she told me how bored she was in school, or that someone was stealing her pencils, or that a place called Cat Paradise exists, if only in her and her friends' minds.Plus, my daughter loves this. It's special to her and she's special to me. I highly recommend it.

Q&A a Day for Kids: A Three-Year JournalI plan to have a lot of fun with this journal. While it is actually a three year journal for the same child, I plan to use it one year for my three granddaughters who are sisters ages 7, 5, and 4. It is perfectly laid out with lines for three brief answers on each page for each day of the year. I am calling my granddaughters each day and asking each one of them the question of the day and writing each of their answers. It is a fun and sweet way to be in contact with them daily and have them share a piece of their hearts with me. Sometimes too much time goes by before we talk!!Their answers are precious. I just started this week, and if I stay consistent for the year I will purchase another journal next year with the same intent. There is a simple but sometimes deep question each day. Today's question was "What are you thankful for today?". A few more examples are "Describe something you would never change about yourself", "How have you helped your family this week?", "How do you feel when you look at the stars at night?", and "Is there someone who won't play with you? What's going on?". This journal is a thick paper, almost a cardboard, and is flexible, well bound and seems like it will be durable and withstand daily opening and using without coming unbound. You can purchase this anytime during the year and start with the current day. I anticipate this will be a blessing for me and the girlies!!