Recently we’ve added a new aspect to our bedtime routine. I’ve been setting aside time before I read to the two older boys (yes, I do still read to them, even though they are both avid independent readers, there is just something so special about sharing that time and a story together) for all of us to journal. We journal separately in our own books, but together in the same place. ssshhhhh! Don’t tell them, but actually I’m usually writing out plans for the next day and lists of things that I don’t want to forget! I feel like they are at an age where they can really benefit from having a bit of introspective time at the end of the day, as well as a place to record their thoughts and feelings that might otherwise go unexpressed. It’s also great that they get a bit of writing practice without it being a chore or “school work”, but writing for enjoyment’s sake. I want them to love writing and see how it can be a pleasure for them. And they do enjoy it a great deal. I always tell them that they don’t have to write if they don’t feel like they have anything to say, but so far they have never taken me up on that. We don’t have a set amount of time to write or a set length, we just kind of end the session naturally. As we see each other finishing up and setting things aside, we know it’s time to start wrapping up what we are writing and move on. They are both very respectful and will sit quietly and wait while the other finishes up.
They can share them with me if they want of course, in fact, I would be honored, but I don’t ask them to and I certainly would never require them to.
It was around the same time that I came across an idea for Galen that really struck a chord with me. It’s from the lovely book Sanctuaries of Childhood: Nurturing a Child’s Spiritual Life
While she uses a calendar for this, we opted to use a journal. My sister has a knack for finding beautiful journals to give as gifts. The one above came to Galen on his Blessing Day. In it she wrote the meaning of his name, a poem and her blessing for him. And in it we have now added a record of Galen’s days, somewhat in the style of Nikki McClure’s unique baby book The First 1000 Days: A Baby Journal
Galen’s book is rapidly filling up with named days like:
The day the wind tossed Galen in a tree (his wording, he was in the tree already, but the wind gave him a splendid ride)
The day Galen ran down a big hill and saw an apple tree
The day Galen watched a fluffy yellow and green caterpillar
The day Galen went to the bog and saw the pitcher plants
The day Galen picked humongous, delicious blackberries
The day Galen crossed over two bridges while walking in the woods
And many, many others, with many more to come! He loves to have his “days” read back to him. And while I date them for posterity’s sake, I don’t ever bother to read that part to him, because what meaning does that have for a person all of four? None-what-so-ever. But the day that it rained heaps and Galen played inside with his brothers or the day everyone went blueberry picking and ate tons of berries because they were so delicious, now that means something!
And I love that every morning when we are cuddling in bed together he says to me, “Mommy, I wonder what we’ll get to name today?”
You always inspire me with your mothering and creativity, and this idea is just beautiful – thank you! I love to write, and haven’t figured out a way to do this with my kids yet, in a way that is nourishing and enjoyable for all of us. I’m going to try this. One question – what does your littlest one do during this time?
Oh Melody, both of those are such great ideas. Ones that I want to incorporate right away. Your children are lucky to have you.
Oh, with Galen we talk about it while we’re getting ready for bed and decide what we are going to write. We really have quite a long bedtime routine! And then I’ll just sit on the foot of the bed and write it out real quick while they are climbing into bed or she’s getting her dolly or they are kissing each other goodnight.
If you are talking about journaling with the big boys, I put the two little ones to bed first and then move on to the older kids. Occasionally, due to a late nap or something, I’ll end up with a toddler climbing all over me as well. We just muddle through those times as best we can. I might forgo writing myself on a day like that and read a board book to her instead. Then she would probably nurse to sleep while I’m reading to the boys afterward.
Oh gosh, what a lovely idea! My little ones would LOVE this!
I love this idea. Although my dd is much older, I’ve been looking for ways to bring back these gentle routines. I think this one may be perfect
I just loved reading of Galen’s days, it is so wonderful our children see their world!
Yes, it was me who told you about that book for, I am so glad you entered the giveaway. If you don’t win though you need to be sure to read the book someday!
Renee
What a wonderful idea. Reading all of Galen’s days made me smile. We might have to start doing that here as well – thanks!