Clare Sheeran

I created the Soak in the Sunshine journal as I believe that the mental health of children is so important, especially in those early formative years.

I also believe that children are often so wise and insightful, which is why I included quotes from the young people in the journal!

I am often asked ‘My child has the journal but he/she doesn’t really know what to write?’ Firstly, there are no right or wrong ways of doing it, but here are a few ideas:

1. Weekly reflection/statement

I think if they only use one part of the journal, it is the reflection or statement about their week. This encourages the child to reflect on a positive part of their week, or feel grateful for something that happened that week. It also encourages them to think about fun things they enjoy, such as ‘What is your favourite song?’..

• Record daily events for later reference

It might just be as simple as writing about events that happened that day, so when they look back when they are older they can remember!

• Doodle

Some young people might just want to use the doodle section of the journal –  they might feel more comfortable drawing a picture about their week or how they are feeling.

• Arm yourself with words of wisdom

Use the quotes from other young people in the journal for peer-to-peer inspiration and advice. It might just change how they behave or how they feel about something!

• Take notes on things you read, hear and watch

They might want to use the journal to jot down notes on things that they have read, heard or watched that has made an impression on them.

I would encourage you to pass on these tips to your child, or ask them how they intend to use the journal! Please feel free to let me know at hello@soakinthesunshine.com

The title of the journal ‘Soak in the Sunshine’ is derived from part of a quote from Ava, aged 11.

Ava’s quote was one of many contributions of quotes from children to be added into the journal.

I felt it was important to include quotes FROM children, as children or young people often say things about life that are really smart and insightful! It is also peer to peer inspiration and advice for kids using the journal.

Here I have a quick chat with Ava.

Tell us a little bit about your quote: My quote is about how friends are like sunshine. They should make you happy and bright. My quote is, “Friends are like sunshine. If they make you happy, stay there and soak it in. If they don’t, move to another spot and find the sunshine there.” I truly believe that friends are one of the most important things in life, because friends are the family you choose.

Is there another quote in the journal that you particularly like: 

I really love two quotes in particular- one was very simple, it says, “Small steps can lead to a big change.” I love that because it’s very true. For instance, if you turn off your lights when you aren’t using them, or if you walk somewhere instead of driving, those things can reduce your carbon footprint. You can do small things to impact the world around you. The other quote that I liked was, “Every day has its high points and its low points; but why is it that we only focus on the low points… we need to remember the high points as they make us happy.” This quote spoke to me as well because whenever I have a bad point in a great day, I always let the bad point ruin the whole day. We need to remember the good, as well as the bad.

How will you use the journal: I think I will use the journal as an outlet to share my thoughts, and to see how I grow over the time that it takes to fill up the journal. I also love the doodle portion, so I think that I’ll use that a lot as well.

Do you think having this journal is a good idea: I think that this journal is a great idea, because it can give kids a chance to write about their thoughts and feelings. The questions prompted give kids great things to think about, and seeing quotes written by other kids is a nice motivation as well.