[Podcast #289] A Round Table with Katie Doughty about Julie’s New Book

Brave Writer Podcast

Do your kids say they hate writing? You’re not alone—and they’re probably not telling the whole story.

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we’re excited to share Katie Doughty’s interview with Julie about Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing! from the Raising Kind Humans podcast. That’s right—this week we’re turning the tables!

Katie Doughty
Katie Doughty

Together, Katie and Julie explore why so many children struggle with writing and what we can do to restore their natural love for self-expression. From rethinking how we approach mechanics to embracing the role of a writing coach (not a referee), we share practical strategies to help your child find their voice.

We also explore how playful tools like freewriting, oral storytelling, and pretend play can unlock creativity and confidence. Writing isn’t about getting it “right”—it’s about being real. And when we start there, the rest follows.

Show Notes

Too often, writing is reduced to a checklist: topic sentences, three supporting details, a tidy conclusion. But when we fixate on structure, we risk extinguishing the very spark that makes writing worthwhile: the desire to be heard.

Many of us grew up writing for someone else’s approval. We learned to chase good grades, not to chase our own thoughts. That same system now shapes how we teach our kids. We imagine a staircase of writing progress, each year preparing for the next assignment: a report, an essay, a research paper. But where, in all of that, is the writer?

Writing as Self-Expression

We believe writing should begin as it always has throughout human history—with expression. Long before standardized spelling or formal education, people made marks on cave walls to communicate stories and emotions. That impulse is still alive in our children. Just look at how they engage online: texting, captioning, role-playing in games, writing fanfiction. They’re not afraid of writing—they’re hungry for connection.

The Mechanics Myth

So what gets in the way? School, often. And the misconception that mechanics—grammar, spelling, punctuation—must come first. But those are editing tools, not the heart of writing. When children are judged on mechanics too early, they either shut down or simplify their ideas to avoid mistakes. That’s a tragedy. We’d never correct a toddler’s first sentences with a red pen; we celebrate the effort and model better language over time. Writing deserves that same patience.

From Referee to Coach

One of the most powerful shifts we can make as parents is to partner with our children as writing coaches, not referees. A coach sees potential, scaffolds growth, and celebrates effort. A referee calls fouls. When we shift to coaching, we stop policing mistakes and start supporting ideas. We create a space where writing becomes playful again, not performative.

Making Writing Playful Again

That’s where tools like freewriting come in. Freewriting gives kids permission to write anything—yes, even “I hate writing.” In doing so, they learn to connect their hand to their thoughts without the pressure of getting it “right.” Over time, they find their voice. And when they’re ready, we can model revision not as punishment, but as play. Change a few words. Try saying the opposite. Act out a scene. Make it fun.

Protect the Joy First

The truth is, not every piece of writing needs to be polished. It just needs to be real. Real thoughts, real voice, real expression. From there, we can teach structure. But first, we must protect the joy of self-expression.

We want our children to write because they have something to say, not because they’re afraid of getting it wrong. That begins by honoring their words as worthy, exactly as they are, and helping them discover the power of their own voice.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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