Big Life Journal For Kids
You’ve heard about how awesome Big Life Journal is. You’re excited to start helping your child develop their growth mindset. You have already tried some of the printable activities, and you are aware of their excellent quality.
As you flip through the book, perhaps questions begin to pop up. You’re wondering how you can make the Big Life Journal fun for everyone.
This quick-start Guide will help you customize your Big Life Journal to meet your family’s needs. The end of the Guide includes answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
With a little planning, we hope you will discover the power of this growth mindset resource to connect with your child!
Consider these Before Beginning the Journal
Take a moment to consider WHY you would like your child to have a growth mindset. Big Life Journal provides a way to connect with your child even when you are busy.
You can ask yourself the following questions:
How do I want my child to GAIN from using the Big Life Journal? Look at the ten topics at the start of the journal (page 7). Do you think your child would benefit most if they developed a particular quality or attitude? Perhaps your child is prone to giving up when confronted with a difficult situation. You may want your child to develop new skills, such as perseverance and how to overcome perfectionism.
If you answered nothing or not very much, don’t worry! You can play a more supportive role than an expert by being a learning buddy or ally. Each person will gain something from the experience. Check out this article to learn how to teach your children about a growth mindset.
How much time do I have to be a journal buddy for my child
You want to make sure you get the most out of this time. Choose a day and time that is flexible and consistent. Consistency may be an issue because of an unpredictable schedule. Include your child in planning to ensure they know when the next Big Life Journal event will take place.
Get them excited about it
Your child will reflect the attitude you have towards your journal. Your child is likely to enjoy your Big Life Journal as well if you make it a relaxing and fun activity. Your child will be curious when you are excited.
Will you be my Journal Buddy? Focus on the reason you want to keep a Big Life Journal. Share positive feelings and thoughts about learning from others. Your enthusiasm and curiosity will spread to your child, and they will become excited!
How to Start
Start with all about me, and then move on to my superpowers at the front of the journal. (Pages 8-9). Sit by your child and have them complete the pages. See if they would like to share.
This can be the first lesson. It’s a simple but effective way to prepare yourself for your amazing work.
It’s not enough. There is no rush, and this is not a race. You can take your time, and this will help you prepare yourself and your child for this new adventure.
Make it easy for you
Concentrate on your goal. Review your answers to the questions that were asked at the start of this quick-start Guide. Write down your answers to the questions at the beginning of this quick start guide on a sticky card or index note. Put it at the start of your Big Life Journal so that you are reminded of your goals and focus.
Prepare yourself. A little planning can go a long way to creating a relaxed atmosphere. Look at the topic that you will be discussing next and get an idea of it. It’s okay to skim over the story and title. You can relax by taking a few moments to read the label and story. When you are relaxed, your child is more comfortable.
When using our Guide for free, highlight. Make it yours by adding notes. Please don’t overdo it and write too many comments. When discussing a particular topic, choose words or phrases that you would like to use.
Make it ENJOYABLE
Keep it simple, sweetie. That’s right! A big ol’ K.I.S.S. Adults tend to overthink and complicate things with a “more is more” attitude. Children are drawn to simple topics and ideas that can be easily understood and turned into something relevant and achievable. The process is important.
Be realistic. Changes don’t usually happen overnight. Your child may show a fluctuation in their interest or ability to apply skills when you are working on the Big Life Journal. It’s okay. As with adults, children have their ups and downs. Just turn up the patience dial and trust in the process.
Let go of the pressure. It’s a great way to connect with your kid. It’s perfectly fine if you are bursting with excitement at the prospect of helping your child develop a growth mindset. Remember to relax: No tests, grades, or wrong answers.
The writing prompts are merely suggestions. You can adapt the materials to suit your child/family. Your child does not have to write. (See below for tips on how to deal with resistance to writing).
Make it fun
Your child will color a message of inspiration at the end of each chapter (e.g., “I don’t give up” or ‘I am kind’). These pages can be cut out to make a poster with a growth mindset. The sign should be displayed in a place where they will see it daily.
Use any of these hands-on activities in the question about writing resistance.
Make a poster, collage, or picture for each topic. The theme title should be added at the top of the sign (e.g., “Be grateful”). Invite your child to draw, use stickers, or cut out images from magazines as you learn more about the topic.
When working on the Big Life Journal topic “Be grateful,” for example, your child may select pictures that represent people and places they value. You can also add phrases or quotes related to the Big Life Journal theme.
Listen to the Big Life Kids Podcast! A podcast accompanies the journal on growth mindset for kids. The podcast includes show notes that include links to additional resources and discussion questions.
