Helping your child cope with stress through daily expressive journaling

News Brief: Help Your Child Cope with Stress Through Daily Expressive Journaling
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If your child has been exposed to stress within your family, finding healthy ways to process their feelings is essential. A simple yet powerful tool--daily expressive journaling—can make a significant difference. Encouraging your child to write or draw for just 15 to 20 minutes each day provides a safe, calming space for them to express emotions, reduce anxiety, and build resilience.

Learn how creating a supportive journaling routine can help your child feel connected, understood, and less overwhelmed during challenging times. Discover practical tips and see an example of how to introduce and set up an expressive journal for your child. Visit Expressive Journaling to explore more and empower your child with a meaningful way to cope, connect, and find comfort in difficult times.

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References

• Baikie, Karen A., and Kay Wilhelm. 2005. “Emotional and Physical Health Benefits of Expressive Writing.” Advances in Psychiatric Treatment 11(5):338–46. doi: 10.1192/apt.11.5.338.
• Hu, C. S., Zhang, H., Hu, L., Nadiiev, A., Yan, J., & Liu, M. (2024). Efficacy of positive expressive writing in reducing depression and social anxiety symptoms among schoolchildren during COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of health psychology, 13591053241295446. Advance online publication.
• Pennebaker, James W., and Sandra K. Beall. 1986. “Confronting a Traumatic Event: Toward an Understanding of Inhibition and Disease.” Journal of Abnormal Psychology 95(3):274–81. doi: 10.1037/0021-843x.95.3.274.
• Travagin, G., Margola, D., & Revenson, T. A. (2015). How effective are expressive writing interventions for adolescents? A meta-analytic review. Clinical psychology review, 36, 42–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2015.01.003
• Watson, Renee, M. Ratini, and Melinda Murray Ratini, eds. 2023. “Journaling for Emotional Wellness.” Nationwide Children’s.