Entering motherhood is like experiencing this whole new world where you don’t know quite what’s going on all the time, but you do know that it’s with this tiny human you love. And, as a new mom, it can be hard to really dig in and find a hobby to enjoy – that doesn’t require too much time away from your new baby. Journaling is one of my absolute favorites to recommend as a hobby for moms, and there are tons of journal prompts for new moms that help you find peace and clarity during your day.
Journaling is one thing that doesn’t need to be complicated – you can write as little or as much as you want. You don’t have a set time frame either, you can write in the morning, afternoon, or even before bed. This is why journaling in general is such an excellent hobby for moms to have and start.
Let’s take a look at some of our favorite journal prompts for new moms:
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How Do I Start Journaling as a New Mom?
The very first step in journaling as a new mom is to pick a journal. While it might seem easy on the surface – and your local dollar tree or Amazon should have plenty in stock – you’ll find that you like some styles MORE than others. Plus, who doesn’t prefer one that’s a little bit aesthetically pleasing over a traditional composition notebook?
Personally, I’ve always had to purchase a notebook or journal that appealed to my eye, it’s what becomes a visual reminder to keep journaling. You also have to keep in mind the actual pages you’ll be using. For example, do you want a dotted journal, a lined journal, a college-lined journal, or maybe even a blank journal?
I suggest starting with a small, lined notebook like one of these:
If you’re not a physical notebook kind of person, you can always try a digital notebook! Digital notebooks are great when you have an IPad or you want to journal using your phone – something that you tend to keep with you 24/7 and would be easy to reach as a busy new mom.
Whichever journaling method you choose, you can always change it later! From what you’re journaling in or with, to what you’re journaling about, you can change at any moment. Journaling is VERY adaptable to what you need at the moment, unlike other hobbies that require you to stick with a singular theme until the project is complete.
Journal Prompts for New Moms to Try Right Now!
Now that we’ve covered the essentials of learning how to journal (or at least getting a journal), it’s time to dive into some of our favorite journal prompts for new moms. As a new mom, you’re likely working on finding the “new routine” and adapting to the “new you.” You have a baby who now depends on you for their existence along with your ever-changing lifestyle and body.
In this list of simple journal prompts for new moms, you’ll find journal prompts that touch a little bit on each subject. You can pick and choose the one that best suits you today (or tomorrow) or go ahead and have them prepped and ready in your journal:
- What are three things you wished you would have known as a new mother?
- How did you choose your child’s name? Is there a deeper meaning?
- What is a quote that really resonates with you right now?
- List one thing you love about this time in your life.
- What is something that made you laugh today?
- What do you love about your postpartum body?
- What is your favorite time of day right now?
- Who have you been able to lean on during this time? Are you surprised?
- List three things that amaze you in this first period of motherhood.
- What is a piece of advice you would pass on to another mom?
- What’s one thing that you love about yourself?
- How does being a mother make you feel? What is something you love and something you fear?
- List one thing about your child that made you smile today.
- What is something you’re grateful for right now?
- What is something that you can do (or did) today to prioritize your healing?
- How were you able to adapt to being a new mom?
- Who is a mom that you look up to? Why?
- How has becoming a mother changed you?
- What is one thing you wish for your child in the future?
- List three things that you feel are “out of your control” right now.
- What is something you learned about motherhood today?
- How would you suggest another new mom feel confident?
- Do you feel like you’re taking care of yourself?
- What’s one thing you would like to change about your day?
- What is something you’re struggling with right now? Is there anything you can do about it?
- List three “little things” you value right now thanks to your new baby.
- What is the scariest moment of being a mom?
- Is there anything you miss after becoming a mom?
- How have your relationships changed after having your child?
Looking for more journal prompts that go beyond “being a new mom?” Here are 21 Mom Journal Prompts to Feel More Confident!
How Do I Keep Up With Journaling?
Let’s get real for a second, it’s hard to keep up with ANYTHING as a new mom. Journaling will likely be no different. If you want to “keep up” with journaling, you have to find and make time for your hobbies. Depending on what hobby you want to do, you’ll need to find more time to dedicate to it. Luckily, as I mentioned before, journaling doesn’t take up much time and is very adaptable when it comes to your schedule.
Journaling will fit wherever it needs to and it doesn’t require any maintenance, so don’t stress it if you miss a day or two (or even a week). You can get back to the habit by picking out a journal prompt that inspires or connects with you that day and picking one out for tomorrow – which gets rid of the “what to write” paralysis that can come with journaling.
And, if it turns out you don’t like journaling and that’s why you can’t keep up with it, that’s fine! Don’t feel pressured to keep up with a hobby that doesn’t bring you joy. Choose something else instead. There are tons of hobbies that are perfect for moms (and new moms) to try!
What are some journal prompts that you think would be perfect for new moms? Let me know in the comments below!