Parent and Child Question Journal

Are you wanting to connect more with your child? Sure you try to have conversations but you are longing for more connection. Try a parent and child question journal. We’ve found this to be especially helpful for our more reserved child as a way to find out more about what’s on his mind.

This notebook brings so much joy. I got the idea from my friend Sarah who happens to be my cousin’s wife. We started this once our child could independently read and write. It’s easy, all you need to begin is to grab an old notebook. We used a leftover one from a previous school year. It might be fun to have your child decorate the cover with drawings or stickers. Simply write out the below instructions on the first page and then the parent should begin with the first question. Write out one question for your child leaving enough space after the question for them to write their response. Place the notebook on their pillow and let the question journey begin.

Instructions for First Page

This is a question journal. Mom or Dad will write a question and you will have a chance to write your answer. Then you get to write mom or dad a question, whatever question you want. To trade the journal we will place it on each other’s pillows. We can’t wait to learn more about you!

Starter Questions

• If you were to attend a feast tomorrow what foods do you hope would be there? List at least 3.
• If we could have any animal as a pet which one would you choose and why?
• What do you think mom does all day?
• If you had a safe what would you store in it?
• Who is your favorite character in the Bible and why?
• How much money does it take to buy a car?
• What is a character quality you admire in others? A. Honesty, B. Generosity, or C. Courage
• What color do you think the lockers will be at your new school?
• What person do you admire most?
• If you were to design a new playground what would it include? Draw a picture if you would like.

The sky is the limit here. Ask whatever you’re interested in learning. It gets super fun to read their responses. Once they’ve written out their response the child needs to write out a question for the adult. We have no limits on what questions can be asked. Honestly, we do get a lot of math equations, but some thoughtful questions are among them.

We’ll start out with light topics and as time progresses throw in deeper questions. We draw, ask multiple-choice questions, sometimes use our answers to teach or encourage other times we simply have fun. Once a question has been written we leave the journal on the receiver’s pillow. It’s such a treat to read the response and question before bed.

This is a great way to learn about your child. Give them a safe place to ask questions. It’s also nice that you have time to think about your response since it’s in written form and not an actual conversation.

What about adult children, would this type of question notebook work with them? Maybe it could be via email. I think it would be fun and meaningful for all.

If you try this question journal with your kids I’d love to hear how it goes.

You may also like A Simple Tool to Help with Parenting or A Quick Way to Connect with Your Kids Each Morning.

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