The Best Way to Get Your Kids Writing (Without the Tears!)
Writing is one of the hardest subjects to teach. It is so complicated and for many children leads to tears and frustration. So how can you get your child to enjoy writing? How can your child become a confident writer? Natalie shares her secret weapon- the family journal to get the whole family in on it.
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If your child resists writing—or if you’ve ever sat at the table watching them melt down over a blank page—you are so not alone. Writing can be one of the most stressful parts of early education for families. It’s complex, emotional, and often full of frustration… for both kids and parents.
In my video, “The BEST Way to Get Your Kids Writing,” I share a super simple tool that can shift the whole experience of writing at home. It's low-pressure, easy to start, and doesn't require any fancy materials.
It’s called a family journal—and it works.
Why Writing Feels So Hard
Before I get into the strategy, it’s important to acknowledge why writing is such a tough subject.
When we ask kids to write, we’re asking them to:
- Come up with an idea
- Hold it in their head
- Spell it
- Form the letters
- Use punctuation
- Organize their thoughts
That's a lot for young children—especially if they’re still learning to sound out words or hold a pencil properly. No wonder so many kids freeze, get overwhelmed, or say, “I don’t know what to write!”
So let’s take the pressure off.
Enter the Family Journal đź“ť
A family journal is exactly what it sounds like—a shared notebook where family members take turns writing or drawing each day. It’s collaborative, creative, and casual.
You don’t need to be a teacher, and you don’t need a curriculum. You just need a notebook, a pen, and a willingness to show up for a few minutes each day. Everyone in the family (yes, including you!) adds a little something. A sentence, a sketch, a silly joke—whatever comes to mind.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s participation.
How It Helps Kids Become Better Writers
There are so many things I love about this tool, but here are a few reasons it works so well:
1. It’s low-pressure.
There are no grades. No red pen. No “This isn’t how you spell that.” When writing becomes part of your family culture—rather than a school assignment—it’s way less intimidating.
2. It builds routine.
Just like brushing teeth or reading bedtime stories, writing becomes something you do together. Kids thrive on routines, and the more they see writing as a natural part of their day, the more confident they become.
3. You’re modeling the process.
When your child watches you write a little something in the journal—especially something simple and authentic—they learn what writing looks like. You’re showing them that it’s okay to write about “boring” things, or use inventive spelling, or draw a picture with a word or two. That modeling is powerful.
4. It builds connection.
Family journaling gives everyone a little peek into each other’s minds. Maybe your child writes about their favorite lunch that day, or draws a picture of the neighbor’s dog. Suddenly, you’re not just practicing writing—you’re building a little family time capsule of memories, laughs, and daily life.
What to Include in Your Family Journal
Here are a few easy ideas to get started:
- A sentence about your day (“I went to the park and saw a bug.”)
- A picture with a label or caption
- Something you’re thankful for
- A joke or riddle
- A short list (e.g. “3 things I love about tacos”)
If your child isn’t ready to write full sentences yet, let them draw and dictate their ideas while you write it down for them. Over time, they’ll start to add more themselves.
Tips to Make It Work
- Pick a special notebook. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but letting your child help choose it gives them ownership.
- Keep it short. You’re not writing essays—just a few lines or a doodle.
- Be consistent, not perfect. Aim for a few minutes each day, but if you miss a day, no guilt! Just pick it back up tomorrow.
- Respond to their entries. Commenting on what your child writes (“I didn’t know you loved macaroni that much!”) shows them that their words matter.
What If My Child Still Resists?
That’s okay. Sometimes kids need time to warm up. You can keep writing in the journal yourself for a while—let them see it happening, without pressure. Invite them gently, and celebrate even the smallest contributions. A single word? Amazing. A quick sketch? Perfect. You’re planting seeds that will grow.
Why This Matters Long-Term
Helping your child become comfortable with writing early on sets them up for success down the road. When writing feels safe and familiar, kids are much more likely to take risks, stretch their skills, and express themselves clearly.
And beyond the academics, you’re building something beautiful—a family tradition, a safe outlet, and a habit that builds confidence one page at a time.
Final Thoughts
So often, when parents ask me how to get their kids writing, they expect a special workbook or magic prompt.
But honestly? The magic is in making it a shared experience.
By creating a simple family journal, you’re not just teaching writing—you’re creating connection, confidence, and joy.
So grab a notebook, pull up a chair, and write something together today. It really is the best way to get your kids writing.
Resources (Contains Affiliate Links)
Primary Composition Book (with space for pictures): https://amzn.to/3Xe86r1
Composition Book: https://amzn.to/440TzRC
Jumbo pencils for small hands (ages 4-5): https://amzn.to/43FsLGL
Small golf pencils (for better grip and handwriting ages 5+): https://amzn.to/3X49pZF
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