As you work through the daily exercises of The Growing Journal alongside your child, the journal will help him or her connect with the outside world and learn important lessons about compassion, gratitude, and kindness.
Each day has five to six different exercises to complete with your child. The first urges children to think about three things they're thankful for each day, fostering gratitude and self-reflection.
The second exercise offers a thought-provoking quote or question. The third offers emotion graphics. Children pick the icons (happy, sad, angry, etc.) that describe their day, which can give parents new insight into their lives.
The fourth is the Table of Awesome in which children check a box for every act of kindness performed. The checks can help them build momentum and inspire them to continue. The fifth has children focus on the positive parts of the day, and the sixth offers the Creativity Box for whatever they want to draw or write.
The Growing Journal won't only help your child; it will help you as well. It gives you a time each day when you "unplug." Working on something new together is a special moment that the two of you can share.
About the Author: Andrew C. Bowen developed The Growing Journal while working with his son, Russell. He, his wife, Kendra, and Russell all contributed to the exercises it contains.
Bowen quit a career in the financial sector to spend more time with his family. He has never regretted this decision and wants to give other parents the gift of more time with their children.
Bowen is also an entrepreneur. He received his MBA from Queen's University and lives in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
