It’s official. Children who keep a daily journal feel happier and more creative. This is according to a recent study carried out by the National Literary Trust, who surveyed 70,000 children on their reading and writing habits and concluded that 1 in 2 children believe writing helps them feel relaxed, 2 in 5 children said it made them feel happier and more confident, while 1 in 3 children who write in a diary said it helps them deal with problems and feel better.
My First Smythson Soho Diary in Panama, £175, Smythson
Inspired by this exciting and heartening research, Smythson, who have been creating their signature pale blue Featherweight paged diaries since 1887, have launched their very first diary for children, called My First Smythson. Aimed at 8-11 year olds, the diary is designed to encourage positive and motivational associations with writing from a young age, ultimately helping to have a positive impact on children’s mental health.
We have to say this diary is absolutely beautiful – a leather-bound tangerine dream, finished with a flourish of grosgrain rainbow ribbons that will make the daily ritual of writing and drawing a moment to cherish. Inside, the pages are just as uplifting and cleverly designed with plenty of playful, thought-provoking prompts and activities, such as writing a letter to your future self and listing what makes you smile. The accompanying illustrations are fun and exciting, providing plenty of space for young diarists to add their own notes and drawings, creating the perfect outlet for feelings, stories and anecdotes. We can see this diary being dipped into for many months or even longer and the finished result is guaranteed to be a cherished time capsule of life as a child.
The National Literary Trust also confirmed through their research, that children who write in a diary also engage in other forms of creative writing in their free time; 1 in 2 diary writers explained that they also write letters (52.5%) and stories (49.7%) in their free time, while nearly 1 in 3 (31.8%) write poems. For children who want to put pen to paper and then have the satisfaction of posting their bon mots, Smythson have also created some beautiful stationery sets that anyone, big or small, would love to receive.
