100 Journal Prompts to write to your child before they leave for college

As a mom who’s launched 4 kids of my own to college, I want to recommend that you get a journal when your child starts high school. This will provide such a sweet and unique gift for them for graduation from high school. It is something they will value and cherish forever. I’m sure you’ll have many more pages than this but here are 10o ideas to get you started.

Here are 100 journal essay prompts for you to fill out before your child graduates, along with advice for your child before going to college:

1. Reflect on your child’s growth and development over the years. What are some memorable milestones?
2. Describe your proudest moment as a parent.
3. Share a lesson you hope your child carries with them into adulthood.
4. Write about a challenge your family faced and how you overcame it together.
5. What are your hopes and dreams for your child’s future?
6. What advice do you have for your child as they embark on their college journey?
7. Share a favorite family tradition and why it’s meaningful to you.
8. Describe a time when your child made you laugh uncontrollably.
9. Write a letter to your child expressing your love and support.
10. What are some values you hope your child upholds in college and beyond?
11. Share a piece of advice your own parent gave you that you still hold dear.
12. Reflect on a difficult decision you had to make as a parent and how it impacted your child.
13. Write about a family vacation that brought you closer together.
14. Describe a hobby or interest your child has that you admire.
15. Share a favorite memory of your child from their childhood.
16. Write about a time when your child surprised you with their maturity.
17. What are some goals you have for your child in college and beyond?
18. Reflect on the role of education in your family’s values.
19. Write a letter to your child’s future self, offering advice and encouragement.
20. Share a funny story from your child’s childhood that always makes you smile.
21. Describe a teacher or mentor who had a significant impact on your child.
22. What are some challenges you faced as a parent that you hope your child can avoid?
23. Reflect on your child’s friendships and how they have influenced their growth.
24. Write about a time when your child showed great resilience in the face of adversity.
25. Share a piece of wisdom you learned from your own parents that you pass on to your child.
26. Describe a time when your child demonstrated leadership qualities.
27. Write about a family tradition you hope your child continues in college and beyond.
28. Reflect on your child’s academic achievements and how they have evolved over time.
29. What are some important life skills you hope your child learns in college?
30. Share a favorite book or movie that has shaped your parenting philosophy.
31. Write a letter to your child’s future roommate, sharing insights about your child.
32. Reflect on the role of extracurricular activities in your child’s development.
33. What are some values you hope your child’s college instills in them?
34. Share a piece of advice you wish someone had given you before you became a parent.
35. Describe a time when your child demonstrated compassion towards others.
36. Write about a family mealtime tradition and why it’s important to your family.
37. Reflect on the role of technology in your child’s upbringing.
38. What are some important life lessons you hope your child learns in college?
39. Share a favorite family recipe and the memories associated with it.
40. Write a letter to your child’s favorite teacher, expressing gratitude for their impact.
41. Reflect on your child’s career aspirations and how you can support them.
42. What are some ways you plan to stay connected with your child while they’re in college?
43. Share a piece of advice you received as a young adult that you still value today.
44. Describe a time when your child showed empathy towards someone in need.
45. Write about a family holiday tradition and why it’s meaningful to your family.
46. Reflect on the role of family values in shaping your child’s character.
47. What are some skills you hope your child develops in college to prepare them for the future?
48. Share a favorite family outing and the memories you cherish from it.
49. Write a letter to your child’s future employer, highlighting their strengths and qualities.
50. Reflect on your child’s resilience in the face of academic challenges.
51. What are some ways you plan to support your child’s mental health in college?
52. Share a piece of advice you received from a grandparent that you cherish.
53. Describe a time when your child showed great courage in a difficult situation.
54. Write about a family tradition that celebrates your cultural heritage.
55. Reflect on the role of sports or athletics in your child’s development.
56. What are some important financial lessons you hope your child learns in college?
57. Share a favorite family vacation and the memories you treasure from it.
58. Write a letter to your child’s future spouse, sharing insights about your child.
59. Reflect on your child’s involvement in community service and its impact on their character.
60. What are some values you hope your child’s college community upholds?
61. Share a piece of advice you received from a mentor that has stuck with you.
62. Describe a time when your child demonstrated perseverance in pursuit of a goal.
63. Write about a family tradition that involves giving back to the community.
64. Reflect on the role of faith or spirituality in your child’s upbringing.
65. What are some skills you hope your child gains in college to navigate the world?
66. Share a favorite family outing and the memories you treasure from it.
67. Write a letter to your child’s future child, offering insights into their parent’s upbringing.
68. Reflect on your child’s leadership roles in school or extracurricular activities.
69. What are some important lessons you hope your child learns about diversity and inclusion?
70. Share a piece of advice you received from a friend that has influenced your parenting.
71. Describe a time when your child showed kindness towards a stranger.
72. Write about a family tradition that celebrates milestones and achievements.
73. Reflect on the role of arts or creativity in your child’s development.
74. What are some values you hope your child’s college education instills in them?
75. Share a favorite family recipe and the memories you associate with it.
76. Write a letter to your child’s future boss, highlighting their strengths and work ethic.
77. Reflect on your child’s involvement in environmental or social causes.
78. What are some important life skills you hope your child learns in college?
79. Share a piece of advice you received from a teacher that has guided your parenting.
80. Describe a time when your child showed humility in a moment of success.
81. Write about a family tradition that involves volunteering or helping others.
82. Reflect on the role of travel or cultural experiences in your child’s upbringing.
83. What are some values you hope your child’s college community prioritizes?
84. Share a favorite family vacation and the memories you cherish from it.
85. Write a letter to your child’s future in-laws, sharing insights about your child.
86. Reflect on your child’s involvement in cultural or religious activities.
87. What are some important lessons you hope your child learns about personal responsibility?
88. Share a piece of advice you received from a sibling that has impacted your parenting.
89. Describe a time when your child showed generosity towards others.
90. Write about a family tradition that celebrates the importance of education.
91. Reflect on the role of technology in your child’s learning experiences.
92. What are some values you hope your child’s college education reinforces?
93. Share a favorite family outing and the memories you treasure from it.
94. Write a letter to your child’s future friends, sharing insights about your child.
95. Reflect on your child’s participation in academic or creative competitions.
96. What are some important lessons you hope your child learns about self-care?
97. Share a piece of advice you received from a coach that has influenced your parenting.
98. Describe a time when your child showed resilience in the face of a setback.
99. Write about a family tradition that involves celebrating achievements, big or small.
100. Reflect on your child’s academic journey and the role you played in supporting them.

These journal essay prompts can help parents reflect on their parenting journey and provide valuable insights and advice for their child’s transition to college.

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