8 Transformative Ways Journaling Helps Moms with Struggling Teens
Laurie Moser . Published July 31, 2023
Styled Stock Society
Years ago, before I even understood why journaling was so valuable and how it could help me, I just knew that I felt better after I journaled. After doing this for years, I now understand the science behind why journaling is such a powerful tool for healing and helping us to deal with and manage anxiety, stress and other fear based emotions. Journaling can be a brain dump for all of your emotions.
I have journaled consistently for about 5 years and I'm now able to see how much this practice has helped me. My self-care practice started with a 5 minute daily consistent journaling practice.
I want to share some reasons why journaling will help you on your journey to healing, self awareness and growth.
Freewriting: Let the words flow without any predetermined structure. Write whatever comes to mind, releasing pent-up emotions and thoughts without restraint.
Example: Set a timer for 5 minutes, and write whatever comes to mind. Don't worry about grammar, spelling, or editing. Let your thoughts flow naturally. You might start with "Today has been tough. I feel overwhelmed and exhausted..."
Gratitude Journal: Each day, list a few things you're grateful for. Focusing on positive aspects cultivates a sense of optimism and appreciation.
Example: Every day, write down three things you're grateful for. Try to mix it up with changing at least one thing, so that you’re not repeating the same three things every day that you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as "I'm grateful for the smile my teen gave me this morning," or "I'm grateful for the support of my friends."
Letter to Yourself: Write a compassionate letter to your present or future self. Offer support, encouragement, and love during challenging times.
Example: Begin with "Hi [Your Name]," and write a letter to yourself as if you were speaking to a close friend. Offer encouragement and compassion during difficult times. "Hi [Your Name], I know things have been tough lately, but remember that you're doing your best, and that's enough."
Art Journaling: Combine writing with creative expression, like drawing or collage, to add depth to your emotions and reflections. This is a fun option for you creative types or for the child in all of us!
Example: Use colorful markers, paints, or magazine cutouts to create a visual representation of your emotions. You might draw a stormy sea to depict your feelings of turmoil or use uplifting images to represent hope.
Mindfulness Journaling: Pay attention to the present moment and describe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindful journaling can help reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
Example: Find a quiet moment, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Then, open your journal and describe your current thoughts and feelings. "As I sit here, I notice a mix of worry and fear. My mind keeps wandering to my teen's struggles, but I'm trying to stay present."
Stream of Consciousness: Without pausing or censoring, allow your thoughts and feelings to flow naturally and spontaneously onto the paper. Capture the continuous stream of your mind's inner workings without concern for grammar, structure, or coherence. Just let it all flow from your pen to paper.
Example: Write continuously, letting your stream of consciousness guide you. No pausing or rereading; simply allow your thoughts to pour onto the paper. "I don't know where to start, but I'm writing anyway. My teen's mental health has been a rollercoaster lately..."
Goal-Oriented Journaling: Focused approach to journaling, where you set specific objectives or themes for your writing. It involves targeting particular aspects of your life, emotions, or experiences that you wish to explore or work on. By aligning your journaling with specific goals, you can gain insights and track your progress more effectively.
Example: Set specific goals for your journaling, like "Finding coping strategies" or "Understanding my emotions." Write about your progress and any insights gained. "Today, I tried deep breathing to manage my stress. It helped a bit, and I'll keep practicing."
Collaborative Journaling: Shared writing or journaling between individuals, often with the purpose of bonding, fostering communication, and gaining mutual understanding. It can be a way for you and your struggling teen to connect, express yourselves, and develop a deeper relationship by exchanging thoughts, ideas, or creative expressions in a shared journal. This method might be a good option for teens that don’t like to talk or find it hard but enjoy writing and feel more comfortable expressing their emotions and feelings on paper.
Example: If comfortable, journal with your teen as a way to bond and understand each other better. Exchange notebooks and share thoughts, questions, or drawings.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to journal. These examples are starting points, but feel free to adapt or combine them to suit your needs and preferences. Journaling is a personal and flexible practice, so make it uniquely yours and let it support you on your journey of parenting a struggling teen.
