The only way to become a better writer is to write more. But how do you interest a reluctant child in the dreaded pencil and paper? One technique that works is to set aside a short period each day in which you and your child both write in your respective journals. To get your child started, you can suggest interesting topics: The Day I Was Very Angry; What I Would Do With A Million Dollars; Three Things That I Think Should Be Changed At School; My Idea Of A Perfect Birthday Party; The Funniest Thing I Ever Did; My Mother Is Silly Because.... If you keep it short (a mere 10 minutes), and work along with your child, allowing him or her to see that writing can involve errors (messy handwriting, crossing out, making mistakes), there is a good chance that your child will begin to approach the written word with a more positive attitude.