Chances are your kids keep some sort of journal at school — mine start each school day by writing an entry. It’s great for honing their writing skills, and it fosters creativity too. Even if your kiddo can’t yet write, drawing pictures and attempting to pen a few words is just as good. Don’ let journaling stop at school, though. Pick up an inexpensive composition book or two (we keep them in the car and in the house), arm your kids with pencils (colored ones are fun) and challenge them to write something every day. Call it an adventure journal and ask them to describe their fun activities — a trip to the zoo, afternoon at the park, family game night. Teach them to write the date on each page, and review their work every now and then. When their journals are full, stash them in a safe place and bring them out after some time has passed. It’ll be a nice trip down memory lane as you re-read their adventures, and you’ll be amazed when you look back at the progress your kids have made.

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