100 Positive Prompts to Stay Mindful

Parenting is wild, right? Some days I feel stuck in a loop of tantrums, timeouts, and mountains of laundry. But there’s also so much joy – the giggles, snuggles and special moments. Still, being a parent can be draining at times. That’s why keeping a journal has been so helpful for both my wife and why I chose to think up 100 of my own journaling prompts designed just for parents.

Let me tell you, journaling has done wonders for my soul. It helps me destress, focus on the positives, and be more mindful. I know, finding time to journal with little ones running around isn’t easy. But carving out even 10 minutes makes a big difference.

Want to give it a try? Here are 100 of my favorite, super positive journal prompts just for parents. I always keep a Lined Journal NoteBook handy to jot down my reflections.

For a notebook that includes self guided prompts, the Big Life Journal is pretty awesome. It has different versions for kids as well as adults.

Lined Journal Notebook

Check Price

My Top 100 Journaling Prompts

What I Love Most About My Kiddo

1. What quirky little thing does your child do that cracks you up?
2. What new talents or skills have you noticed lately?
3. What recent accomplishments made you bust-your-buttons proud?
4. When does their belly laugh fill you with pure joy?
5. What funny made-up words or phrases are they saying now?
6. How do they show compassion for others?
7. What parts of yourself do you see in them?
8. Which of their curious questions catch you off guard?
9. What do you hope they accomplish in the coming year?
10. What positive affirmation could you give them?

I could go on and on of course! Focusing on their humor, compassion, strengths – it does this daddy’s heart good. And balances out the challenges, am I right? As they say, the days are long, but the years are short.

Favorite Memories

11. What’s one of your most treasured memories together?
12. Tell me about a family vacation that meant the world.
13. What traditions does your kiddo look forward to each year?
14. Don’t you love hearing the hilarious things they said as a toddler?
15. What songs do you belt out together on car rides?
16. What arts, crafts or science projects have you enjoyed doing together?
17. Tell the story of a time you couldn’t stop laughing together.
18. What life lessons do you hope your child gains from your family traditions?
19. When did you feel especially bonded during snuggle time?
20. What milestone or achievement made you super proud?

Self-Care Saved Me

21. What recharges you? Bubble baths? Massages? Cozy slippers?
22. Who’s part of your parenting village – your crew?
23. How do you squeeze in self-care between packed schedules?
24. What boundaries keep you present, not glued to your phone?
25. When do you give yourself permission for me-time?
26. What healthy habits allow you to be your best self?
27. What’s one small treat you can build into your week?
28. Which relaxing activities help you destress?
29. How can you be more mindful and present with your kiddo?
30. What inspiring books or resources boost your parenting skills?

Gratitude Grounds Me

31. What milestone are you so grateful your child reached this year?
32. How has parenting expanded your capacity for love?
33. What about your child makes you smile every day?
34. How has your child inspired you or expanded your perspective?
35. Who’s been an unexpected source of parenting support?
36. What family traditions mean the world to you?
37. What positive qualities are you seeing your child develop?
38. What values are you grateful to instill in your child?
39. What simple joys of family life do you appreciate more now?
40. How has parenting increased your patience?

Lessons Learned

41. What’s been your proudest mama or daddy moment so far?
42. How has your kiddo inspired you to grow?
43. What knowledge have you gained about child development?
44. How has parenting required more emotional intelligence from you?
45. What spiritual lessons has parenting brought you?
46. How has parenthood changed your perspective on family?
47. What pre-parenting judgments have you let go of?
48. How has parenting made you more comfortable asking for help?
49. What boundaries have you learned to set?
50. How has parenting increased your creativity and flexibility?

Appreciating the Journey

51. How has parenting taught you unconditional love?
52. How has becoming a parent expanded your capacity for empathy?
53. How has your concept of family evolved since having kids?
54. What qualities have you observed in other parents you’d like to emulate?
55. How has parenthood required you to be more patient and laid-back?
56. How are you becoming more confident as your child grows?
57. What doubts about parenting have you overcome?
58. How has your perspective on your own upbringing changed?
59. How has parenting taught you about your strengths and weaknesses?
60. What’s one thing you’ve learned about enjoying life from your child?

Nurturing Your Bond

61. What’s your favorite memory of reading books together?
62. What songs do you enjoy singing together?
63. What’s a perfect weekend morning routine together?
64. What arts, crafts or science projects have you enjoyed doing together?
65. What life lessons do you hope your child gains from family traditions?
66. What makes your child’s laugh totally contagious?
67. What small moments of connection do you treasure?
68. How do you nurture your relationship as they grow?
69. What quotes or words inspire you about parenting?
70. How do you instill a love of learning in your child?

Learning As We Go

71. What advice do you have for new parents?
72. What’s something you know now about parenting that you wish you’d known then?
73. How has parenting taught you it’s ok to make mistakes?
74. What struggle made you dig deep and discover your inner strength?
75. When have you felt parenting was especially hard? How did you cope?
76. How has parenting taught you not to judge others’ choices?
77. What’s been the most surprising or unexpected part of parenting for you?
78. How has parenting challenged any preconceived notions you had?
79. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned on this journey?
80. How has parenting changed you for the better?

Pausing for Gratitude

81. What about your child makes you smile every day?
82. How has your child pleasantly surprised you lately?
83. How has parenting expanded your capacity for unconditional love?
84. What simple family joys do you appreciate more now?
85. What do your kids teach you about enjoying life?
86. For what milestones or memories are you grateful this year?
87. Who has been an unexpected source of support or inspiration?
88. What are you grateful grandparents or extended family provide?
89. How has becoming a parent strengthened your relationship?
90. What are you grateful for about your partner’s role as a parent?

Self-Care Recharges Me

91. What self-care practices best fill your cup?
92. What recharges you when you feel depleted?
93. How can you be gentle with yourself in tough moments?
94. What healthy habits allow you to be your best?
95. How do you give yourself permission for guilt-free me-time?
96. Who is part of your parenting village – your support crew?
97. What inspiring books or resources boost your skills?
98. What boundaries do you need to set for family time?
99. How can you use small pockets of time just for you?
100. What simple pleasure could you build into your week?

Download The Journaling Prompts for Easy Viewing

There you have it – 100 prompts to appreciate your kiddo, make time for yourself, cultivate gratitude, and reflect on the wild ride of parenting. I’d love to hear which resonate with you! And be sure to download this list for your own journaling.

Hey there! I'm Allen, but you can call me "The Corny Dad" from Canada. I have a wife and four kiddos. Yep, one's full grown, but they'll always be my babies. When I'm not doing something with my family or playing video games, I'm here, jotting down my bits of wisdom on this blog. From the fun stuff to the parenting chaos, I cover it all. Believe me, with the right attitude, parenting's a smoother ride and I'm here to help.