Comments on: A Journal for My Son

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:39:57 +0000

It's funny that so many of you suggested creating a paper journal. I thought about taking that route, because I also love to see people's handwriting, but then I wondered if it wasn't a bit antiquated. I personally love the feel of physical books. In fact, I haven't turned to an electronic reader yet, because I still like to hold a book in my hand and physically turn its pages.

I also like @Alan's suggestion of recording my voice. Maybe I'll make a combination journal. The majority will be in physical book form, but once a month or so I'll provide videos for an online journal. My son is so small that right now I can even put him in my lap and record the two of us together. I love that idea!

Thank you all for supporting my cause and providing so many wonderful suggestions!

By: Alan

Alan — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:37:13 +0000

Dear One Frugal Girl:
I skimmed through your "A Journal for My Son" post and wondered if you've ever spoken (compared to typed up) your thoughts? This method may be something that frees up what you might be experiencing as a block. What do I know? Can't hurt mmm? You wouldn't even need to have any other software on your PC/Mac. It's all there. G'luck

By: Taline

Taline — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:18:25 +0000

I think that making a journal is a fantastic idea! Maybe to not be overwhelmed, you can do an entry a week and limit it to a few paragraphs.

I have a 14 month old gorgeous baby boy and he's my world! I feel like I do so much and not have enough time but I've gotten better at managing my time.

Thanks for giving me the idea of the journal. I have an empty journal book that my husband gave me a few years back. I never got around to writing anything in it because I didn't know who I was writing for. I think I'm going to make it for my son :)

By: Ella

Ella — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:35:32 +0000

I think a hand written journal is a precious gift. There's something special about an old school journal. Besides it is not as easily editable as a computer file and I feel it is more genuine. It would definitely be a great gift to him some day in the future.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:52:14 +0000

I find it helps to choose a different audience periodically. Write for your son, or your parents, or your friends, or your neighbors, or your partner. Start with "Dear [name]" if that helps change your frame of mind. You can strip that out later, and you can revise later, but you can't reconstruct the thoughts of the moment if you don't have something written down.

By: Andrea @SoOverDebt

Andrea @SoOverDebt — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:50:33 +0000

I bought a paper journal when I was pregnant with my son and wrote in it at least a few times a month until he was 6 years old. Then I switched to semi-annual updates. My plan is to give the journal to him on his 25th birthday, when (hopefully) he'll be mature enough to appreciate it.

Most of the entries were just milestones he reached, things going on with our family, funny things he said, etc. I can barely read through it without getting tears in my eyes - it's amazing how many things we forget over the years.

I think a journal is the best gift you can give - I wish my parents would have done something similar for me.

By: Meg

Meg — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:42:54 +0000

My mom did a paper journal for each of us when we were little. I think her intention was to keep it going past when we were a couple years old, but she sort of stopped after a while. (There were 4 of us, I don't blame her.) Anyway, they are just precious to read. I like seeing her handwriting, her style of writing (like she is talking to us), and the different dates and entries. I am totally for a journal! She included funny things we did, her frustrations, nice thoughts she had about us, etc. It just paints a much more interesting and complex picture than the date we first walked or our first word!