I was sure I'd remember the best things my son said. I rarely did. And when I finally wrote them down, they never made it to the grandparents, who were the most enthusiastic audience of all. That's why I built Pobbly. But an app isn't the only way, and several of the methods below cost nothing.
Three rules, whatever method you use
- Write the exact words. Even the odd ones. “I'm not tired, my eyes just went to bed” is a keeper. “She said something cute about bedtime” isn't.
- Note the date and age. In five years, “2 years and 3 months” is what gives the quote its meaning.
- Add one line about the moment. Where were you, and what happened just before? That line is what makes you laugh all over again.
1. A notebook on the fridge
A small notebook and a pen in a fixed spot in the kitchen. The classic, and it works for a lot of families.
Good: Everyone in the house can write in it, and it is lovely to leaf through.
Less good: It's at home when the moment happens in the car, at daycare or at the grandparents'.
2. Your phone calendar
Create an event on the day and put the quote in the notes.
Good: The date is automatic, and you can search it.
Less good: The quotes get lost among dentist appointments and school meetings, and nobody else sees them.
3. The notes app
One pinned note called “Kids quotes” at the top of your notes app.
Good: Your phone is always with you, and it costs nothing.
Less good: You have to add the date and age yourself, and after a year it's a long list nobody else reads.
4. A text to yourself or the family
Post the quote in the family group chat on WhatsApp or Messenger, or text it to yourself.
Good: Quick, and the grandparents get it straight away.
Less good: It gets buried between photos and plans, and is hard to find again.
5. A quote jar
One slip of paper per quote in a jar, read aloud on New Year's Eve or on birthdays.
Good: Fun, and kids love hearing them.
Less good: Slips get crumpled or lost, and the dates get forgotten.
6. A paper quote book
A journal made for the purpose, with space for the quote, the date and the age.
Good: Beautiful, lasts for years and makes a lovely gift.
Less good: You have to remember to write in it, and it stays at home.
7. A kids' quote journal app
This is the one we make. In Pobbly you tap a button and tell it in your own words what happened, or type the quote. Pobbly finds your child's words, adds the date and age, and turns it into a card you can send to the family. Everything is private until you choose otherwise.
Good: Always with you, no typing needed, and the family can follow along in their own app.
Less good: After 15 free pobbles it costs $2.99 a month in the US. Everyone who wants to see the quotes has to sign in. On Android, Pobbly runs in the browser only.
Read more about the kids' quote journal app.
Which one should I choose?
The one you have on you when it happens. For most parents, that's the phone. Many combine them: something quick in the moment, and a book or a jar for the very best ones. The worst choice is the one that relies on you remembering the quote until tonight.
What to do with the quotes afterwards
- Read the year's best quotes aloud on your child's birthday.
- Collect the favorites for the grandparents, for example as a holiday gift.
- Save them until your child is old enough to laugh at them too.
Try Pobbly for free
Your first 15 pobbles are free, no credit card needed.
On iPhone in the App Store. On Android, use it in your browser.