creative writing ideas about family

46+ Family Writing Prompts: Chronicle Your Clan

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on August 14, 2023

Categories Writing

Isn’t it true that family is the heart of every story?

You’re about to delve into the world of family-themed writing prompts. We’ll explore their importance, variety, and how they can enhance your storytelling skills.

Whether you’ve got a little one eager to pen their first tale or you’re an educator seeking fresh ideas, these prompts will inspire creativity while strengthening familial bonds.

Let’s get those pens moving!

Key Takeaways

• Family writing prompts foster empathy, understanding, and dialogue within families.
• They enhance creative expression, improve communication skills, and promote literacy skills.
• Family writing prompts nurture empathy, emotional growth, and shape well-rounded individuals.
• They create lasting memories, improve familial bonding, and provide insights into children’s thinking process.

46 Family Writing Prompts

Childhood memories:.

• What is your fondest childhood memory involving your family?
• What was the best family trip or vacation you took? What made it special?
• What family stories or legends do you know by heart? Why are they memorable?
• What was the most embarrassing family moment you can remember?
• What pets has your family had? What were they like?
• What is your funniest family memory?
• How did your family celebrate birthdays or other occasions?
• What were family reunions like when you were a child? What did you do?
• What funny or embarrassing habits did you have as a kid?
• What songs remind you of your childhood or family? Write about the memories they bring back.

Family Traditions and Rituals:

• Write about your favorite family tradition. Why is it meaningful to you?
• If you could add a new family tradition, what would it be?
• How does your family celebrate birthdays or other occasions?
• What cooking or food traditions does your family have? Any iconic recipes?
• What rituals and routines were part of your daily family life? What role did they play?

Family Relationships:

• Describe your family dynamic. What role do you play?
• Write a letter to a family member you wish you were closer with.
• What do you admire most about your parents or caregivers?
• Pick a family member and describe their unique quirks or personality.
• Describe your relationship with your siblings growing up. What were the highlights and low points?

Family Values and Lessons:

• What is the most important lesson your parents taught you?
• What is the most important value your family has taught you?
• If you could give advice to your younger self about family, what would it be?
• What life lessons or mottos do your parents live by? Do you agree with them?
• What values or ethics guided how your family dealt with money? How did this shape you?

Family History and Heritage:

• What is your family’s heritage? How has it influenced you?
• Are there any musicians, artists, or fictional characters that your family admires? Why?
• What family heirlooms, photos, or keepsakes do you treasure? What’s their history?
• What languages, dialects, or regional expressions were part of your family’s culture? Give examples.
• Did any family members immigrate to the U.S. or move from another region? What adjustments did they make?

Challenges and Hardships:

• What challenging experiences has your family overcome together?
• What health conditions or disabilities have affected your family? How did you face these challenges?
• What were the most difficult times your family went through? How did you cope?
• Did anyone in your family struggle with addiction or substance abuse? What was the impact?
• Write about a time your family fell apart. How did you heal and come back together?
• What is your most painful childhood memory from family life? How have you healed from it?

Hopes and Dreams:

• What are your hopes and dreams for your family in the future?
• How did your family support your talents, interests, or dreams as a kid?
• Who in your family inspired you to pursue your talents or career? Write about how they supported you.
• Looking back, what do you wish your family understood about you as a kid?

Family Structure and Dynamics:

• What unique roles does each family member play in your household?
• Were there any absent parents, divorces, or complex custody arrangements in your family? What was that like?
• What roles did each parent or caregiver play in the family dynamic? Were responsibilities divided equally?
• How did you and your siblings get along as kids? What were your fights about?
• Describe a time you felt a strong generation gap with older or younger relatives.

The Importance of Family-Themed Writing Prompts

It’s vital to understand that family-themed writing prompts aren’t just fun, they’re a tool for fostering empathy and understanding within families.

You see, these prompts can help you explore the cultural significance within your own family unit. Isn’t it amazing how different cultures have unique traditions and rituals? By writing about them, you can gain a deeper appreciation of your roots.

Don’t overlook generational differences either! Your grandparents’ stories may seem like tales from another world, but they’re an integral part of who you are today.

Writing prompts encourage dialogue between generations, promoting mutual respect and comprehension. So go ahead, give it a shot! It’s not just about creating stories; it’s about building bridges of understanding and love in your family.

Types of Family Writing Prompts

There’re various categories to choose from, such as traditional, blended or single parent themes. Each provides a unique lens for family dynamics exploration. Your task is to dive deep into the heart of these relationships, understanding their complexities and revealing their beauty.

Remember, it’s not just about describing events but showcasing how they affect each family member – especially the children. Generational storytelling techniques can be an amazing tool here; they allow you to delve into past experiences and display how they shape present circumstances.

Whether you’re exploring the struggles of a single parent or the harmony in a traditional family setting, always strive for empathy and insightfulness. This approach will help your readers connect more deeply with your characters and storylines.

How to Use Family Writing Prompts Effectively

You’re about to embark on an exciting journey of choosing relevant writing prompts that will ignite your child’s imagination and bring the whole family together.

It’s not just about picking a prompt, but also engaging every family member in this creative activity – transforming it into a fun, shared experience.

And remember, it’s crucial to review everyone’s work and provide constructive feedback; this will encourage growth, promote learning and make your child feel valued.

Choosing Relevant Prompts

We’ll need to focus on selecting prompts that are relevant and relatable to our family’s experiences. This process, known as prompt selection, is essential in understanding our unique family dynamics.

You should strive for prompts that spark curiosity and engage everyone, especially the children. Remember, it’s about their learning too. Try using prompts that foster open conversations about personal experiences or shared memories; they’re more likely to resonate with your young ones.

Don’t shy away from challenging topics either; they can be valuable teaching moments. Your goal is to create a nurturing environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings through writing.

So go ahead, dive into this journey of self-discovery together!

Engaging Family Participation

Engaging everyone’s participation can be a bit tricky, but it’s crucial for the success of your shared experience. Promoting inclusivity and encouraging storytelling is vital in this process.

Promoting Inclusivity

• Make sure the prompts are relatable to all family members. This fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and included.
• Give each person a turn to share their story. It not only promotes fairness but also makes every child feel special.
• Encouraging Storytelling
• Provide positive feedback and appreciation for every story told. Kids thrive on encouragement!
• Endorse creativity! No matter how wild or outlandish, let them explore their imagination.

Remember: Your goal is to create an inclusive environment that encourages storytelling within your family. And most importantly, have fun together!

Reviewing and Feedback

It’s important to offer constructive feedback and review each story shared to help everyone improve their storytelling skills. You’ll find that your family can learn so much from each other’s perspectives, especially the kids! The trick is in the method you use for feedback.

Remember, always be gentle – we’re focusing on growth, not criticism. Try using ‘I’ statements like ‘I liked how you interpreted the prompt’. This keeps things positive and encourages more openness in sharing stories.

For little ones who may struggle with prompt interpretation, make it a fun learning experience! Offer clues or ask leading questions to guide them along. Your goal? To foster a love of storytelling while building stronger bonds – all through a simple family activity!

Fun and Creative Family Writing Prompts

You’ll find these fun and creative family writing prompts not only improve writing skills but also strengthen familial bonds. Consider starting with family stories brainstorming, a process that involves everyone sharing memorable tales of laughter, courage, or even mishaps. This activity encourages openness and empathy amongst all members.

Now let’s talk about writing prompt games. These are wonderful tools for getting those young minds excited about writing. For example, try ‘Story Spin’, where one person starts a story based on a prompt, then the next person picks up where it left off. It’s not just fun; it’s a great way to foster creativity and listening skills!

Benefits of Using Family Writing Prompts

You know, scribbling a story together as a family isn’t just about putting pen to paper; it’s an intimate bonding experience that can strengthen your connections with each other.

It’s also an opportunity for your little ones to let their imaginations run wild and enhance their creative expression.

Through this shared activity, you’re not only creating wonderful memories but fostering a nurturing environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

Improves Familial Bonding

Engaging in these writing prompts together will certainly strengthen your family’s bond. It’s a fun and effective way to break down bonding barriers that might be lurking unseen.

You’ll find kids opening up, expressing their thoughts and feelings honestly, which sometimes isn’t easy.

Prompt customization allows you to cater to each child’s interests and level of understanding, making the experience more meaningful for them. This doesn’t just enhance their writing skills; it helps you understand them better too.

So grab a pen or hit those keyboard keys, let your creativity flow alongside your little ones. Remember, it’s not about creating perfect stories but building unforgettable moments as a family while learning from one another.

Enhances Creative Expression

Taking part in these activities will surely enhance your kids’ creative expression and might even surprise you with their imaginative ideas. Symbolic storytelling allows them to convey their thoughts and feelings through characters, settings, or events. It’s like peeking into their little minds – a treasure trove of originality.

Emotional articulation isn’t always easy for children. However, writing prompts foster an environment where they can express themselves freely. They’ll learn to navigate their emotions through words, which is an essential skill as they grow up.

Moreover, seeing them weave narratives from simple prompts could be quite an eye-opener for you too. You’d get insights about their thinking process and emotional landscape that aren’t usually apparent in everyday conversations. Remember, it’s not just about improving creative writing; it’s also about understanding your child better.

Personal Experiences With Family Writing Prompts

Recalling your personal experiences with family writing prompts, it’s clear they’ve played a significant role in enhancing your communication skills. You’ve seen first-hand how the impact of these prompts has made you articulate and express yourself better. Yet, you’ve faced some challenges too.

Prompts Impact : The questions about family history or shared memories have pushed you to dig deeper into your thoughts, opening up new perspectives.

Writing Challenges : Sometimes it’s hard to find the right words or structure your ideas coherently.

Learning Curve : But each challenge is also an opportunity for growth.

In this journey, remember that you’re not alone; many kids face similar struggles when they start exploring their creativity through writing. It’s all part of learning and growing — so keep pushing forward!

Educational Value of Family Writing Prompts

In terms of their educational value, it’s evident that these creative cues offer a unique method for children to explore and express their thoughts. They promote literacy skills in an engaging way. As you watch your child interact with family writing prompts, you’ll see their vocabulary expanding, grammar improving, and ideas flowing like never before.

But the benefits don’t stop at academics. These prompts also play a vital role in encouraging emotional growth. Through writing about family experiences, your child has the chance to process feelings and perspectives they might not have understood before. It’s an empowering process: giving them tools to express themselves while nurturing empathy for others’ experiences.

So remember, these prompts aren’t just about practicing penmanship – they’re shaping well-rounded little humans too!

Creating Your Own Family Writing Prompts

You’re probably wondering how to come up with your own engaging topics that will spark creativity and discussion within your household. Don’t fret, it’s simpler than you think! Prompt customization is key. This means taking general prompts and molding them to fit your family’s interests, experiences, or current events in your lives.

Use collaborative brainstorming as a fun activity where everyone can contribute ideas for new writing prompts. Remember, no idea is too silly or insignificant. You might be surprised at what your little ones can dream up!

This process not only cultivates the kids’ imaginative skills but also subtly teaches them about the value of their voices and opinions in a creative setting. Ultimately, creating your own family writing prompts becomes an enriching journey of discovery for everyone involved.

So, you see, family writing prompts aren’t just fun exercises. They’re tools to help your child explore their feelings and understand their place in the world.

Remember Joe? He struggled with expressing emotions until he started writing about his family’s adventures. Now, he’s happier and more confident.

So give these prompts a try – they could make a world of difference for your little one!

60 Fantastic and Fun Journal Prompts About Family

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Table of Contents

A list of 60 creative family journal prompts

Today’s topic is journal prompts about family . Family is the bedrock of our lives, shaping our experiences, values, and sense of self.

It’s within the tapestry of familial relationships that we often find the most profound opportunities for personal growth.

Whether you’re reflecting on your own family dynamics or seeking to understand your place within a broader network of loved ones, this collection of journal prompts about family will help you delve deeper into the complexities and joys of family life.

Grab your journal and a warm cup of tea, and let’s begin this enriching exploration together.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and purchase something I recommend, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

60 journal ideas about family

15 journal prompts for family conflict.

• Describe a recent disagreement or conflict within your family. How did it make you feel? What did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you felt misunderstood by a family member. How can you improve communication to avoid similar misunderstandings in the future?
• Write about a specific family rule or expectation that you find challenging. How does it impact your relationship with your family members? How can you navigate it more effectively?
• Share a positive outcome or lesson learned from a past family argument. How did it contribute to personal growth or strengthen relationships?
• Describe a time when you had conflicting opinions with a family member. How did you handle the situation? What did it teach you about compromise?
• Reflect on a past family conflict and identify any patterns or recurring themes. What steps can you take to break these patterns and promote healthier communication?
• Write a letter to a family member with whom you have an unresolved conflict. Express your feelings and desires for a resolution, and consider ways to initiate a conversation.
• Describe a conflict resolution strategy you can implement within your family to foster understanding and compromise.
• Reflect on the role of forgiveness in family conflicts. How has forgiveness played a part in your own experiences? How can it contribute to healing and growth within your family?
• Write about a time when you had to set boundaries within your family. How did it impact your relationship? What did you learn about self-care and personal boundaries?
• Reflect on a challenging family dynamic you have experienced. How can you approach it with empathy and understanding, fostering healthier interactions?
• Write about a time when you had to mediate a conflict between family members. How did you navigate the situation? What did you learn about effective communication and neutrality?
• Share a personal experience where you were able to de-escalate tension within your family. How did you do it? What were the positive outcomes?
• Write about a family value or belief that you strongly disagree with. How can you engage in respectful discussions while maintaining your own values?
• Reflect on a time when you made a mistake within your family. How did you take responsibility for your actions? What steps did you take to rebuild trust?

15 journal prompts for family relationships

• Describe a family member who has been a source of support and encouragement in your life. How have they made a positive impact on your personal growth?
• Reflect on a cherished memory with a family member. What made it special? How does it reflect the strength of your relationship?
• Write about a family tradition that holds deep meaning for you. How does it strengthen the bonds between family members?
• Share a valuable life lesson you have learned from observing the relationships between your family members.
• Describe a family member who inspires you and explain why. How can their qualities and actions influence your own aspirations and character?
• Reflect on a time when a family member provided you with wise advice or guidance. How did it shape your decisions and actions?
• Write a letter expressing gratitude to a family member who has had a significant positive impact on your life. Detail the specific ways they have influenced you and why you are grateful.
• Describe a family outing or activity that brought your family closer together. What made it enjoyable? How did it strengthen your bond?
• Reflect on a challenging period in your family’s history. How did your family navigate through it? What strengths or values emerged as a result?
• Write about a family celebration or milestone that holds a special place in your heart. How did it bring your family together? What memories do you cherish from that occasion?
• Reflect on a family member’s achievement or success that made you proud. How did their accomplishments impact the family dynamic and inspire others?
• Describe a family tradition that you would like to pass down to future generations. Why is it important to you? How do you plan to preserve and continue it?
• Write about a family member you would like to strengthen your relationship with. What steps can you take to improve your connection and foster deeper understanding?
• Reflect on a time when a family member provided you with unwavering support during a difficult period in your life. How did their presence and encouragement make a difference?
• Write about a family member who has been a consistent source of laughter and joy in your life. Describe the impact of their humor and lightheartedness on your family dynamics.

15 descriptive writing prompts for siblings

• Describe your relationship with your sibling(s). How would you define the unique bond you share?
• Reflect on a special memory or adventure you had with your sibling(s). Describe the details that made it unforgettable and the emotions it evoked.
• Write about a specific trait or quality that distinguishes each of your siblings. How does it shape your relationship with them?
• Describe a typical day spent with your sibling(s). Include details about your activities, conversations, and the dynamics between you.
• Reflect on a challenging situation you faced with your sibling(s) and how it affected your relationship. How did you navigate through it and grow as individuals?
• Describe a shared interest or hobby that you and your sibling(s) enjoy. How does it contribute to your bond and create opportunities for connection?
• Write about a time when you and your sibling(s) worked together to achieve a common goal. How did your collaboration strengthen your relationship?
• Reflect on a disagreement or argument you had with your sibling(s). How did you resolve it? What did it teach you about conflict resolution within your family?
• Describe a significant milestone or achievement in your sibling(s)’s life. How did their success impact your relationship? How did you support them?
• Write about a tradition or ritual you have with your sibling(s) that holds sentimental value. Describe its significance and the emotions it evokes.
• Reflect on a humorous or funny incident involving your sibling(s). Describe the situation and the laughter it brought to your family.
• Describe the role your sibling(s) play in your life as a source of support and encouragement. How do they lift you up and inspire you?
• Write about a time when you and your sibling(s) faced a challenge together. How did your bond help you overcome obstacles and grow stronger ?
• Reflect on the differences between you and your sibling(s). Describe how these differences contribute to the richness and depth of your relationship.
• Describe a moment of vulnerability or deep connection you experienced with your sibling(s). How did it deepen your understanding and love for each other?

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15 creative writing prompts for family history

• Imagine yourself as a character from your family history. Write a short story or diary entry describing a significant event they experienced.
• Choose a family heirloom or artifact and write a detailed description of its history and significance within your family.
• Write a letter to a deceased family member, expressing your thoughts, feelings, and any unanswered questions you have about their life.
• Interview an older family member about their childhood and record their stories and memories. Reflect on the insights gained from these conversations.
• Imagine a family trip or gathering from the past. Write a fictional story that brings the event to life, capturing the emotions and interactions of your family members.
• Write a poem inspired by your family’s history and the experiences that have shaped your family’s identity.
• Create a family tree, including as many generations as you can. Write a brief description or anecdote about each ancestor, highlighting their unique qualities or contributions.
• Choose a historical event that impacted your family or ancestors. Research and write about their experiences during that time, exploring the effects it had on their lives.
• Write a personal narrative about a family tradition that has been passed down through generations. Reflect on its significance and how it has evolved over time.
• Imagine a conversation between two ancestors from different generations. Write a dialogue that explores their perspectives, values, and the connections they share.
• Create a fictional character based on a real family member from the past. Write a story that follows their journey, incorporating elements of their historical context and personal experiences.
• Write a letter to future generations of your family, sharing your hopes, dreams, and lessons learned from your own life. Consider what wisdom and guidance you would like to pass on.
• Choose a historical figure who shares a connection with your family history. Write a fictional account of their encounter with one of your ancestors, exploring the impact it had on both individuals.
• Write a detailed description of your ancestral home or a significant place associated with your family. Include sensory details and evoke a sense of nostalgia and belonging.
• Imagine a secret or untold story within your family history. Write a narrative that unravels this hidden tale, bringing to light the forgotten or overlooked aspects of your family’s past.

FAQ: What are the benefits of journaling about family?

Journaling about your family can have many benefits for your personal growth . It’s like writing in a diary, where you can explore your family history and understand how it shapes who you are.

By looking at your family’s traditions, stories, and values, you can learn more about yourself and what makes you unique.

Writing in your journal can also help you heal and make sense of any unresolved emotions or conflicts within your family .

It provides a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings, and it can bring you a sense of closure and understanding.

When you write about your family, it can bring you closer to them. It’s a way to show appreciation for the love and support they give you .

For example, writing a heartfelt letter to your parents thanking them for everything they do can make you feel more connected to them and strengthen your bond.

Your family’s experiences and the wisdom they pass down can teach you valuable life lessons .

By reflecting on their stories and the challenges they’ve overcome, you can find inspiration and guidance for your own life.

It’s like learning from their experiences and using them to become a stronger and more resilient person.

Also, journaling about your family can help create a legacy. When you write down your family’s stories, traditions, and values, you’re preserving them for future generations.

Imagine your great-grandchildren reading your journal and feeling connected to their roots. It’s a way to pass on your family’s history and keep their legacy alive.

Will you use any of these journal prompts about family?

I would love to hear more about your experiences with journaling about your family.

I’m a personal growth and self-care expert, as well as an avid motorcycle enthusiast and coffee and sweets lover. Through Lauraconteuse, I provide insightful and practical advice on topics such as self-care, self-love, personal growth, and productivity, drawing from my very own extensive experience and knowledge in the field. My blog has helped countless people achieve their goals and live more fulfilling lives, and my goal is to continue to inspire and empower others.

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101 Family-Friendly Story Prompts

Do you want to write in the family genre but need help conjuring compelling family-friendly stories and concepts? Sometimes reading simple story prompts is the easiest way to get those creative juices flowing .

We've put together 101 original story prompts that can help inspire your next family-friendly screenplay. Check them out below and then continue on for a deeper dive into how to craft these types of stories.

Note: Because we’re all connected to the same pop culture, news headlines, and inspirations, any similarity to any past, present, or future screenplays, novels, short stories, television pilots, television series, plays, or any other creative works is purely coincidence. These story writing prompts were conceived on the fly without any research or Google search for inspiration.

1. Two treasure-hunting families race against time to find the same treasure in four different potential locations.  

2. Siblings that lost their parents find a portal to heaven and they go on an adventure to find them. 

3. A gamer wakes up in his favorite car racing game and must win multiple races to survive.

4. A young boy searches for his lost father in the nearby mountains.

5. A family of space travelers crash lands on an exotic planet.

6. A family discovers a series of mysterious tunnels underneath their house.

7. A father and son go on a safari and must survive the elements when they lose track of their guides. 

8. A family befriends a monster discovered living underneath the children's bed. 

9. Parents learn that their college-age daughter has disappeared into the jungles of a foreign country.

10. A family struggles to survive a destructive meteor shower.

11. A mother wants to realize her life-long dream and train for the Olympics. 

12. A father is tasked with coaching his son's soccer team, even though he has never played the sport.

13. A family is chosen to be the first to fly in space.

14. A family is chosen to be the first to colonize Mars.

15. A little boy begins to develop superhuman strength. 

16. A family that loses everything in a fire must rebuild their life. 

17. A family is sucked into their favorite TV show. 

18. An estranged family is reunited after one of them makes a wish . 

19. The President of the United States and his family go incognito to live a normal life. 

20. A family of famous superheroes goes incognito to live a normal life. 

'The Incredibles'

21. A family traveling the stars on the space-version of Titanic must survive when it hits an asteroid. 

22. A family travels to the American Frontier to find their new home .

23. A star baseball recruit struggles to decide whether he should take a scholarship or go pro.

24. A family of movie lovers discovers a portal where they can enter their favorite movie worlds.

25. Siblings learn that their parents used to be international spies.

26. A family on a wilderness retreat stumbles upon a group of armed criminals.

27. A rich and affluent family loses everything and must live in the ghetto. 

28. Parents find a way to travel to the future to see how their kids will turn out. 

29. A family of explorers searches the ocean for the lost city of Atlantis. 

30. A family finds a lost city underneath their farmland. 

31. Siblings start a successful business after their parents lose their jobs. 

32. Two brothers do everything they can to ensure that their family gets to keep their house. 

33. Two sisters navigate the difficult world of teen angst as their parents navigate the difficult world of keeping up with the Joneses. 

34. A family ends up searching for a mythical island paradise during their summer vacation.  

35. A family is shipwrecked on an uncharted island. 

36. A family of racecar drivers race across the country in the ultimate race. 

37. A family of pilots discovers a strange city in the clouds. 

38. A robot from the future befriends a family.  

39. A family on a canoe trip is whisked away down the Mississippi River during a horrible storm and flood. 

40. Kids discover an underground world. 

'Bridge to Terabithia' (

41. A bullied boy wakes up as a strong knight in a fantasy world. 

42. A boy dreams that his family is actually a royal family in a fantasy world. 

43. A family must survive when their plane crashes. 

44. A family is willed an old castle. 

45. A family is whisked away to the world of Oz. 

46. A family sailing on the ocean discover an injured mermaid. 

Read More: Character Breakdown: What Makes Ariel More Than Just A Little Mermaid?

47. A sailor decides to sail into the infamous Bermuda Triangle to find his brother that was lost at sea years ago.

48. A town must survive the worst flood in history. 

49. A family of storm chasers must survive a unique weather system that creates multiple F5 tornadoes. 

50. Parents meet their younger selves.

51. Aliens attack a small farm family after the rest of the country has been destroyed. 

52. An outcast nerd discovers that he's actually a revered prince from another planet, hidden by his royal family to escape an evil space lord. 

53. A family of wizards must defeat an old foe. 

54. A family wakes up from cryosleep in a spaceship with no recollection of who they are and how they got there. 

55. A family of toys struggles to find the right human family for them. 

56. Puppy siblings separated by pet adoption escape bad homes to find each other. 

57. Siblings in an orphanage escape to find their beloved aunt and uncle. 

58. After their parents seemingly die in a car accident, teens discover that they may be alive after all.  

59. A family of unicorns struggles to find sanctuary. 

60. A strange family moves into the neighborhood. 

'Addams Family Values' (

61. A boy from a rich and spoiled family wants them to live without their mansion, belongings, and money for a year. 

62. A rich boy and poor girl convince their families to switch places for a month. 

63. A family sailing the ocean waters must overcome the worst hurricane in history. 

64. Middle school-aged friends decide to climb a mountain to bury a time capsule after one of their group dies tragically. 

65. A mentally-challenged student wants to make the football team. 

66. A physically-challenged student wants to letter in every sport in high school.

67. A family of international spies moves to the suburbs. 

68. Peter Pan's mother tracks him down in Neverland. 

69. Competing treasure hunting families race on the open ocean waters to find a sunken treasure. 

70. A character within a Sim City-like game becomes self-aware and wants to escape to the real world. 

71.  A family vacationing in Hawaii unlocks a portal that transports them back in time. 

72. A local town bands together as miners are trapped in the local mine. 

73. A family — the Hoods — steals from the rich to give to the poor deal.

74. A family is transported back to the time of the dinosaurs and struggles to survive. 

75. A riverboat captain and his children attempt the first trip down the Mississippi River. 

76. Childhood friends are reunited after thirty years apart. 

77. The son of a poor couple struggles to attain a sports scholarship so he can go to college. 

78. Alien monsters chase the last living family on Earth across the country. 

79. A World War II-era family starts a minor league baseball team to uplift the town. 

80. A family-owned dog boarding business is shocked when the dogs start talking. 

'Homeward Bound' (1993)

81. A family adopts a puppy that shocks them when he begins to talk. 

82. Families are invited by a mysterious person to partake in the ultimate scavenger hunt. 

83. A girl overwhelmed by middle school drama wishes that she could wake up as a boy. 

84. A family nurses a wild wolf back to health. 

85. Siblings mourn the death of their grandpa, only to discover that he's left them an old treasure map.  

86. A witch curses a group of children, causing them to shrink to the size of ants. 

87. A family must find each other after the worst earthquake in human history. 

88. A family discovers that they are the ancestors of the real Van Helsing.  

89. A family must fend off pirates that take over their vacation cruise ship. 

90. A family of monsters moves to the suburbs. 

91. A female youth athlete tries out for the football as the family deals with the community.  

92. A wilderness firefighter must parachute into a wildfire to find his missing family. 

93. A stay-at-home dad deals with the stigmas.  

94. A successful female executive leaves her career to spend quality time with her husband and children. 

95. A family snorkeling along a reef during vacation finds themselves trapped in an underwater world.  

96. A portal to another world opens during a sleepover. 

97. The parents of a family wake up younger each day as their children wake up older. 

98. A beloved school teacher loses his family as the community bands together to become his new family.  

99. A family of ghosts continues to haunt their old house so they can live in it forever. 

100. A rich family decides to leave everything they know to move to a farm and work the fields. 

101. The local town museum begins to come to life.  

NATM-400 Security guard Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) flees, as a Tyrannosaurus Rex that has come to life at night carves a swath of destruction through a museum's marble corridors.

Want More Ideas? Take a Look at Our Other  Story Prompts !

What entails a family-friendly concept.

Some of the most popular stories of all-time fall under what Hollywood calls the "Four-Quadrant" label.

Four-quadrant stories are those that hit all four demographic quadrants.

• Males Under 25
• Females Under 25
• Males Over 25
• Females Over 25

These types of stories offer the widest audience outreach by hitting all four quadrants. And a majority of the time, they are considered to be family-friendly stories because there's something for everyone.

There's no single formula to follow. Different concepts will allow or call for a different variety of elements, which we will share below. Writing a great four-quadrant story that the whole family can enjoy is about checking off certain boxes that apply to your concept the most.

Before we share what elements you can choose from, let's point out something even more important — what should NOT be found within a four-quadrant story.

Read ScreenCraft's 10 Elements of a Great Family TV Series !

What Four-Quadrant stories should NOT include

Now, let's learn how to write a 4-Quadrant family film.

• No gratuitous human-centered blood and gore . There can be a little blood, obviously. But you want to keep that to a minimum. If you look at the Marvel MCU movies, they very rarely showcase any blood and gore. And anytime they do, it's almost always an alien lifeform.
• No sex scenes . Implied sex can be there (the before and the after), but four-quadrant stories don't showcase sex scenes as a draw because that alienates children and younger adults.
• No foul language . Yes, for movies, you'll get your PG-13-allotted s***s . You may even get an F-bomb. But you should primarily avoid using a lot of foul language in a 4-quadrant script.

What Elements Can and SHOULD be Present in a Four-Quadrant story?

There's no secret formula or checklist. However, you want your four-quadrant story to have at least a majority of these elements.

• A high-concept premise. Whether it’s a superhero’s adventures, an amazing fantasy, a sci-fi quest, or a compelling true story, four-quadrant stories live in this realm — an irresistible story idea that can be grasped in one or two sentences.
• Heroes and villains .  We need someone to root  for  and someone to root  against . And their stories need to be as little complex as possible. Focus on some broad stroke depth and development. Basic stuff that everyone can understand.
• High stakes.  And yes, that likely means  some  violence and/or death. The trick is to find the right edge without crossing into inappropriate territory.
• Universal Themes . Kids and adults both like a story that says something and has genuine resonance, whether they can articulate it or not.
• Humor.   Comic moments always enhance enjoyment, no matter how serious the story might be. Levity is important.
• Nostalgia .  Nostalgia is an easy way to bring in older audiences . Look no further than  Stranger Things , which is a series centered on the adventures of kids. But because it focuses on the 1980s as a setting, older demographics can enjoy the nostalgia as well.
• Kids in lead or major supporting roles.  Including kid characters targets the “young” quadrant and adds new levels of dramatic tension and comedy for adults.
• Hints of romance.   Love is universal. That first crush. The girl/guy that got away. The girl/guy everyone wants to meet.
• "Big-budget" isn't always necessary. For movies, if you can deliver a four-quadrant film that can be shot for under (or well-under) $50 million, studios will circle like sharks amidst chum in the water.

5 Best Four-Quadrant Themes to Use

1. good vs. evil.

The oldest and perhaps most successful  story theme .

Whether it’s Light vs. Dark ( Star Wars ,  The Lord of the Rings ), White Hat Heroes vs. Black Hat Villains (Westerns of the 40s, 50s, and 60s), Innocence vs. Evil ( Harry Potter ), or Superheroes vs. Supervillains (The Marvel Cinematic Universe, Batman movies, Superman movies), good versus evil is the most easily defined story theme in the history of cinema.

It’s easy to know which side to root for. And despite the conflict that ensues, the good side usually prevails. And that makes for a great family film experience.

On par with Good vs. Evil, the  story theme of love  is intriguing because every human being craves it — which makes the plight of the characters within love-themed stories relatable to audiences.

Romantic Comedies  ( Pretty Woman ,  Sleepless in Seattle ,  When Harry Met Sally ,  Love Actually ), Historical Romances ( Titanic ,  Gone with the Wind ,  Casablanca ), and Romance Epics ( Dances with Wolves ,  Last of the Mohicans ) have captured the hearts of audiences since the early days of cinema.

Everyone knows what it’s like to love someone, win someone over, lose someone you love, etc.

3. Perseverance

Perseverance Stories can be better defined in these contemporary times as Underdog Stories because when a protagonist is forced to persevere through conflict, trials, and tribulations, they are clearly the underdog in the situation or scenario.

Audiences love to be moved and inspired . In a world where a majority of the population doesn’t get a chance to chase their ultimate dreams, it’s intriguing to experience a story theme through the eyes of a protagonist that does.

It could be Sports Underdog stories ( Rocky ,  Rudy ,  Major League ,  Bad News Bears ,  Hoosiers ) or Inspiring Dramas ( The Pursuit of Happiness ,  The Karate Kid ).

Whatever the Perseverance or Underdog Story theme is, readers and audiences respond to them.

4. Coming of Age

It’s such a relatable theme because, at one point or another, everyone has that coming-of-age moment in their lives — and more likely a culmination of those types of moments and events throughout their lives.

So these types of story themes stir nostalgia.

Even though  Stand By Me  was set in the 1950s, children of the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s can relate.  Note: This film was rated R because of the foul language used. Otherwise, it's a fairly four-quadrant type of film. 

E.T.  offers a coming-of-age experience for Elliot.

The  Harry Potter  franchise is one big coming-of-age story as we watch Harry grow into adulthood.

The Karate Kid  offers a coming-of-age storyline as we watch Daniel overcome bullies and become a man.

What is it like to realize that the real world, beyond the protection of youth (void of responsibility), can be quite scary and intimidating? This is the story theme that coming-of-age movies explore. And this is what everyone can relate it and feel nostalgic about.

5. Human vs. Nature

There is no more ancient story theme than this. Since the dawn of humans, man and woman have been battling the elements. And this story theme can branch out into additional story themes of survival and philosophical quandaries.

The human vs. nature story is as old a story theme as they come. And these stories are especially intriguing because, on the surface, they are tales of physical threats that protagonists face. But, like any great story theme, there lies an emotional and philosophical message underneath that physical surface.

And that is what gives these story themes even more depth for readers and audiences to enjoy.

Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison for Sony Studios and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures.

He has many studio meetings under his belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. He has had a previous development deal with Lionsgate, as well as multiple writing assignments, including the produced miniseries  Blackout , starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haylie Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric La Salle, and Bruce Boxleitner, the feature thriller Hunter’s Creed , and many Lifetime thrillers. Follow Ken on Twitter @KenMovies

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45 Writing Prompts about Family

As she rounded the corner, the carpet caught her foot. The glittering glazed ham flew out of her hands and directly onto Grandma.

Just another Christmas at my house, I guess.

Your family can inspire some great creative writing.  With a subject that you can always count on. 

The following are 45 great writing prompts about family to inspire young authors to get creative.

Using the Prompts for inspiration

Maybe you hope to inspire young writers, or perhaps fuel your passion for writing within yourself.

The prompts that you find here are designed to help a writer find the creativity in words on the page. 

The prompts can be used alone or in groups and are meant to get the creative juices moving.  

Prompts About Family

• Has your family ever seriously embarrassed you?  Describe what happened,
• Plan a bank heist with your family as the team.
• Write a story starting with “My family is great because…”
• Describe a favorite holiday memory with your family.
• Describe the best family vacation you’ve ever taken.  Explain why.
• One special thing about each family member.
• Write about a favorite family tradition.
• What if you were a family of superheroes?
• Which of your family members are you the most similar to? Why? How?
• Which family member do you aspire to be like, and for what reasons?
• I’m like my grandparents because….
• Share something interesting from your family history.
• What makes your family unique? How?
• Explain a funny situation involving your parents.
• Your family escapes from an island.
• What dance would your family do at a line dancing competition?
• If you and your family were animals, what type would they be and why?
• Do you and your family have specific family time scheduled together?  What do you guys do?
• Re-do a family tradition and tell how and why you would change it. 
• Explain a time when family plans did not go as expected. 
• Have you ever gone on a camping trip with family? Describe one good thing and one bad thing that happened.
• Do you know what your parents’ careers are?  Describe what your mom or dad does in your own words.
• How big is your family?  What happened when you’re together?
• What are some favorite books your family reads over and over?  Why?
• Use colors to depict your family.  Why does each of the colors you chose define each family member.
• The best and worst parts of your family and why they’re important to you
• Describe your favorite family activity?  What makes it special?
• Is there a traditional meal your family eats for some special occasion? What about it makes it special?
• If you could give your mom or dad anything, what would it be and why? Be creative, make up a gift you think they would love, or need.
• What is something nice that your family does for you?  How does it make you feel?
• What would happen if you tried to have a family hobby?  Would it work out?  Why or why not?
• What would your family do if a new neighbor you didn’t like moved in next door?
• If you could hang out with one or both of your parents as kids what do you think it might be like?  What would you do together?
• What would the perfect day for your family be?
• What does the word family mean to you?  
• How do you contribute to your family around the house?
• Do you have any younger siblings?  Do you remember when they were born?
• if your family were a type of food what would they be?
• Do you cook with your family? What do you make?
• What makes your family awesome?
• Have you ever moved? If you have, describe it, if you haven’t, describe what you think it would be like?
• Do you have any pets?  Describe how they are part of the family or not.
• Do you have older siblings? How well do you get along?
• What was the last thing you got in trouble with your family for?
• Help your family keep a secret.  How do you do it?

If these are the type of writing prompts that engage you, we hope you’re inspired to write volumes. 

You can also find countless other free resources on our website – take some time to have a look around (and don’t forget to bookmark, or share our site with a friend!)

If you have a good suggestion, please drop us a line, we’re all ears! 

Keep writing!

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Free Creative Writing Prompts #4: Family

Something that you can’t control about your life is your family. Good, bad, or ugly, you start your life with them in some capacity. By being present or not, positive or not, they will shape your life. These 20 free  creative writing prompts  center on the topic of family. As always,  give yourself the gift,  the ability to let yourself feel, and take the time for  relaxation  afterward.

1. Recall and write a detailed account of your most embarrassing moment with your mother, step-mother, or other mother like figure.

2. Describe the time around the moment you realized that your mother and father were in fact not perfect or normal.

3. Write a story of your older brother or sister beating you up or you beating up a younger brother or sister. If it never happened, make it up.

4. Describe this event: finding out the true nature of Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny and your first confrontation with your parents afterward.

5. In a detailed manner, write about the day of and the day after your little brother or sister was born.

6. You just realized (at whatever age this happened) that your parents do indeed have sex. Write about how you found out, your reaction, and the ensuing time you speak with your parents.

7. Evaluate your place with your entire family. The starving artist? The slacker? The underachieving genius? Label your role and start labeling the other members of your family as well. Explain the labels.

8. Describe your most memorable family holiday/vacation.

9. Describe the first time you introduced a boyfriend or girlfriend to your immediate family.

10. Describe the first time you introduced a boyfriend or girlfriend to your extended family.

11. Use research or imagination to write a day in the life story of your mother, father or siblings when they were your current age.

12. In a “Freaky Friday"-esque situation, you have switched bodies with your mother or father. Describe your next 24 hours.

13. Write a story of one of your ancestors in connection to a famous event in history.

14. Think back to an event with your family from your childhood. Write a scene between you and a parent or sibling and try to piece together the whole event.

15. Either remember back to or imagine if your parents were to tell you that they were getting a divorce, describe your next 24 hours.

16. How did your sibling’s reputation affect how teachers treated you in school (or vice versa)? Describe specific situations.

17. You have to spend a week with one cousin, who do you choose and why? Describe the week.

18. You have to spend a week with one grandparent or one pairing of grandparents. Who do you choose and why? Describe the week.

19. Describe your family’s greatest catastrophe to date.

20. Imagine or describe your own wedding and the involvement of your family in the planning and execution.  It’s scary to write about some of these issues and it’s exciting to write about others. You get out of these exercises exactly what you put in. So make Momma proud :). 

Related Articles to Free Creative Writing Prompts #4 Free Creative Writing Prompts from the Heart, Part 1 Free Creative Writing Prompts #2: Love Creative Writing Exercises #2: Relaxation

Done with these prompts on family? Go back to "Creative Writing Prompts."  

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250+ Category: Family Writing Prompts

Evolution Through Conflict

Write about a conflict with a family member that ultimately led to personal growth.

Chaotic Family Gatherings

Describe a family gathering where there was a lot of tension.

Understanding The Difficult

Write about a difficult family member and try to delve into the causes of their actions.

The Perspective Shift

Write about a difficult family situation from the viewpoint of the other person involved.

Facing Family Friction

Write about a time when you had a significant conflict with a family member.

Pact of Silence

Write about a family secret you and your siblings discovered together and promised to never reveal.

Skeletons in the Cupboard

Pen down a fictitious family secret and its potential implications.

Clandestine Confidante

About a time you learned a family secret because someone confided in you.

Whispering Walls

Compose a story that revolves around a family secret, discovered as a child, but not fully understood until adulthood.

Hidden Heritage

Write about a family secret that changed your perspective about your lineage or roots.

Ancestral Stories

Write about a legendary story or myth from your family’s cultural background.

Culinary Tradition

Describe a family recipe that has been passed down through generations and the texture it adds to your family experience.

Festive Rituals

Write about a traditional holiday or festival your family celebrates and the rituals associated with it.

Family Heirlooms

Write about a prized family heirloom and detail its historical or personal significance.

Cultural Tapestry

Write about a unique cultural tradition your family has and how it has shaped your identity.

The Memory of Home

Write about your family home and how it transformed over the years.

Dinner Table Tales

Capture an important family discussion or argument that happened around the dinner table.

Evolution of Family Traditions

Think about a family tradition that has evolved over time and reflect on its journey.

The Wise Words of Ancestors

Recall a piece of advice or wisdom bestowed upon you by an older family member.

Family Portraits of the Past

Consider and write about a cherished family photo that holds significant memories.

The Everyday Heroes

Discuss the everyday accomplishments of family members which might seem small but hold significant importance.

Unexpected Joy

Write about a surprise success or joyous event that occurred in your family.

The Price of Success

Narrate a story about a family member who made significant sacrifices in their pursuit of success.

Overcoming Obstacles Together

Write about a time when your family worked together to overcome a difficult time or achieve a common goal.

Triumphs in the Family Tree

Describe a significant victory or accomplishment one of your family’s ancestors has lived.

Shared Sorrow

Describe a loss that deeply affected your family and how you collectively dealt with it.

Loss and Transformation

Write about how a family loss transformed you in unexpected ways.

Walking Through Illness

Explore the journey of caring for a family member struggling with an illness.

Archive of Recovery

Write about how the healing process after a family loss or illness looked for you and your family.

Mending The Silence

Write about a time when you and your family had to deal with a serious illness or loss, focusing particularly on the importance of communication.

Path to Acceptance

Write about a family member who struggled with your coming out and their journey towards acceptance.

Staying Grounded

Write about a tradition or routine that has kept you grounded throughout your coming-out process.

After The Rain

Write about the time directly after you came out to your family. Focus on the immediate emotional aftermath, reactions, and unfolding dynamics.

Letter To My Family

Write a hypothetical coming-out letter to your family capturing the feelings, thoughts, fears, hopes, and truths you want to convey.

Revealing The Truth

Write about the moment you first knew your sexual orientation or gender identity, and how it felt to embrace this truth within yourself.

Tales of Triumph

Write about a time when your family conquered a challenge together.

Homecoming Stories

Recall a memorable moment when a family member returned home after a long absence.

Familial Footprints

Write about a memorable family vacation or a hike that you embarked on together.

Kitchen Chronicles

Revisit the time you spent cooking or baking with your family members.

Holiday Tapestry

Write about your most memorable family holiday gathering.

First Meetings

Narrate your first meeting with the adopted child or your first memory of being in the new adoptive family.

Circle of Trust

Describe a situation where trust had to be won or granted in your adoption journey.

Origins and Identity

Explore how the adopted child’s background or heritage integrates into the family’s identity.

Bonding Moments

Write about memorable moments when the bond between the adopted child and the family solidified.

Journey to Adoption

Write about the process and journey that brought you or a family member to the point of adoption.

Navigating Choppy Waters

Write about a crisis that you and your blended family faced together.

New Traditions

Describe a tradition unique to your blended family.

Ascending the Step

Write about the unique role of a step parent or step sibling in your life.

Voyage Into New Territory

Narrate your first family vacation or major event with your blended family.

Becoming a United Front

Describe a moment or event where your blended family felt truly united.

The Family Entrepreneur

Write about a family business or entrepreneurial venture and its influence on your career aspirations.

Multiple Generations, Same Passion

Speak about a shared career aspiration that resonates through multiple generations in your family.

The Family Footsteps

Describe who in your family had the biggest influence on your career aspirations and how.

New Path Endeavors

Write about a time you chose a different career aspiration than your family’s wishes or expectations.

Family Job Traditions

Describe any family traditions related to careers and how these have influenced your personal career choices.

Family Keepsakes

Choose an heirloom or keepsake that holds significance in your family and write about its history and importance.

Roots and Routes

Write about your family’s geographical journey, how it impacted your family history and what it means for you.

Heroic Heritage

Choose a family member who you see as a hero and delve into their life and contributions.

Houses with History

Write about the home your family lived in when you were a child and its importance in your family history.

Ancestral Navigators

Write about a family member of a previous generation whose experiences have significantly shaped your family’s story.

Snapshot in Time

Describe a moment you observed your grandparent(s) doing something that revealed their wisdom or strength.

Ancestral Wisdom

Write about an ancestral family tradition or ritual passed down by your grandparent(s) and what it means to you.

The Grandparent Chronicle

Document an epic tale often narrated by your grandparent(s), exploring the lessons it held for you.

Tea Time with Grandma and Grandpa

Persist your most vivid memory of a conversation you had with your grandparent(s).

Grandparent’s Guidebook

Write about a valuable piece of advice or life lesson you learned from your grandparent(s)

Reflections on Heart Talks

Describe a heart-to-heart conversation you had with your parents that influenced your outlook or decisions significantly.

Lessons from the Family Kitchen

Reflect on the lessons you absorbed from your family kitchen, be it about cooking, relationships, or life in general.

Parental Legacy

Write about the traditions, values, or practices passed down from your parents that you cherish most.

Reviving Childhood Memories

Reflect on a significant incident from your childhood where something your parents said or did left a lasting imprint on you.

Mapping Your Personality

Write about the dominant traits you inherited from each of your parents and how these traits have shaped your life.

A Letter to My Future Self

Write a letter to your future self as a single parent, discussing hopes, fears, and expectations.

Learning from the Young

Narrate an incident where your child/children taught you a critical life lesson.

My Parenting Philosophy

Write about your philosophy of single parenting and how it shaped your family’s life.

Juggling Roles

Write about a typical day in your life as a single parent, describing the various roles you play.

Strength in Solitude

Write about a time you’ve felt the strongest as a single parent, whether emotionally, physically, or otherwise.

Bare Necessities

Elucidate on the art of negotiation and compromise within a large family when it comes to shared resources.

The Heirloom’s Journey

Write about a family heirloom that has been passed down through the generations.

Roommate Roulette

Describe the dynamics of sharing a bedroom with multiple siblings.

Chronicles of Family Trips

Write about a memorable family trip or holiday that involved your large extended family.

Sibling Frenzy

Describe an experience or moment that perfectly captures the essence of growing up in a large family.

Resilience in Hard Times

Write about a challenging time your family faced and how it brought you all closer.

Cherished Family Recipe

Record a family recipe that brings you joy, and describe the memories associated with it.

The Hushed Secrets

Unravel a family secrecy or mystery that intrigued you during your growing years.

Untangling Family Conflicts

Detail a memorable family conflict and how it was resolved – or how it wasn’t.

Family Rituals

Reflect on a recurring tradition or ritual in your family and explain how it’s impacted your life.

Financial Education in Family

Write about how your family educated you about financial matters, or the lack thereof.

Inheritance Conversations

Reflect on your thoughts and feelings about inheritance, and discussions in your family about this.

Financial Struggles and Triumphs

Narrate a particular instance where your family had to struggle financially and how you overcame it.

Money Attitudes

Explore your family’s attitudes towards money and how it has shaped your own perspective.

Family Budget Planning

Write about your experiences or perceptions towards budgeting within your family.

Family Secrets

Explore a secret or unknown aspect of your family history and how discovering it affected you.

Generational Gap

Write about a time when the generational gap between you and your parents or grandparents became apparent.

Sibling Rivalry

Delve into a memorable incident involving you and your sibling(s) and what you learned from it.

Legacy and Tradition

Describe a special tradition in your family and how it has shaped your cultural identity.

Navigating Conflicts

Write about a big argument you’ve had or a persistent issue in your family and how you wish it could be resolved.

The Pillars of Dream Family

Identify five core principles around which your dream family would revolve. Write about the significance of these principles and how they uphold your dream family.

Family in Wonderland

Picture your dream family as inhabitants of a fantasy world or a far-off future. Describe this world and your family’s role in it.

Fantasy Family Meetup

Pick any historical figures, celebrities, or fictional characters to create your dream family. Why did you choose them and what role do they play?

Family of Achievements

Imagine your family wins the World Record for something. What is the record? How did you earn it?

Dream Family Design

Write about what your dream family would look like. Who are the members, where do you live, and what are your routines?

Family Writing Prompts: Explore Bonds Through Words

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

– Strengthening Family Bonds through Writing: How Words Can Deepen Connections

– the power of writing: unleashing the emotions and memories that connect families, the power of writing: unleashing the emotions and memories that connect families, – creating lasting memories: how family writing prompts can foster emotional togetherness, – building stronger communication: enhancing family relationships through writing, – writing as a therapeutic tool: helping families connect and heal through words, writing as a therapeutic tool: helping families connect and heal through words, – sharing stories: discovering family history and identity through writing, – enhancing empathy and understanding: using writing prompts to develop emotional intelligence within the family, – nurturing creativity and collaboration: how family writing prompts can inspire collective expression, frequently asked questions, key takeaways.

Writing prompts can be a wonderful tool to deepen connections within your family. By engaging in shared writing activities, you can explore the unique bonds that exist between family members and create lasting memories. These prompts offer an opportunity to dive into your emotions, memories, and experiences, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy. Take a break from your busy schedules and embark on a literary adventure that will strengthen the ties that bind you together.

Here are some family writing prompts to inspire your creative exploration:

• Reflect on a memorable family vacation: Take a trip down memory lane as each family member writes about a cherished vacation experience. Encourage everyone to recount their favorite moments, the laughter shared, or the challenges overcome. Share your stories and compare your perspectives, allowing each family member to appreciate the unique memories they hold.
• Describe your dream family adventure: Let your imagination soar as each family member writes about their dream adventure together. Whether it’s a thrilling trek through a dense jungle or a relaxing beach getaway, this prompt encourages everyone to think big and envision the perfect family bonding experience. Share your narratives and discuss what elements make each adventure so special to each family member.

These family writing prompts can spark meaningful conversations, evoke laughter, and even evoke a few tears. Writing together as a family creates a safe space for sharing, understanding, and celebrating the beautiful bonds that tie you all together. So grab a pen, create a cozy writing environment, and let your creativity flow!

Writing has long been known as a powerful tool for self-expression, but did you know that it can also be an incredible tool for strengthening family bonds? Whether it’s through sharing stories, writing letters, or even journaling together, words have the unique ability to deepen connections and foster a sense of closeness within families.

One way writing can strengthen family bonds is by creating a safe and open space for communication. When family members engage in writing activities together, they have the opportunity to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that they might not be able to in everyday conversation. Writing allows individuals to carefully choose their words, giving them the freedom to articulate their emotions more effectively, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and empathy between family members.

• Bold ideas can be shared freely without interruptions.
• Writing provides time to reflect and express emotions thoughtfully.
• It encourages active listening and understanding between family members.
• Family stories can be captured and treasured for generations to come.

Moreover, writing serves as a bridge that connects generations. By sharing family stories, traditions, and personal experiences through the written word, family members can pass down their legacy to future generations. These stories not only provide a sense of belonging and identity but also nurture a shared history that binds families together. They give children insight into their family’s past, helping them develop a stronger connection with their roots, culture, and heritage.

Writing has the remarkable ability to unlock a treasure trove of emotions and memories that forge strong connections within families. Through the written word, we can delve into the depths of our experiences and capture significant moments that hold immense meaning for generations to come.

One of the most profound ways in which writing impacts families is by capturing the essence of individual emotions. The written word offers a unique space where feelings can be expressed without inhibition or interruption. It allows family members to communicate their deepest thoughts and emotions, providing a platform for self-expression and understanding. Whether it’s a heartfelt letter, a personal diary, or a collection of poetry, writing puts emotions into words, creating bonds that transcend time and distance.

• Preserving family history: Writing plays a vital role in preserving the history of a family, ensuring that stories, values, and traditions are passed down through generations. By documenting personal anecdotes, memories, and even family recipes, we are able to create a legacy that strengthens the ties that bind us as a family.
• Strengthening empathy and understanding: Writing allows family members to gain a deeper understanding of one another’s experiences and perspectives. By sharing personal stories, we foster empathy and create a safe space for understanding and acceptance within the family unit.
• Creating moments of reflection: The act of writing prompts moments of introspection and reflection, allowing families to collectively learn and grow. Recording important milestones, challenges, and triumphs helps us gain valuable insights that contribute to personal and familial development.

There is no doubt that the power of writing can be transformational, enabling families to connect on a profound level. Through written expression, we open the door to a shared understanding of our emotions and memories, fostering a sense of belonging and unity that can withstand the test of time.

Family writing prompts can be a fantastic way to bring loved ones closer together and create lasting memories. By engaging in a shared writing activity, families can not only express their thoughts and emotions but also connect with one another on a deeper level. These prompts provide a platform for open discussions, self-reflection, and the sharing of personal experiences. In today’s fast-paced world, where technology often dominates our lives, taking the time to engage in this simple yet meaningful activity can make a world of difference in strengthening family bonds.

When families gather around to participate in writing prompts, they create a safe and nurturing space for self-expression. These prompts can cover a wide range of topics, from childhood memories to future dreams, favorite traditions to personal achievements. By delving into these prompts, family members have the opportunity to discover new aspects of one another and gain a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives. Moreover, this shared experience allows family members to learn about their ancestors, their cultural heritage, and the values that have shaped their family.

As family writing prompts foster emotional togetherness, they also nurture valuable skills in both younger and older family members. For children, this activity helps develop their creativity, storytelling abilities, and critical thinking skills . It encourages them to articulate their thoughts and express their emotions in a supportive environment. Similarly, for adults, writing prompts provide an opportunity to enhance their writing skills, reflect on their life experiences, and discover new passions. Through the process of writing, family members can strengthen their emotional intelligence and develop a greater sense of empathy toward one another.

The beauty of family writing prompts lies in their flexibility – they can be designed to fit the unique dynamics and interests of each family. Whether it’s a weekly tradition around the dinner table or a special event during family gatherings, these prompts allow families to create treasured memories together. So, grab a pen and paper, gather your loved ones, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, connection, and emotional togetherness that will last a lifetime.

Writing can be a powerful tool in strengthening family relationships, enabling us to foster deeper connections that go beyond everyday conversations. It allows us to express our thoughts, emotions, and aspirations in a more deliberate and thoughtful manner. By incorporating writing into our family dynamics, we can enhance understanding, empathy, and trust among family members.

Firstly, writing encourages reflection and self-expression. Journaling or writing letters to family members gives us the opportunity to process our feelings and thoughts, aiding in self-awareness and personal growth. The act of writing also allows us to communicate our thoughts more clearly and effectively, without the pressure of immediate responses. Whether it’s through sharing stories, personal experiences, or even small daily happenings, writing can bring family members closer together by providing a deeper glimpse into each other’s lives.

Moreover, writing promotes active listening and understanding within family relationships. When we take the time to write, we give and receive undivided attention to the words on the page. By reading what our loved ones have written, we can gain insights into their perspectives, dreams, and challenges that they might find difficult to verbalize. This strengthens our connection by fostering empathy and allowing us to better support one another. Additionally, writing provides a platform for open and honest communication, as it enables individuals to express their thoughts and concerns freely, without interruptions or distractions.

• Elevate family traditions: Writing aids in passing down family traditions, values, and memories through generations. Whether it’s keeping a family recipe book, sharing holiday stories, or writing down important life lessons, involving writing in these traditions helps create a sense of continuity and heritage.
• Resolve conflicts: Writing can be a beneficial tool to resolve conflicts within the family. Relatives can express their feelings through writing, allowing them to articulate their emotions more effectively and calmly. This method can facilitate open discussions, leading to understanding and reconciliation.
• Create a safe space: Writing can provide a safe space for family members to express themselves authentically and without judgment. Encouraging family members to write openly and honestly allows for the sharing of ideas, opinions, and concerns that can ultimately strengthen trust and foster a sense of belonging.

By integrating writing into our family routines, we can build stronger communication channels, deepen our understanding of one another, and forge deeper, lifelong connections. So grab a pen and paper, or open a digital document, and start exploring the endless possibilities that writing can bring to your family relationships.

Writing has a unique ability to bring families closer together and promote healing through the power of words. Whether it’s journaling, storytelling, or engaging in collaborative writing exercises , the act of putting thoughts and emotions onto paper can provide a safe space for families to express themselves and strengthen their bonds. Here are a few ways in which writing can serve as a therapeutic tool for families:

• Expressing emotions: Writing allows family members to openly and honestly express their emotions, providing an outlet for pent-up feelings and frustrations. Through writing, family members can share experiences, fears, and hopes, fostering understanding and empathy among one another.
• Building communication: Engaging in writing activities helps families develop better communication skills. Writing encourages active listening and understanding as family members take turns expressing themselves on paper. This process can lead to improved communication and the development of safe and respectful dialogues within the family unit.
• Preserving memories: Writing offers a way to preserve and cherish family memories. Whether it’s composing a family narrative, capturing special moments in a journal, or exchanging heartfelt letters, families can use writing as a tool to celebrate their shared experiences and create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Ultimately, writing provides families with a creative outlet to heal, connect, and grow together. By fostering open communication and emotional expression, families can find solace and support in the written word, leading to a more cohesive and resilient family dynamic.

Writing possesses the remarkable ability to unlock a treasure trove of memories, allowing us to delve into our family history and gain a deeper understanding of our own identity. By putting pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, connecting with our roots and preserving the narratives that make us who we are. Through the shared experience of writing, we not only document our personal stories but also bridge the gap between generations, creating a timeless legacy to be cherished by future family members.

As we explore our family history through writing, we uncover hidden gems that depict the triumphs, struggles, and everyday moments that shaped our ancestors’ lives. With each anecdote, a grandparent’s wisdom or a parent’s childhood escapade, we glimpse the unique qualities that have been passed down through generations. Writing allows us to preserve these stories in a tangible form, ensuring they are not lost to time and creating a rich tapestry of our family heritage. Through this process, we not only gain a better understanding of our ancestors but also come to recognize parts of ourselves in the stories of those who came before us. By sharing our family history, we celebrate our collective experiences and foster a stronger sense of connection and belonging among relatives, near and far.

Writing prompts can be a powerful tool for enhancing empathy and understanding within the family. They provide an opportunity for each family member to explore their emotions and perspectives, fostering emotional intelligence and promoting healthy communication. By engaging in regular writing exercises, families can strengthen their bonds and develop a deeper understanding of one another.

One way to use writing prompts is to encourage family members to express their feelings about a particular topic or event. For example, a prompt could be, “Write about a time when you felt overwhelmed and how you managed it.” This exercise allows each person to reflect on their own experiences and share them with the rest of the family, increasing empathy and creating a safe space for vulnerability. Additionally, prompts can be used to explore different viewpoints on a given issue, such as “Write about a time when you changed your mind about something and why.” This exercise encourages open-mindedness and understanding, as family members gain insight into one another’s thoughts and perspectives.

Family writing prompts are a fantastic way to foster creativity and collaboration among family members. These prompts provide a structured yet flexible platform for everyone to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a safe environment. By engaging in collective writing exercises, families can not only inspire each other but also strengthen their bond and create lasting memories.

1. Enhancing Creativity: Family writing prompts encourage children and adults alike to tap into their imagination and think outside the box. The prompts prompt them to explore different genres, perspectives, and writing styles. Whether it’s crafting a fictional story, composing a poem, or writing personal reflections, these exercises ignite the creative spark within each family member. The variety of prompts offers endless possibilities, ensuring that everyone can find a topic that resonates with them and allows their creativity to flow.

2. Fostering Collaboration: Collaborative writing prompts provide an opportunity for family members to team up and combine their ideas, skills, and unique perspectives. By working together, they can create something truly special and tap into each other’s strengths. This collaborative experience nurtures effective communication, problem-solving, and compromise. Moreover, it fosters a sense of shared ownership and accomplishment as the family collectively brings their ideas to life through the power of words.

Q: What are family writing prompts? A: Family writing prompts are creative and thought-provoking topics or ideas that encourage family members to engage in writing exercises together. These prompts aim to foster meaningful discussions and connections within the family by exploring various aspects of relationships, emotions, values, and experiences.

Q: Why are family writing prompts important? A: Family writing prompts provide an opportunity for family members to come together and share their thoughts, memories, and ideas through the written word. Writing prompts help build stronger bonds by encouraging communication, empathy, and understanding among family members while promoting creativity and self-expression.

Q: How can family writing prompts be beneficial? A: Family writing prompts offer numerous benefits. They promote active listening , encourage open communication, and enhance emotional intelligence within the family. Writing prompts also help in preserving family memories, sparking creative thinking, and establishing a deeper sense of connection, compassion, and appreciation among family members.

Q: How do family writing prompts work? A: Family writing prompts typically consist of a question, a topic, or a scenario that each family member can individually respond to through writing. These prompts can be used during family gatherings, at meal times, or as part of regular writing activities. After everyone has completed their writing, family members can choose to share their responses aloud and engage in meaningful discussions.

Q: Can family writing prompts benefit children specifically? A: Yes, family writing prompts are particularly beneficial for children. They help improve their writing skills, vocabulary, and grammar while stimulating their imagination. Through these prompts, children also develop critical thinking skills , empathy, and a deeper understanding of their own emotions and those of their family members.

Q: Are family writing prompts suitable for all ages? A: Absolutely! Family writing prompts can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether it’s young children, teenagers, parents, or grandparents, everyone can participate in this activity. The prompts can be adjusted according to the age and writing proficiency of each family member, allowing everyone to contribute and share their unique perspectives.

Q: What are some examples of family writing prompts? A: Family writing prompts can vary greatly based on desired themes and objectives. Here are a few examples: 1. Describe a memorable vacation or family trip and its impact on your life. 2. Write a letter to your younger self, offering advice based on what you know now. 3. Reflect on a special family tradition and why it holds significance for you. 4. Share a funny or heartwarming story from your childhood involving a family member. 5. Imagine and describe your ideal family adventure or outing.

Q: How often should family writing prompts be used? A: The frequency of using family writing prompts can vary depending on family dynamics and preferences. Some families may choose to incorporate them into daily routines or weekly activities, while others may prefer occasional prompts during family gatherings or special occasions. Consistency is helpful, but what matters most is finding a balance that suits everyone’s schedules and ensures meaningful engagement.

Q: What are the key takeaways from using family writing prompts? A: Using family writing prompts can strengthen familial bonds, promote effective communication , foster creativity, enhance self-reflection, and encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation for one another. By engaging in this activity, families can create lasting memories, build stronger connections, and develop a shared appreciation for the power of words.

In conclusion, family writing prompts offer a unique opportunity to strengthen bonds and foster deeper connections through shared stories and memories.

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Family History Writing Prompts (Over 40!)

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Use your research in new and creative ways! The editors of Family Tree Magazine have compiled this list of family history writing prompts to help you get inspired. The answers you provide can be shared on a family history website, put into a book or kept with other genealogy records.

Family History Writing Prompts

Imagine you are one of your descendants, far in the future, writing about your present self. Write about an event from your own history from that perspective

Imagine you are a newspaper reporter and write an article about an event in your family history based on your research. Remember to include the who, what, when, where and why if you can!

Imagine your family represented as a literal “tree.” What kind of tree best represents your family’s story? What does it look like and why?

Did you grow up with any family traditions? What is the history behind the tradition? Do you practice any family traditions now?

Choose an event from your family’s history and write an alternative ending to it. Perhaps someone made a different choice or didn’t survive something; how would the course of your family’s history have changed?

Pick two ancestors from your family’s history who didn’t know each other, then imagine a scene where the two meet. What would they talk about, and what would their first impressions be of each other?

Imagine a holiday celebration your ancestor participated in. Narrate it as accurately as possible.

Write a thank-you-note to an ancestor. Who are you thanking? What did they contribute that you are thankful for?

What types of meals did your ancestor eat? Describe a mealtime scene from your family’s history.

Choose a favorite couple from your family’s history (or imagine one) and write a love note or poem they might have shared. Take the historical period into consideration!

Write one or more “six word stories” about your family’s history. Channel your inner-Hemingway .

Write about surname origins. Do your findings lineup or conflict with what you know or believe about your ancestors’ homeland? If not, highlight the puzzle and try to piece together a plausible answer to it.

What’s the whackiest or most interesting story you’ve heard passed down in your family or discovered in your research?

What types of clothes did your ancestors wear? Pick and ancestor and describe them in detail; what are they wearing and why?

Are there any naming traditions in your family? Write the story of how that tradition started or the stories of ancestors with that name.

Imagine your ancestor encountering something for the first time (new place, new food, new invention, etc.). Describe their first impression in detail.

Write a letter as if you are one of your ancestors. Who is the letter for and what does it say?

Imagine your ancestor making a big decision and narrate how they arrived at their conclusion.

Ask a child, grandchild or sibling what one thing they would like to know or learn about their family history. Ask them why they want to know that piece of information.

Looking at your family history, write down five life lessons you feel you’ve learned from your ancestors. Write an essay for the benefit of sharing with your children, grandchildren, and future descendants.

If you were to write a book about your family history or an ancestor’s history, what genre would it be and why?

Do you have a favorite quote or family saying from your history? Write the story of how that quote or saying came to be.

Imagine your ancestor had social media during their lifetime. Write a Facebook post or series of tweets describing something they’re witnessing in real-time.

Select a family heirloom (watch, quilt, Bible, etc.) and write a narrative from its perspective . Where has it been? How did your ancestor acquire it, and what would it have encountered throughout the years? What important family milestones might it have witnessed?

Imagine a typical day for a female ancestor. What time did she wake up, and what did she do throughout the day?

Select two ancestors who lived in different time periods, and describe a scene of the two interacting with each other over dinner. What do they talk about? What do they have in common?

Imagine and describe an event in your family’s history from an outsider/observer’s perspective. What was it like to be there? How did the event make them feel?

If your family history/ancestor’s story was a novel, what would the theme be?

Imagine a route your ancestor took frequently in his or her daily life. Describe that route in detail. What did they see? What noises could they hear? Where were they going?

Think of your ancestor as a character in a story; describe them as an author would. Go into as much detail as possible: what do they look like, how does their voice sound, what are their strongest personality traits?

Record a memory of one of your ancestors that you want to pass down to future generations —a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc. Set the scene: How old were each of you at the time? What happened? Why is this a memory you treasure?

Write a brief biography of yourself —everything an ancestor might want to know about you. After all, someday your ancestors will want to know as much about you as you do about yours!

Come up with a pitch for your ancestor’s biography. Is it a sultry tell-all, or a just-the-facts? What major theme(s) does it cover? Be sure to give the bio a title and sub-title, and write the book’s summary as it would appear on the back cover.

Select an ancestor who served in the military, and write a letter to him or her from the perspective of a loved one on the home front. Ask about his or her health, or the conditions in the war. Read real-life wartime letters for inspiration.

Write a paragraph describing three items your ancestor would never leave home without. Why are these objects so important to your ancestor? Where did they come from?

Identify a major event that happened during your ancestor’s lifetime, and (as your ancestor) write a first-person journal entry describing it. What would your ancestor have thought about it? Would he have found it exciting? Frightening? Frustrating?

Write a paragraph or two about your ancestor and their best friend. Imagine an adventure they had (real or imagined) based on what you know of their childhood and the time period and place they lived.

Imagine one or more of your ancestors as the characters in a fairy tale or fable. What role would they play, and what is the setting? What would be their fate?

Pick an ancestor from the 1800s, drop him into today, and (as your ancestor) write a letter to family members still in the 1800s. How would he describe today? What surprises him? What questions would he have?

Write a diary or journal entry that details your immigrant ancestor’s journey. What are their impressions of their fellow passengers? Research passenger lists and ship descriptions to make your description more accurate.

Describe your ancestors’ wedding. Study marriage certificates, wedding banns and photos, and contemporary clothing and rituals to fill in details.

Describe the first meeting between two of your ancestors who would later get married. What are their first impressions of each other? Include any details you know about your ancestor’s appearance, occupation, age at that time, etc.

Pick an ancestor’s hometown and do some research on how it was during your ancestor’s time. Use historical pictures/postcards and city directories to learn about the town, then write a brief tourism ad for the locale highlighting the town’s attractions.

Imagine the first time your ancestor got to vote. Write a letter from them to a relative detailing their impressions. Where was their polling place? What was the process like? What about the other people in line?

Select two ancestors who lived in different centuries, and describe a scene of the two interacting with each other. What do they talk about? How are they different from one another?

Select your favorite family photo, and write about the moments just before and/or after the photo was taken. Why was it taken? Was your ancestor happy to be in it?

Write a letter to an ancestor you’ve never met. Include questions you’ve always wanted to ask him or her, plus some that reflect what you’ve already learned about your ancestor (for example, “Do you enjoy your new job?” or “How are you coping with your father’s death?”).

Share these ideas with your students, writing group or genealogy group!

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Creative Writing Prompts

When the idea to start a weekly newsletter with writing inspiration first came to us, we decided that we wanted to do more than provide people with topics to write about. We wanted to try and help authors form a regular writing habit and also give them a place to proudly display their work. So we started the weekly Creative Writing Prompts newsletter. Since then, Prompts has grown to a community of more than 450,000 authors, complete with its own literary magazine, Prompted .  

Here's how our contest works: every Friday, we send out a newsletter containing five creative writing prompts. Each week, the story ideas center around a different theme. Authors then have one week — until the following Friday — to submit a short story based on one of our prompts. A winner is picked each week to win $250 and is highlighted on our Reedsy Prompts page.

Interested in participating in our short story contest? Sign up here for more information! Or you can check out our full Terms of Use and our FAQ page .

Why we love creative writing prompts

If you've ever sat in front of a computer or notebook and felt the urge to start creating worlds, characters, and storylines — all the while finding yourself unable to do so — then you've met the author's age-old foe: writer's block. There's nothing more frustrating than finding the time but not the words to be creative. Enter our directory! If you're ready to kick writer's block to the curb and finally get started on your short story or novel, these unique story ideas might just be your ticket.

This list of 1800+ creative writing prompts has been created by the Reedsy team to help you develop a rock-solid writing routine. As all aspiring authors know, this is the #1 challenge — and solution! — for reaching your literary goals. Feel free to filter through different genres, which include...

Dramatic — If you want to make people laugh and cry within the same story, this might be your genre.

Funny — Whether satire or slapstick, this is an opportunity to write with your funny bone.

Romance — One of the most popular commercial genres out there. Check out these story ideas out if you love writing about love.

Fantasy — The beauty of this genre is that the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Dystopian – Explore the shadowy side of human nature and contemporary technology in dark speculative fiction.

Mystery — From whodunnits to cozy mysteries, it's time to bring out your inner detective.

Thriller and Suspense — There's nothing like a page-turner that elicits a gasp of surprise at the end.

High School — Encourage teens to let their imaginations run free.

Want to submit your own story ideas to help inspire fellow writers? Send them to us here.

After you find the perfect story idea

Finding inspiration is just one piece of the puzzle. Next, you need to refine your craft skills — and then display them to the world. We've worked hard to create resources that help you do just that! Check them out:

• How to Write a Short Story That Gets Published — a free, ten-day course by Laura Mae Isaacman, a full-time editor who runs a book editing company in Brooklyn.
• Best Literary Magazines of 2023 — a directory of 100+ reputable magazines that accept unsolicited submissions.
• Writing Contests in 2023 — the finest contests of 2021 for fiction and non-fiction authors of short stories, poetry, essays, and more.

Beyond creative writing prompts: how to build a writing routine

While writing prompts are a great tactic to spark your creative sessions, a writer generally needs a couple more tools in their toolbelt when it comes to developing a rock-solid writing routine . To that end, here are a few more additional tips for incorporating your craft into your everyday life.

• NNWT. Or, as book coach Kevin Johns calls it , “Non-Negotiable Writing Time.” This time should be scheduled into your routine, whether that’s once a day or once a week. Treat it as a serious commitment, and don’t schedule anything else during your NNWT unless it’s absolutely necessary.
• Set word count goals. And make them realistic! Don’t start out with lofty goals you’re unlikely to achieve. Give some thought to how many words you think you can write a week, and start there. If you find you’re hitting your weekly or daily goals easily, keep upping the stakes as your craft time becomes more ingrained in your routine.
• Talk to friends and family about the project you’re working on. Doing so means that those close to you are likely to check in about the status of your piece — which in turn keeps you more accountable.

Arm yourself against writer’s block. Writer’s block will inevitably come, no matter how much story ideas initially inspire you. So it’s best to be prepared with tips and tricks you can use to keep yourself on track before the block hits. You can find 20 solid tips here — including how to establish a relationship with your inner critic and apps that can help you defeat procrastination or lack of motivation.

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9 Writing Prompts for Your Family History Stories

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• family history , family stories , preserving discoveries , story crafting , storytelling , writing prompts

“I can’t write my family history stories because…”

How would you finish that statement? Would it be that you can’t write your family history stories because you:

• Aren’t creative or a writer
• Don’t know where to start
• Have research discoveries but no stories
• Are overwhelmed by what’s required.

Or maybe it’s all the above?

You aren’t alone. Each of those points is something that thousands of family historians think or say when they contemplate writing their family history stories. I get it. Writing about your ancestors is a lot. You have to leave your happy place of digging through the archives to learn new skills or sharpen up rusty old ones. It’s much more fun to keep researching, isn’t it?

Now for the good news. Crafting your family history stories is less writing and more compiling what you know in your own words. After all, the story already exists, so your job is to give it a voice. Using the information you know and have discovered as writing prompts will help you make it happen.

Writing prompts come in all shapes, sizes and types. They can be questions you answer, pictures you describe or theories you have. You collect them with every discovery, interview or question you ask yourself. And right now, you have several different types ready for use. That’s not a general statement, either. I’m talking to you when I say that you have multiple writing prompts at your fingertips.

Curious? Let’s unpack 9 prompts you can use to start writing your family history stories.

Writing prompts for your family history stories

1. research discoveries.

The first writing prompt on the list is one you’ll recognise immediately. After all, these are a cornerstone of your genealogy research. Yes, I’m talking about the historical records you discover on your journey.

You can capture the foundation of your ancestor’s story through vital records such as birth, death and marriage certificates. Then, use other documents to build on that base to show more life experiences such as education, employment, military service, property ownership, and places they lived or visited.

Each historical record prompts you to write what you know about it. You don’t want to simply transcribe the document but put the story it tells into your own words. For example, a birth certificate will tell you where, when and who was involved in the event. While a census record will tell you about their living situation, employment and household relationships.

2. Family photos

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” or so the saying goes. And when it comes to family history stories, that’s true. Photos are your window into the past. Not only can you see what your ancestors looked like but also the areas where they lived and travelled.

“Show, don’t tell” is popular advice from writing coaches to create vivid and engaging narratives that transport your reader into the story. Using photos, paintings or sketches as writing prompts helps you to achieve this goal.

If you aren’t lucky enough to have family photos, look for streetscapes or pictures that capture people from the era and area where your ancestors lived. You’ll then be able to describe what people wore, how they got around, plus what the towns and countryside were like.

3. Local newspapers

Until time travel is possible, the best way to step directly into your ancestor’s world is through the newspaper. Specifically, the same paper that your ancestors would have read or had access to during their life.

Newspapers aren’t only for the social column or birth, death and marriage notifications. They’ll give you a picture of your ancestor’s community, including:

• Local and global events
• Weather reports
• Store advertisements
• Government notifications
• Employment opportunities
• Property prices
• Accommodation options
• Letters to the editor.

And so much more.

Newspapers allow you to immerse yourself in a different era’s social and cultural framework. They’re a wealth of writing prompts enabling you to add depth to your ancestor’s story. Plus, there is the fantastic bonus that you may get lucky and come across a previously undiscovered clue about your family.

4. Family lore

Tales, legends, and rumours passed down through generations are the start of many a genealogy journey, including mine. These are the stories that spark imagination and can invoke curiosity to prove or disprove the tale.

While these legends may not always be entirely accurate, they are fantastic writing prompts for your family history stories. Recreate them in your own words or build a story around them. One way is to include all the versions you’ve heard of that story to show the multiple perspectives that filtered down through the generations.

Or dissect the rumour and dive into how it impacted your genealogy journey. Then, take your reader on the adventure through how you worked to prove or disprove the tale. Of course, don’t forget to let them know what you determined as a result of all that research!

5. Your speculation and insights

No matter how determinedly you research or how vast your treasure trove of family photos is, you’ll still be left with gaps. This space is an opportunity for creativity, intuition, and analytic thinking. As the author of a non-fiction piece, you can offer insight or speculate on what happened and why.

Using your insights as writing prompts is a way to give your readers clarity and reasoning instead of leaving them hanging with unanswered questions. Including your speculation offers emotional depth, dialogue reconstruction and cultural immersion to your written work.

Kick things off with the general notes and questions you’ve jotted down during your research journey. Why? Because including your questions in your narrative gives voice to what your reader might be pondering too. Next, let your analytical thinking take the lead as you speculate on what might have happened. Remember to make it crystal clear that these are your thoughts and hypotheses based on other events happening at the time. 

6. Heirlooms

Heirlooms are hidden gems waiting to be discovered by anyone passionate about history. Each of these items carries with it not just one story but potentially multiple tales. After all, they’re not just relics of a time long past; they’re a part of the family.

They’re helpful as writing prompts because you can approach their story from multiple perspectives, such as:

• Historical value
• Original purpose
• First owner
• Current caretaker. 

And even the future of the item. 

These tales will help your reader understand the emotional and financial value as well as the journey it’s been on with the family members who have cherished it over the years.

Always start with what you know to create a foundation for the story, whether proven or unproven. That can be a description of the item, stories your family shares about it or a recollection of your earliest encounter with it. 

7. Family recipes

Kitchens are often the heart of the family home, especially in the past generations. So, it’s little wonder that food plays such an essential role in preserving memories and traditions no matter our nationality or location.

Family recipes make an incredible writing prompt because they are a treasure trove of memories and cultural heritage. They trigger vivid recollections of family gatherings and special occasions. Not to mention that they engage multiple senses, making for some descriptive storytelling.

Writing about family recipes or gatherings can be a creative outlet, a source of reflection and healing, and a means of preserving personal history. Start with your own memories of recipes and celebrations, then use these as interview questions to build out the story with your relatives’ recollections. 

8. Traditions

Any recurring and meaningful practice, custom, or ritual passed down within a family can be considered a tradition. They typically hold great sentimental value and can provide a sense of continuity and connection across generations.

Using traditions as writing prompts is a powerful approach to storytelling because they encapsulate the essence of family life, culture, and identity. They can be:

• Cultural traditions
• Based on a holiday or celebration
• Family rituals
• Skill-based education such as cooking, woodworking or mechanics.

Exploring the origins behind your family traditions is also a valuable creative outlet. Capture the emotion and memory of yourself and other relatives as you identify why and how these acts became such unifying moments. Another approach is to focus on who the tradition keepers in your family are and, where possible, share why they chose to continue the practice.

9. AI-generated prompts

For a modern twist on storytelling, try AI-generated writing prompts for your family history stories. So, you won’t have these at your fingertips ready to use, but you can in a matter of seconds. AI-generated prompts from apps such as ChatGPT allow you to explore your family history from new perspectives.

Using ChatGPT to generate prompts is a way to take a diverse and creative approach to your family history stories. It’s:

• An opportunity to see your information from different perspectives
• To explore fresh angles 
• To engage readers in new ways.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all process, but it can be adapted to suit the way you work. For example, generate personalised prompts based on your knowledge and discoveries. Or get generic questions based on an era, occupation, or location. You’re limited only by your imagination and how you frame your requests.

Craft your family history stories

That wraps up the list of writing prompts you can use to craft your family history stories. You don’t have to spend hours determining an approach to take because you can use the knowledge and materials at your fingertips to start crafting stories. Are you feeling inspired by all the possibilities?

Family history is like a jigsaw puzzle. One where you don’t know how many pieces there are or what the final picture looks like. You research to discover the pieces, create a framework and write the story to see the picture.

Therefore, crafting your family history stories is less writing and more compiling what you know in your own words. After all, the story already exists, so your job is to give it a voice. Using the details you know and have discovered as writing prompts will help you make it happen.

Next steps in writing your family history stories

Are you looking for help to convert your writing prompts to stories? Check out my non-writers mini-class on  Writing Family History Stories with ChatGPT . It’s a crash course in getting started with ChatGPT to generate writing prompts and stories. 

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 105 creative writing prompts to try out.

General Education

The most common advice out there for being a writer is, "if you want to write, write." While this is true (and good advice), it's not always that easy, particularly if you're not writing regularly.

Whether you're looking for help getting started on your next project, or just want to spend 20 minutes being creative, writing prompts are great ways to rev up your imagination. Read on for our list of over 100 creative writing prompts!

feature image credit: r. nial bradshaw /Flickr

10 Short Writing Prompts

If you're looking for a quick boost to get yourself going, these 10 short writing prompts will do the trick.

#1 : Write a scene starting with a regular family ritual that goes awry.

#2 : Describe exactly what you see/smell/hear/etc, right now. Include objects, people, and anything else in your immediate environment.

#3 : Suggest eight possible ways to get a ping pong ball out of a vertical pipe.

#4 : A shoe falls out of the sky. Justify why.

#5 : If your brain were a tangible, physical place, what would it be like?

#6 : Begin your writing with the phrase, "The stage was set."

#7 : You have been asked to write a history of "The Summer of [this past year]." Your publisher wants a table of contents. What events will you submit?

#8 : Write a sympathetic story from the point of view of the "bad guy." (Think fractured fairy tales like Wicked or The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! , although the story doesn't have to be a fairy tale.)

#9 : Look at everyday objects in a new way and write about the stories one of these objects contains.

#10 : One person meets a stranger on a mode of transportation. Write the story that ensues.

11 Writing Prompts for Kids

Any of these prompts can be used by writers of any age, but we chose the following 11 prompts as ones that would be particularly fun for kids to write about. (Most of them I used myself as a young writer, so I can vouch for their working!)

#1 : Include something falling in your writing.

#2 : Write a short poem (or story) with the title, "We don't know when it will be fixed."

#3 : Write from the perspective of someone of a different gender than you.

#4 : Write a dumb internet quiz.

#5 : Finish this thought: "A perfect day in my imagination begins like this:"

#6 : Write a character's inner monologue (what they are thinking as they go about their day).

#7 : Think of a character. Write a paragraph each about:

• An important childhood experience that character had.
• The character's living situation.
• Two hobbies or things the character likes to do.
• The room where the character sleeps.
• An ambition of the character.
• Two physical characteristics of the character.
• What happens when a second person and this character meet.
• Two important defining personal traits of this character.

#8 : Start a story with a quote from a song.

#9 : Begin a story with, "It was the summer of ______ when ______"

#10 : Pretend everyday objects have no names. Think about what you would name them based on what they do, what you can use them for, and what they look like.

#11 : Start a story with the phrases "My grandparents are/were," "My parents are/were," or "My mother/father/parent is/was."

15 Cool Writing Prompts

#1 : List five issues that you're passionate about. Write about them from the opposite point of view (or from the perspective of a character with the opposite point of view).

#2 : Walk around and write down a phrase you hear (or read). Make a story out of it.

#3 : Write using no adjectives or adverbs.

#4 : Write a character's inner dialogue between different aspects of a character's self (rather than an inner monologue).

#5 : Write a true story from your past that involves light or darkness in some way.

#6 : "Saying goodbye awakens us to the true nature of things." Write something in which someone has to say goodbye and has a realization.

#7 : Begin by writing the end of the story.

#8 : Write a recipe for an intangible thing.

#9 : Write a horror story about an ordinary situation (e.g., buying groceries, going to the bank, listening to music).

#10 : Write a story from within a bubble.

#11 : Write down 2-3 short character descriptions and then write the characters in conversation with one another.

#12 : Write a story in second person.

#13 : Write a story that keeps contradicting itself.

#14 : Write about a character with at least three big problems.

#15 : Write something that takes place on a Friday, the 13th (of any month).

15 Funny Writing Prompts

#1 : Write a story which starts with someone eating a pickle and potato sandwich.

#2 : Write a short script where the plot has to do with evil dolls trying to take over something.

#3 : Write about writers' block.

#4 : List five election issues that would be ridiculous to includes as part of your election platform (e.g. outlawing mechanical pencils and clicky pens, mandating every person over the age of 30 must own an emergency last rites kit). Choose one of the ridiculous issues and write a speech in favor of it.

#5 : Write a children's story that is insanely inappropriate but can't use graphic language, curses, or violence.

#6 : List five careers. Write about someone with one of those careers who wants to quit it.

#7 : Write down a list of murder methods. Choose one at random from the list to use in a story.

#8 : Write a romance story in which the hero must have a last name corresponding with a physical characteristic (e.g. Jacques Hairyback or Flora Dimple).

#9 : Come up with 10 different ways to:

• order a pizza
• congratulate someone on a job well done
• return to the store something that's broken

#10 : Search for "random Renaissance painting" (or any other inspirational image search text you can think of) on any online internet image search engine. Picking one image, write half a page each of:

• Statements about this image (e.g. "I meant bring me the BREAD of John the Baptist").
• Questions about this image (e.g. "How many of those cherubs look like their necks are broken?").
• Explanations of this image (e.g. "The painter ran out of blue paint halfway through and had to improvise for the color of the sky").
• Commands said by people in this image or about this image (e.g. "Stop telling me to smile!" or "Bring me some gasoline!").

#11 : Write starting with a word that sounds like "chute" (e.g. "chute," "shoot," "shooed").

#12 : Write about a character named X "The [article of clothing]" Y (e.g. Julie "The Yellow Darted Skirt" Whyte) or simply referred to by their clothing (e.g. "the man in the brown suit" or "the woman in black").

#13 : Write down a paragraph each describing two wildly different settings. Write a story involving both settings.

#14 : Think of a fictional holiday based around some natural event (e.g. the Earth being at its farthest point from the sun, in memory of a volcanic eruption, that time a cloud looked like a rabbit riding a bicycle). Write about how this holiday is celebrated.

#15 : Write a "Just-So" type story about a fictional creature (e.g. "how the dragon got its firebreath" or "how the mudkip got its cheek gills").

54 Other Writing Prompt Ideas

#1 : Borrow a character from some other form of media (or create your own). Write from that character's perspective.

#2 : Write for and against a non-consequential controversy (e.g., salt vs. pepper, Mac vs. PC, best kind of door).

#3 : Choose an ancestor or a person from the past to write about or to.

#4 : Write a pirate story with a twist.

#5 : Have a character talk about another character and their feelings about that other character.

#6 : Pick a season and think about an event in your life that occurred in that season. Write a creative nonfiction piece about that event and that season.

#7 : Think of something very complicated and long. Write a page about it using short sentences.

#8 : Write a story as a dream.

#9 : Describe around a food without ever directly naming it.

#10 : Write a monologue (one character, talking to the audience/reader) (*not* an inner monologue).

#11 : Begin a story with the phrase, "It only took five seconds to..."

#12 : List five strong emotions. Choosing one, write about a character experiencing that emotion, but only use the character's actions to convey how they are feeling (no outright statements).

#13 : Write a chapter of the memoir of your life.

#14 : Look through the (physical) things you're currently carrying with you or wearing. Write about the memories or emotions tied with each of them.

#15 : Go be in nature. Write drawing your story from your surroundings (both physical, social, and mental/emotional).

#16 : Write from the perspective of a bubble (or bubble-like creature).

#17 : A person is jogging along an asphalt road. Write a story.

#18 : Title your story (or poem, or play, etc) "Anti-_____". Fill in the blank and write the story.

#19 : Write something that must include an animal, a mineral, and a vegetable.

#20 : Begin your writing with the phrase, "6 weeks later..."

#21 : List 5-10 office jobs. Pick one of them and describe a person working in that job as if you were a commentator on an Olympic sporting event.

#22 : Practice your poetic imagery: overwrite a description of a character's breakfast routine.

#23 : Write about a character (or group of characters) trying to convince another character to try something they're scared of.

#24 : Keep an eye out in your environment for examples of greengrocer's apostrophes and rogue quotation marks. Pick an example and write about what the misplaced punctuation implies (e.g., we have the "best" meat or we have the best "meat" ).

#25 : Fill in the blank with the first word that comes to mind: "_______ Riot!" Write a newspaper-style article describing the events that that took place.

#26 : Write from the point of view of your most-loved possession. What does it think of you?

#27 : Think of five common sayings (e.g., "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"). Write a horror story whose plot is one of those common sayings.

#28 : Write a scene in which two characters are finally hashing out a long-standing misunderstanding or disagreement.

#29 : You start receiving text messages from an unknown number. Tell the story of what happens next.

#30 : Write one character bragging to another about the story behind their new tattoo.

#31 : Superheroes save the world...but they also leave a lot of destruction in their wake. Write about a normal person in a superhero's world.

#32 : Sometimes, family is who we are related to; sometimes, family is a group of people we gather around ourselves. Write a story about (some of) a character's found family and relatives meeting for the first time.

#33 : Write a story that begins in the middle of the plot's action ( en media res ).

#34 : Everyone says you can never have too much of a good thing. Write a story where that isn't true.

#35 : What do ghosts do when they're not creating mischief? Write about the secret lives of ghosts.

#36 : Every year, you dread the last week of April. Write a story about why.

#37 : Write a story about what it would be like to have an animal sidekick in real life.

#38 : Heists don't just have to be black-clad thieves stealing into vaults to steal rare art or money. Write about a group of people (adults or children) who commit a heist for something of seemingly little monetary value.

#39 : "Life is like a chooseable-path adventure, except you don't get to see what would have happened if you chose differently." Think of a choice you've made and write about a world where you made a different choice.

#40 : Write a story about a secret room.

#41 : You find a message in a bottle with very specific directions. Write a story about the adventure you embark upon.

#42 : "You'll always be okay as long as you know where your _______ is." Fill in the blank and write a story (either fictional or from your life) illustrating this statement.

#43 : Forcing people into prolonged proximity can change and deepen relationships. Write about characters on a road trip together.

#44 : In music, sonata form includes three main parts: exposition, development, and recapitulation. Write a short story that follows this format.

#45 : Begin writing with a character saying, "I'm afraid this simply can't wait."

#46 : Write a story with a happy ending (either happily-ever-after or happy-for-now).

#47 : Write about a character before and after a tragedy in that character's life.

#48 : Choose an object or concept you encounter in everyday life (e.g. tables, the feeling of hot or cold, oxygen) and write an infomercial about it.

#49 : "Life is a series of quests, whether important or mundane." Write about a quest you've gone on (or would like to go on, or will have to go on).

#50 : List 10 different ways to learn. Choose one (or more) and write a story where a character learns something using that one (or more) method.

#51 : You've been called to the principal's office for bad behavior. You know what you did. Explain and justify yourself.

#52 : A character discovers their sibling owns a cursed object. Write about what happens next.

#53 : Write a character description by writing a list of items that would be on a scavenger hunt about them.

#54 : The slogan for a product or service you're advertising is, "Kid-tested, _____." Fill in the blank and write the copy for a radio or podcast advertisement for your product.

How to Use Creative Writing Prompts

There's no wrong way to use a creative writing prompt (unless it's to harass and hurt someone)—the point of them is to get you writing and your imagination flowing.

To help you get the most out of these writing prompts, however, we've come up with the six tips below. Try them out!

#1: DON'T Limit Yourself to Prose

Unless you're writing for a particular assignment, there's no reason everything you write in response to a writing prompt has to be prose fiction . Instead of writing your response to a prompt as a story, try writing a poem, nonfiction essay, play, screenplay, or some other format entirely.

#2: DON'T Edit as You Write

The purposes of writing prompts is to get you writing, typos and weird grammar and all. Editing comes later, once you've finished writing and have some space from it to come back to what you wrote.

It's OK to fix things that will make it difficult to read what you've written (e.g., a weird autocorrect that changes the meaning of a sentence), but don't worry too much about typos or perfect grammar when you're writing; those are easy enough to fix in edits . You also can always insert asterisks or a short note as you're writing to remind yourself to go back to fix something (for instance, if as you're writing it seems like you want to move around the order of your paragraphs or insert something earlier).

#3: DO Interpret the Prompt Broadly

The point of using a writing prompt is not to write something that best exemplifies the prompt, but something that sparks your own creativity. Again, unless you're writing in response to an assignment with specific directions, feel free to interpret writing prompts as broadly or as narrowly as you want.

For instance, if your prompt is to write a story that begins with "The stage was set," you could write about anything from someone preparing to put a plan into motion to a literal theatre stage constructed out of pieces of old sets (or something else entirely).

If you're using a writing prompt, it doesn't have to be the first sentence of your story or poem, either; you can also use the prompt as a goal to work towards in your writing.

#4: DO Try Switching Up Your Writing Methods

If it's a possibility for you, see if you write differently in different media. Do you write the same kind of stories by hand as you would typing at a computer? What about if you dictate a story and then transcribe it? Or text it to a friend? Varying the method you use to write can affect the stories you're able to tell.

For example, you may find that it's easier for you to tell stories about your life to a voice recorder than to try to write out a personal essay. Or maybe you have trouble writing poetry, but can easily text yourself or a friend a poem. You might even find you like a writing method you've not tried before better than what you've been doing!

#5: DO Mix and Match Prompt Ideas

If you need more inspiration, feel free to combine multiple prompts (but don't overwhelm yourself with too much to write about).

You can also try switching genres from what might be suggested in the prompt. For instance, try writing a prompt that seems funny in a serious and sad way, or finding the humor in something that otherwise seems humorless. The categories we've organized the prompts into are by no means limiters on what you're allowed to write about.

#6: DO Try to Write Regularly

The more regularly you write, the easier it will be to write (with or without writing prompts).

For some people, this means writing daily; for others, it means setting aside time to write each weekend or each month. Set yourself an achievable goal (write 2x a week, write 1000 words a month) and stick to it. You can always start small and then ramp your wordcount or frequency up.

If you do better when you have something outside yourself prompting to write, you may also want to try something like morning pages , which encourages you to write at least 750 words every day, in any format (story, diary entry, social media postings, etc).

What's Next?

Thinking about attending college or grad school for creative writing? Our articles on whether or not you should major in creative writing and the best creative writing programs are there for you! Plus, if you're a high schooler, you should check out these top writing contests .

Creative writing doesn't necessarily have to be fiction. Check out these three examples of narrative writing and our tips for how to write your own narrative stories and essays .

Just as writing prompts can help give form to amorphous creative energy, using specific writing structures or devices can be great starting points for your next story. Read through our discussion of the top 20 poetic devices to know and see if you can work at least one new one into your next writing session.

Still looking for more writing ideas? Try repurposing our 100+ easy drawing ideas for characters, settings, or plot points in your writing.

Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel in high school.

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Helping Busy Moms Balance Diapers and Deadlines

Lisa Tanner Writing

Helping Moms Balance Diapers and Deadlines

Last Modified on June 18, 2021 By Lisa Tanner

65 Simple Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find my full disclosure page here .

Want to keep your children busy while you get some work done of your own? These creative writing prompts for kids can help! Learn how to use creative writing prompts with kids of different ability levels, and find 65 different prompts to keep them engaged !

And if you don’t think creative writing prompts will be a great fit for your kids, here are over 100 other scree-free activities your kids can try!

Finding time to grow a business as a busy mom is hard! One strategy that helps you carve out time is to have a prepopulated list of ideas to engage your kids.

If your kids are busy doing something creative or fun, they’re more likely to focus on that task. That gives you time to focus on your work.

By implementing a Family Writing Time a couple of days a week, you will gain much needed time for your business. And during that time, your kids will be practicing:

• Working quietly
• Working independently
• Using their creativity
• Storytelling
• Writing skills

Below you’ll find 65 creative writing prompts to help spark your child’s imagination.

But first, I want to share some fun ways to make writing prompts accessible for kids of different ages and abilities, explore the supplies you should have on hand, and help you make Family Writing Time a habit in your home.

Ready? Let’s go!

How to Use Creative Writing Prompts for Kids of Different Ages and Abilities

A typical list of writing prompts for kids is going to have a long list of prompts. And if your kids are at the right age and ability, they can have a lot of fun with it.

But, there are a lot of children who are not yet at that level. They don’t yet have the skills needed to sit down and respond to a prompt on their own.

If you have kids who are struggling writers, or who just aren’t developmentally ready for writing prompts, here are some ways to make this writing time more inclusive. Instead of sitting down and simply writing, you can encourage your child to:

• Draw a picture in response
• Create a skit
• Make a comic strip
• Tell their response to a stuffed animal audience
• Create homemade story cards on index cards and use those to tell the story
• Paint story rocks
• Write a poem
• Decorate a file folder with the setting and create paper characters that can get stored inside
• Use a story creation app
• Create a power point
• Cut pictures out of a magazine or newspaper and glue them down to tell the story
• Use a text-to-speech app or software

There are so many fun ways for kids to engage with creative writing prompts. They don’t just have to sit down and write a story.

Before They Begin…

It’s important to read the prompt aloud with each child and give them a couple of minutes to brainstorm. Be available during this time to help them select how they are going to respond and help them get what they need.

One fun way to keep track of the prompts is to print out the list and cut each one out. Then let your child draw three and pick one to use.

You can also just read a couple of ideas aloud and then let your child pick one.

By offering a choice, you help your child learn to evaluate options and think about what they want to create. That’s an important skill!

Help Your Children See Themselves as Writers

The more that children believe in themselves, the more likely they are to succeed. So make writing time fun, not boring. You want them to see themselves as writers, and believe in their ability.

This means you shouldn’t look at their effort and immediately point out all the flaws. Instead focus on what they did right.

Does their b go the right way? Did they leave spaces between words? Can you tell they worked hard on their coloring to make it look nice?

Find some areas of your child’s work that you can genuinely compliment. And use that as the starting point of your conversation.

If your child already struggles with writing, hearing you nitpick all their errors is sure not going to build their confidence.

Now yes, there is a time and a place for correct spelling and constructive feedback.

But, when you just want your child engaged with an activity so you can get some work done is not that time! Don’t make them feel miserable – celebrate what they did and offer encouragement!

Supplies You Need for Family Writing Time

In order for Family Writing Time to be a success, you need to have the right supplies on hand. You don’t want to ask your kids to go create story cards and then realize you ran out of index cards!

Here are some versatile supplies that my kids are always using during our Family Writing Time. We’ve used them all, and I highly recommend them!

• Reams of copy paper (we buy it by the case since we go through so much!)
• Spiral notebooks (I get one for each child to use during Family Writing Time)
• Quality pencils (out of all the brands we’ve tried, we found these pencils hold up the best)
• Colored pencils (my oldest kids use the expensive kind, I just buy Crayola for the younger ones!)
• File folders
• Index cards
• Pencil sharpener (I finally bought an electric one and I love it!)
• Old magazines/newspapers that can be cut up
• Crayons (always Crayola – they last so much longer than the cheap ones! I just stock up when they’re $0.50/box at Walmart in late summer…)
• Paint pens (for painting rocks!)
• Smooth rocks (I make my kids find their own outside and wash them. But you can also buy them…)
• Glue sticks
• Construction paper

Definitely don’t go stock up on all of these right now. You know what supplies will be a good match for your kids – but do make it a point to have the supplies they will use on hand. You want to make this easy on everyone!

How to Make Family Writing Time a Habit

If you’re looking to make Family Writing Time with creative writing prompts a new part of your routine, here are some tips for making it work.

Do It Regularly

Are you going to do Family Writing Time once a week? Or three times a week?

There is no right or wrong answer here. But, if you do want to make it a habit, it needs to be a regular part of your family’s schedule.

Use a Timer

Don’t just let everyone write until chaos erupts. Because kids who are working hard on a project will go from perfectly fine to upset in no time flat.

Instead, make it a point to stop everyone while it’s still going well. You want to end on a positive note and have them want to keep going. Then they can have something to look forward to the next time you announce it’s Family Writing Time.

To make this happen, use a timer! I started at just a few minutes with my younger kids. We’re now up to everyone working for 30 minutes.

Any more than that is too long for my littles. I do have several who could go for a full hour, but I purposefully keep it short.

Do what works for your family. But do set a timer and stop when it’s done.

Write During This Time

Kids like it when we lead by example and they can mimic us. Use this time to write and not scroll mindlessly on social media. If you have a business, you can:

• Write a post for your blog
• Research for an upcoming post
• Pitch a new freelance writing client
• Work on writing a book
• Update your resume
• Create a lesson for a course
• Write out a week’s worth of social media posts
• Creatively free write to get rid of writer’s block

Whatever you do, spend this time wisely. Your kids won’t be engaged happily forever, so make the most of it when it happens! 😀

Integrate a Sharing Time

When everyone is done, work together to clean up. Then, have a quick time to share.

Let everyone share or tell something about what they worked on. Make sure you share as well.

This is the part my kids love best. Even my toddler loves showing off his latest picture and pointing to his favorite parts. It’s so much fun for everyone to show off and tell about their work.

And during this time…listen to the kids. Don’t be on your phone!

65 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

Now that you have a better understanding of how to use these prompts and how they can help you free up time for your business, it’s time to dive into the creative writing prompts for kids!

• You were just given a key to your dream house. What do you see when you walk through the front door?
• You’re enjoying a nice afternoon on the beach when suddenly a huge wave comes out of nowhere. When it rolls back, you are shocked to see…
• Today you are going to a cloud castle. You can’t believe your luck! You are going to…
• Your favorite television character just hopped out of the TV and announced that you get to spend the day together. What happens?
• One night you go to bed with a strange feeling. The next morning you awake to discover that you can now…
• You just got sucked into the book you are currently reading. Where are you and what do you do?
• Someone just gave you $100 and the only rule is that you can’t spend it on yourself. What do you do with it?
• You’re going to be spending 8 hours in the car with your family. What do you pack in your survival bag?
• You look out the window and discover the seasons are all mixed up! What is happening out there?
• You’ve been asked to throw a surprise party for your best friend. What does the event look like?
• You’re now the main character in a fairy tale. Which one do you choose and how do you change what happens?
• It’s your turn to cook dinner! What’s on the menu and what do you need to make it?
• Yikes! A huge snowstorm is approaching and your house will lose power for 24 hours. What do you need to do to prepare?
• You walk outside and notice a large hole in your backyard. Why is it there and where does it lead?
• For two whole days, you can only eat one single food. Whenever you’re hungry, that’s all you get. What are you going to pick and why?
• You just left the room. What are your toys going to do now?
• You wake up and realize you’ve gone back in time! When is it and what are you going to do?
• For today only, you can talk with animals. Which ones will you talk to and what will you ask or say?
• You and someone in your family have to switch places for the day. Who are you going to switch with and what will your day be like?
• If you had the power to make any toy come to life for a week, which one would you choose and what would you do?
• Where would you go if you could pick your family’s next vacation destination?
• You’re opening a new restaurant! What’s on the menu?
• What new rule would you add to your favorite board game? How would that change things?
• You get to pick one book to get turned into a movie. Which one is it going to be? Share some details about the film…
• Good news! You’ve just been asked to guest star on your favorite television show! Which one are you on and what are you going to do?
• A TV show you loved when you were little needs a rebooted theme song. How is it going to go?
• Imagine the setting changed for your favorite book. Where does it now take place and how does that change the plot?
• You just discovered a new creature in the jungle. It appears to be a combination of two common animals. What is it and what do you call it? Describe its habitat and what it does.
• Your favorite car company wants you to design their new car. What’s going to make it special? What features will it have?
• What is something that many people are scared of that you are not? Why aren’t you scared of it? Why do you think other people are scared?
• You want to try something new, so you decide to go pull out your sled in the middle of the summer. What are you going to do with it that’s fun?
• It’s time to invent a new holiday! Why should people celebrate this day with you?
• You’re visiting the farm and notice something strange. The cows are…
• You get to design a robot to do one chore for you. What do you program it to do and how does it work?
• Your friend just got an unusual new pet. What did they get? Tell all about it!
• When you found that egg underneath the tree, you had no idea this would be inside…
• You just traveled 100 years into the future. What is life like?
• Zap! You’ve just been shrunk and are now the size of a mouse. What are you going to do now?
• In the forest you discover a magical stone that will let you relive any day from your past. Which day would you want to live all over again and why?
• You’re on a walk with your family and suddenly discover a little cottage made out of candy and sweets. What happens next?
• What does your dream playground look like?
• If you got the chance to audition for a national talent show, would you? Why or why not? What act would you perform?
• You find yourself alone on an island. How do you survive while you wait for help?
• If you could lead a tour of your city for a group of new children, where would you take them?
• It started off just like any Saturday. But then…
• You have to listen to one song on repeat for an entire 24-hour period. Which one would you like the most? Which one would you like the least? Why?
• The next thing you build out of LEGOs is going to magically turn life-sized. What do you build? What happens when you’re finished?
• NASA just selected you to name a new planet discovered way out in the edge of the solar system. What do you name it and why?
• You’ve been asked to teach a child two years younger than you to do something. What are you going to teach and how will you do it?
• What’s the best part about being your age?
• You discover a secret door in a tree that can instantly transport you to any one place in the world. Where are you going?
• You’ve been given 100 plastic bags and asked to upcycle them. How are you going to use them?
• If you could change one thing about today, what would it be? Why?
• You just found some seeds and planted them. You never imagined that this would grow…
• There are 15 kids coming over to your house tomorrow. What activities are you going to do? What should you serve for a snack?
• What book should all students in your grade read? Why?
• What makes you unique?
• What is inside the picnic basket for your perfect afternoon picnic?
• An awful villain has just invaded two of your favorite television shows and now the characters must work together to save the day. Who is involved and what happens?
• If you could decorate your room anyway you wanted, what would it look like?
• What is a book or movie that really needed a sequel? What should have happened in it?
• You’ve been asked to take pictures of your favorite snack for a food blog. What are you photographing and how will you stage your shots?
• You and your friends just created a YouTube channel for kids. What are your videos going to be about?
• What is your favorite treat and how is it prepared?
• You’re supposed to be cleaning your room. But, when you open your closet door you are instantly transported to…

Enjoy These Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

What’d you think of these creative writing prompts for kids? Are there any that you know your kids will love writing about?

If you’re looking for even more ways to keep your kids engaged while you get some work done, check out these resources:

• The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Family Writing Time (my eBook that helps you create the habit and offers dozens of creative ideas)
• 9 Fall Activities to Keep Your Kids Busy While You Write a Blog Post
• 50 Fun Activities for Kids
• 25 My Little Pony Activities for Kids
• Unlocking Kids’ Brain Power: Semi-Weekly Writing Prompts to Expand Young Minds

And if you found this post useful, please Pin it for later!

Lisa Tanner

Lisa Tanner is a former teacher turned homeschooling mom with 11 kids. She's also a successful freelance writer. Lisa enjoys helping other busy moms find time to start and grow a side hustle of their own.

Reader Interactions

October 1, 2019 at 6:59 am

That’s brilliant and things in there I never expected. Love using every day items!

October 1, 2019 at 7:07 am

Thanks Katy. Using everyday objects keeps it so simple to have a creative and fun family writing time without having a huge expense!

October 1, 2019 at 10:32 am

These are great tips for getting kids writing. If you can get a kid to love reading and writing, everything else tends to fall into place academically.

October 1, 2019 at 10:45 am

That’s definitely true Charissa! Kids who are confident in their reading and writing can tackle the other subjects more easily.

October 1, 2019 at 9:40 pm

These are great writing prompts!!! It so makes me miss homeschooling my kids! But, they are all grown now. I also love that you point out that writing should be done regularly. It is such a good habit to be in, and makes it so much easier to continue on.

October 10, 2019 at 6:43 am

Writing regularly definitely helps the whole family get used to this time Jennifer. And I know I’m so going to miss homeschooling when my kids all grow up!

October 2, 2019 at 10:09 am

These are great ideas to start with. My son is just learning to write but will keep these in mind

October 10, 2019 at 6:44 am

Thanks Jalisa! As your son begins to gain confidence in his writing you can definitely use these prompts and the non-writing ideas to help him grow up seeing writing as fun and not hard.

October 2, 2019 at 10:47 am

This is great! My son loves to read so I’d like to get him to do more creative writing. These prompts are perfect!

October 10, 2019 at 6:45 am

I’m so glad these creative writing prompts will be a good fit for your son Emily! Hopefully it gives you lots of time to get work done.

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