Family Dialogue Journal

To help open channels of communication between parents and children.

Activity Instructions:

If it's difficult to get your child to open up and talk to you about his or her feelings, this activity provides you with a way to gain access to her inner world.

First, provide her with a journal and ask her to write down what is on her mind or in her heart. Encourage her to write about problems she's having at school, with friends, or even with you. When she's finished, ask her to place the journal next to your bed. Read the entry, and then ask how she'd like you to respond-you can write back with an acknowledgment, offer advice, or simply read without responding.

Materials:

• Journal
• Pen or pencil

Outcome:

You can build trust between yourself and your child, move toward a more connected relationship, and develop a heightened awareness of your child's thoughts and feelings.