“Memory Journals you ask? I have baby books that I many times struggle getting everything recorded in!” These memory journals for your children are a bit different than baby books.
I agree…while the idea of writing down all of the memories is a terrific idea…sometimes it is hard enough just doing life! However, keeping a journal by the side of your bed makes it easier to keep up with. Maybe you can set a goal to try to write in it weekly…monthly…or quarterly. Capturing some of the precious moments is better than none at all.
Journaling What Kids Say & Do ~
How many times have you chuckled softly to yourself when your child says something funny….or maybe even a little naughty (like a cuss word), but it just sounded so cute! You try to recall that moment (that you thought you would NEVER forget) just a couple of days later….and it has vanished into that vast dark hole in your head that is trying to keep up with everyone’s schedules and activities.
I kept a journal for each of my children. Sometimes I would journal regularly and then forget for awhile and start back up a couple of months later. I wrote funny things they said, cute things they did, and times they were mad and were going to run away or threw them selves down in the middle of the mall. The most important thing is this should not be stressful! I can’t impress upon you enough that years later the end result is a wonderful collection of snippets of their life!
Journaling Holiday & Birthday Happenings ~
If you are like our family, much thought goes into what we were going to be for Halloween each year. I would describe their annual Halloween outfits …believe me the years really start running together over time! Heck, there are times we find ourselves saying, was Lauren that character or was Karleigh?
Write about special memories with a friend or family member (i.e. how we would go to “little” Grandma’s house after Halloween and let her empty our coveted goodies in the middle of the floor and let her pick out her favorites). Don’t forget those memories of their school involvement and activities.
Add Those Not So Great Times Too ~
However, I also wrote about the times that I was frustrated as a mother….no one really likes to talk about that~to admit that there are times you are so frustrated that it makes you feel like a bad mom. The times you need to count to 100 instead of just 10. It’s important to know that it is normal to feel overwhelmed…and more importantly to not feel guilty about this.
I want them to read their journals when they have their families and understand you do get overwhelmed, but it doesn’t mean you love your children any less. Now that my children are having children, they are able to look back at that and say, “Gosh, I am a normal mom that sometimes gets frustrated!”
Grandparent Journal ~
I had planned on starting “Mimi” journals early on and failed. However, as stated earlier, some memories are better than none. These grandchildren amaze us every day. In fact, I wish I had a nickel for every time I call Brad at work to tell him something funny the kids have said or done. So I have now started a journal for Addi, Max & Owen. I plan on trying to write in it more often….this brain is more forgetful now than it was in my younger years. It’s important to me that they know how very much I cherish being their Mimi!
There are so many journal options out there. Heck, for that matter, you can write in a spiral bound notebook. The most important thing is that you write things down. In fact, journaling is so much fun for everyone…whether journaling about grandparenting, life, etc. Cathy Diaz from Whywejournal.com has a ton of ideas about this very subject. ⬅️Click the green link to see her awesome ideas! She also has a great journaling tool on Amazon…
Here are some other great examples of journaling books:
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Paper House Productions has TONS of fun and beautiful journals. Here are just a few, but feel free to check out more once you click on any of these links below or you can use this convenient link to go straight to their website ➡➡Click here to check out all of the fun items Paper House Productions has available!
Cute and Simple Fancy Cat Journal is perfect for any animal lover!
Maybe you prefer to journal in your child’s/grandchild’s favorite movie!
Write down those memories–and share with your loved ones later. They will have so much fun reading through their years of growing up! Believe me…it is the gift that keeps giving through the years!
Hugs – Mimi
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Yes I love these ❤️ Definitely a tradition I want to carry on!
I also keep a journal for each child, as well as one for each pregnancy!
Angela, what a great idea to keep for the pregnancy as well! I love it!
Such a fun idea when my husband and I start our family!
It is a great way to share memories with your children through the years! Thanks for reading!
Such a wonderful idea. Memory journals are a great idea for both parents and grandparents. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Debbie! I agree…memory journals are indeed a great idea for both parents and grandparents!