The New Mums Guide to Journalling
Keeping a record of your child’s first few years is one of those important, but not very urgent things, that is so often overlooked in a busy mum’s life – especially for subsequent children. So many mums I talk to wish they had, but feel overwhelmed by the process and commitment. Yes, it takes a little discipline, but it does not have to be a BIG project. With a good system and a journal or album that suits YOUR needs, it can be done simply, quickly and effectively.
With affordable digital cameras, even on our mobile phones, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter, it has never been easier to capture and share special moments and events as they happen. However, paper is still the best medium for keeping records for posterity.
To protect your precious memories:
- Regularly collect your social media comments or blog posts about your child and save into a single document for future reference. Print your favourites and include in your journal or baby book.
- Print your best photos using archival papers and inks (a professional service is better and cheaper than printing at home).
- Always “copy” photos off your camera rather than “move” them, and backup, backup, backup! Keep a second backup of your digital records offsite.
- If you live in bushfire or flood prone areas, store your records in a safer location during the danger season.
Personally, I believe a good early childhood journal contains more than just dates and the odd photograph. Your child’s early years are some of the most crazy, challenging and fun times of not only their lives, but yours as well. A little creativity and diligence will ensure you remember this time affectionately and a little more accurately.
Here are a few suggestions for recording your child’s early years.
- Keep a special notebook in your bag (or keep notes on your smart phone) to have always at the ready for that funny moment. As soon as something happens – a funny saying, or a special milestone or moment, record it straight away. You can then transfer the information to your baby book, journal or scrapbook at a later date when you have the time and energy. If you do nothing else to record your child’s life, do this!
- If you love journalling or scrapbooking, keep a blank journal, album or scrapbook for telling longer stories, recording funny sayings and events, and for storing photographs, artwork and momentos.
- A traditional Baby Book is still a great way to record milestones, interests and photos for the first 3 years of your child’s life. There are plenty of beautiful products available. Choose one you love and will enjoy using.
- As you child gets older, involve them in creating a children’s journal. Transcribe their stories, and ask them to do the illustrations. As they learn to read and write, they will probably want take over more responsibility, and hopefully, begin keeping a journal of their own.
- Record a caption or the story behind your photos in your notebook, on your phone or on the camera itself (depending on functionality).
- A Year Book is quick and easy, yet it creates a fascinating “instant” overview of your child’s life at a glance. Each year, perhaps at a birthday or Christmas, take a photo of your child (preferably in the same spot in your garden or in front of your house). You may also wish to record some highlights of the year, current favourite items, interests or friends or future plans and dreams.
- A daily Gratitude Book, listing 5 or 10 things you are grateful for each day, is a great way to record your child’s daily activities and will help you reflect on your day and your personal growth as a parent. A Dream Diary, filled with your hopes and wishes for your child, can help create perspective, especially on bad days.
In our busy lives, it is easy to get caught up in the everyday “stuff”. Keeping a record of your child’s earliest life is more important than ever, to help us treasure the special little moments and things that make our lives worth living. It is a magnificent gift, not only to our children, but to ourselves as well.
The Little Tackers Journal is ideal for busy mums (and dads) on the go. Pop it in your nappy bag, always at the ready to capture special moments as they happen.
Originally published in Tiny and Little – Issue 1 April 2011, with the title Of Dreams and Memories.
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