Lifestyle bloggerLifestyle blogger
Motherhood is often a maze of memorable moments and late-night feedings, and there’s no better way to share mom’s life than through your very own guided memory journal. Designed as a forever keepsake, this isn’t just a journal; it’s a lifetime opportunity to pass down your wisdom, love, and stories to your own children. Here’s what should go in this special hardback edition:
I want my kids to understand what it was like when I was a young person – the things I did, the clothes I wore, and who my friends were. You should take your kids on a trip through time, back to when you were a young person exploring the world one mud pie at a time. And this isn’t just storytelling; it’s time travel via ink and paper!
This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
I take great pride in promoting tools and resources that I personally love and have tried!
If it’s so long ago, that you don’t remember every detail that’s ok. But there has to be some special moments that you do remember. I can remember having a “boyfriend” at 5 years old. LOL. It was a neighbor whose mom happen to be close to my mom. So naturally, her son and I we played together. For me, it’s just fun going back in time and being able to share them with my kids. Delve into those hilarious ‘fashion choices’ you made, including that phase when you wouldn’t leave the house without your treasured superhero cape. I didn’t have a superhero, but in my earlies years I wanted to be one of Charlie’s Angels. Let your kids see the young, adventurous spirit that’s still a part of you.
But go deeper than just the ‘what’; capture the ‘why’ and ‘how’ too. What made those years significant to you? How did your own parents, friends, and even childhood pets shape the person you’ve become? These emotional layers add a rich texture to your stories and offer your children insight into the multi-dimensional woman they call Mom. I believe it’s vital to share both the positive and negative experiences that have occurred. Since we’re all human, nobody can claim they’ve had a flawless life. We’re all imperfect. Being truthful helps individuals handle life, including both the good and tough moments.
This section can also be a treasure trove of life lessons you learned in your early years. What did standing up to your first bully teach you about courage? How did failing to win the school talent show help you appreciate the joy of taking part? These stories are more than just entertaining yarns; they’re the building blocks of your character, documented for future generations.
With vivid details, poignant quotes, and your own unique flair, paint a vivid picture of the world you grew up in. I grew up in the 1960s, and my parents tried to protect me from racism. I had friends of different races, both Black and White, but I had to handle racist comments from some of my friends who must have heard them from their parents.
You are not just filling pages in a journal; you’re crafting a legacy. You’re sharing pieces of life advice, personal stories, and a treasure trove of special memories that can serve as both entertainment and guidance for your kids as they navigate their own early childhood adventures. So sit down, uncork that pen, and let the memories flood in. Trust me, your kids will thank you for it someday. 🌟
Open up about your own teenage escapades, mistakes, and life lessons. They’ll appreciate your candor and maybe even heed some advice.
This is the chapter where you show your kids that yes, even Mom was a teenager once, complete with awkward phases, heartbreaks, and maybe a questionable hairstyle or two. Let them in on the friendships that shaped you, the pranks you may have pulled, and the dreams you had at their age.
It’s not just a trip down memory lane; it’s a way to show them that you’ve faced similar challenges and thrived. And if you include the story about the time you tried to sneak out and epically failed, well, that’s just a bonus lesson in the fine art of being a teen, right? 🌟
In this section, don’t hesitate to share the tales that bring a smile to your face or maybe even a tear to your eye—like your first job, the backpacking trip that opened your eyes to the world, or even your favorite family traditions. It’s these nuanced stories, from achievements to failures, that will offer your children an intimate, well-rounded understanding of who their mom really is.
Scatter thoughtful, life-shaping quotes throughout the journal. These golden nuggets of wisdom might just become their go-to mantras. Think of these quotes as the soundtrack to your life’s movie, setting the tone and offering nuggets of wisdom that help explain the ‘why’ behind the ‘what.’ 🌟
Who needs Ancestry.com when you can trace your lineage right there in your beautiful keepsake journal. Including a family tree offers your children a tangible connection to their heritage, adding another rich layer to your life’s narrative. 🌟
This is your chance to open up a treasure chest of memories and wisdom, and they’ll be all ears—or rather, eyes—when they get to read it. 🌟 Oh how I wished I had something like this from my mom!
A sturdy, shiny gloss cover not only makes the journal more durable but also gives it a polished, timeless look. Or just pick one up from the store or online.
Add a splash of color to every page. Make it as vibrant as the life you’re recording! Or just a simple lined notebook. What is most important is what you have to write about.
Let your words flow on paper that can stand the test of time, because this isn’t just a journal—it’s an heirloom. I think pictures would be a nice addition to the pages of your past.
Inject some fun with silly and entertaining writing prompts. Everyone loves a good laugh, and it breaks up the more serious sections. Whether it’s jotting down your most embarrassing moment or describing the perfect sandwich, these light-hearted prompts offer a whimsical pause in an otherwise weighty tome. Your kids will love discovering this side of you and, who knows, they might even take up the challenge and answer some of those prompts themselves! So go ahead, let your humor shine; it’s another facet of you that deserves the spotlight.
Write about those once-in-a-lifetime moments that both you and your kids will want to remember. First days of school, holidays, or maybe the day you became number-one fans of a silly TV show together. These are the snapshots of time that don’t just tell a story; they capture the essence of your family’s unique dynamic. They’re the stories that get told and retold at family gatherings, becoming a cherished part of your collective identity.
Include a section for goals and dreams, offering both you and your children a creative canvas to manifest your deepest desires. This isn’t just a wish list; it’s a testament to the limitless possibilities that life offers, capturing not only what you aspire to but also what you believe is achievable.
Share the story of how you met their other parent or talk about what love means to you. This personal account might just become their favorite love story ever.
Dedicate a section to discussing the unconditional love and support that only a mother can provide. It’s like an everlasting hug in written form.
Sprinkle in a few mindfulness exercises or thoughtful questions that encourage both you and your children to think deeper and appreciate the present moment.
Share stories of the people who have been your rock throughout life. This could include tales of your own parents, grandparents, or even close friends who have been like family. I only found out who my mom’s best friends were when she was young after she passed away. So make sure you give your kids all the details about your close friendships.
Include a section about your children’s grandparents. After all, they’re the ones who spoil them rotten and tell them embarrassing stories about you! My children didn’t have the opportunity to spend much time with their grandparents because they passed away when they were young. That’s why it’s important to pass on their history.
Add a creative twist with interactive prompts where they can contribute their own thoughts or even co-write certain sections with you. It’s a fun way to get them involved and make it a collective family story.
Creating a memory journal about your life is really about the simple act of putting pen to paper, not the fanciness of the journal itself. What you write holds the value, not the high-quality paper or gloss cover. This will be a cherished gift for your kids and maybe even future generations. By adding more sections, you’re not just listing life events; you’re opening the door for deep conversations and sharing the kind of love and wisdom only a mom can offer. So, grab a pen and whatever notebook you have, and start writing. Your kids will appreciate it in countless ways down the line.
22 replies on “Mom’s Lifetime Memory Journal”
Amazing idea. I would even consider making a short film about my childhood. If my kids are interested of course. Thanks for the idea and for sharing your experience!
This is a great idea! I think it’s super helpful for a child to see through their parents eyes a bit. I know it helped me to decide what I wanted to be growing up 🙂
I have been keeping a journal/blog since I was a teen. Once I got married and started having children, the blog was great for remembering cute antics and growth-related moments. It is definitely a treasure for our family now.
Totally agree to journal the moments. I have experiences that I wish I had jotted down, and now that I journal, I really appreciate it! 🙂
Oh yeah, it makes a difference!
Great post, I did enjoy reading it. I have always wanted to share my childhood stories with my kids when I do have one just as my mom did. Thank you for sharing!
Welcome and thanks for reading!
I love this idea! I’ve kept journals for years, but it would be great to have something easier to look through for my kids one day. And I’d love to have this kind of keepsake from my own mom! Thank you for sharing!
Welcome!
This is a beautiful idea!! And it’s something that can be passed down through the generations much like the family bibles down south with family names written in them.
Thank you!
I love the idea of a memory journal. It’s so great to keep life’s moments documented and remembered.
I love this idea! I’ve been using the Happy Planner memory keeper but should have another one for this purpose.
It’s so funny, I am well into adulthood and sometimes I have to remind myself my parents were totally different people before me.
What a great idea. While I journal fairly regularly, I never thought about making a memory journal like this. My kid is in his teens now but I’m sure I can jot down some things I remember from years ago so I can make one of these.
Thoughtful ideas here. I’ve often considered doing something of this nature but I have been hesitant. I guess If I write it, they will read it…maybe? LOL. I guess I could ask them if they are interested. I have three children. Maybe one would be. These are really great ideas on what to include.
Great idea! It would be a great way to share or, in this case, leave a legacy behind to share with all generations. I sought to start a tradition.
Thanks for the tips.
Welcome!
I love this so much! I feel very strongly that we need to tell our stories, in our own voice. I lost my Grandmother in 2020 and it hit me hard how little I knew about her life, and about her as a person, other than a grandmother. It is one of the reasons I started my business to help others save their photo memories and share their stories! Great blog! Thanks!
I agree. I wish I had my mother and grandmother’s story. I plan to make sure my kids know all about me by writing in my journal.
I love this idea. I’d love to travel time and show my youngin’ my old stompin grounds. 😆
I love how mindful these prompts are, they help you get much deeper!