The Parenting Mistake Journal

It simply is nature that mistakes come with parenting. Part of being a good parent is learning from those mistakes, so the same ones don't happen over and over. It can come in handy to keep a written record of those mistakes that can easily be referenced if need be. As a seasoned parent, I have come up with many parenting ideas. Some have been successful and some have not. That's just par for the course. The Mistake Journal is one of my favorite ideas that I've had over the years and I'd love for other parents to be able to utilize this one as well.

What Is a Parenting Mistake Journal?

A parenting mistake journal is like an organized diary. It's a way to keep track of parenting issues that you feel you may have handled better with a different strategy. Each time parenting strategies are employed that do not seem to work as planned, they can be written about in the parenting mistake journal. On that same note, remember also to keep track of things that do work.

Why Use A Parenting Mistake Journal?

A parenting mistake journal provides easy access to past mistakes. This can help solve related or similar future issues that may come up. By having situations written down, you can remember exactly what happened before, as well as what did and did not work. This can help to implement new or improved strategies to strengthen the chances of a more positive outcome.

When Should I Write In My Parenting Mistake Journal?

Anytime a parenting strategy does not have the expected results is a great time to use the parenting mistake journal. When doing so, remember also to write down ideas on why you feel the strategy may not have worked out, as well as how it may have been more successful.

Should I Share My Parenting Mistake Journal?

The answer to this question depends on the circumstance, as well as how comfortable you may feel doing so. In some instances, it can be good to admit to your kids that you've made a mistake, as well as let it be known how you intend to solve it. This can foster acceptance of mistakes in the kids, as well as the desire to resolve them. Sharing your parenting mistake journal can be a great way to open up discussion in some situations. As the parent, it is your responsibility to decide what is and is not a good situation in which to share your parenting mistake journal.

How Do I Learn From My Parenting Mistake Journal?

By going back and rereading the parenting mistake journal, parents can learn from past mistakes. Think about what did not work before and why. Reflect on that and come up with a new plan, based on what you know from before. Organization is key to making the most of your parenting mistake journal. This way, it will be much simpler to find answers on short notice, if need be.

How Can I Make My Parenting Mistake Journal Easier To Reference?

Entries can be organized by topics or by dates. I find that topic organization is the best way to organize something like this. A binder is a great thing to use as a parenting mistake journal, as pages can be moved where necessary. Labeled tabs or separators can be placed to mark topics. Some topics might be hitting, cursing, tantrums, refusing chores, homework frustration, etc. Each parent can choose their own topics based on necessity. Those are just some examples of what someone might choose.

Will Some People Be Offended By My Parenting Mistake Journal?

It is possible that some may be offended by what you write in your parenting mistake journal. If you feel this is a possibility with your family, either keep your parenting mistake journal private or word it in such a way that will still allow you to learn and grow, but is more attentive to the feelings of others.

How Can I Make My Parenting Mistake Journal a Keepsake?

Some parents may choose to make a keepsake of their parenting mistake journal. When the children are grown, this can be a unique and interesting way to share parenting lessons and memories. It also could be great for grown children to use as a reference when they have their own ideas. There are scrapbooks that are designed in three-ring binder style, but can be beautifully decorated. These would make for a lovely parenting mistake journal that would double as a keepsake. Remember that decorations can be added later, after you have written the parenting mistake journal. Pages can be taken out of the original journal and placed in anew one for decoration. There are many ways to do this. Be creative.

More on Mistakes:

Forgive Your Own Mistakes by jpsixbear

Positive Parenting Tips: Thought #52 by Momie Tullottes

Parenting Tips: Letting Your Children Learn From Their Mistakes by Yvonne Jayne

*For more positive parenting tips, click on the author's AC byline or read her book Positive Parenting Tips for Every Week of the Year.