Jayne Swallow of Promptly Journals

The next inspiring woman in our interview series is the talented Jayne Swallow! Jane is the founder of Promptly Journals, a line of journals (and an app!) that encourage you to write with approachable and thought-provoking questions. She’s also a rockstar homeschooling mom. We are so inspired by Jayne and hope you enjoy getting to know her!

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am a creator. It started out with art and design, but now it's morphed into creating through business and babies. I also have always loved creating moments and memories. I work hard so I can play hard. I love being out exploring and playing outdoors with my kids and family.

What would you say is the most important daily habit that contributes to your success?

I am the ultimate multi-tasker. I am really good at working on progressing many projects at once. Many times it becomes too much and I have to pare down, but I can handle moving the needle on more than 1 thing at a time.

How has becoming an avid journaler changed you?

So it's funny... I hate writing. Ha ha. Pretty ironic that I own a journaling company. I started it mainly to capture all the memories I love so much to create. But it wasn't until 2019 when I had 3 kids, a growing business and some post partum that I really learned the power of journaling. I was imploding and so I hired a life coach and all she had me do is simply write down my thoughts to work through them. It transformed my life. I came out of 2019 with a strong and healthy mindset and feeling 110% better. I was so grateful for it because with all of 2020's crazy events, I've felt secure, grounded and able to take on whatever comes my way.

What does your daily routine look like for homeschooling?

We start out first with the core subjects and get those out of the way. We switch off from math and language arts. We pepper in science and history every once in a while. 

Then we eat lunch. 

Then creative/quiet time while my toddler naps. These are activities they could do more on their own. I made a list of them so they always have ideas. Journaling was definitely on there. Such a great mindful and calming activity for kids to do.

Then jobs. And when they finish their job for the day, they can play or have screen time. 

I made a simple chart so they can visualize their day and it seems to help. I liked it broad and simple so that I can manipulate it if I need to.

What are some of your favorite resources for homeschooling?

My kid's schools supplied the base curriculum so I loved adding elective learning activities. I love creative things so my girls loved the kids stop motion course by Golden Coil's Trisha Zemp. Also, I've got 2 girls so emotions are high at my house (especially during home school) so I love Slumberkins School's free resources. Also, Cosmic Kids Yoga! So great to get them to move their bodies, especially when you can't get out and go many places.

What are your words of encouragement for first-time homeschooling parents?

Do what you can. They will learn more from your example and energy in a happy home than a stressed out home. Start simple and small but be consistent. When you get in a groove with that, then add upon that.

So many thanks to Jayne for her wise insights! Be sure to check out Promptly Journals and follow them on Instagram for more journaling inspiration.