Four useful habits
Describe what was observed
Record what you directly saw, heard, received, or did. Separate that from information someone else reported.
Anchor the record in time
Use the relevant date and time, when known, and distinguish when something occurred from when you learned about it.
Attribute exact words
Use quotation marks only for words you remember or preserved exactly. Otherwise summarize and identify it as a summary.
Avoid conclusions about intent
Describe actions and outcomes without diagnosing, assigning motives, or presenting an interpretation as a fact.
Details to include when they are relevant
- Date, time, and place of the event
- People present or the source of reported information
- Specific actions, observable conditions, and exact words
- Immediate response, follow-up, and known outcome
- Supporting attachment and how it relates to the entry
- Any uncertainty or detail you could not confirm
Synthetic example
Keep observation separate from interpretation.
Less useful
“The handoff was intentionally made difficult again.”
More factual
“At 5:20 p.m., I arrived at the agreed handoff location. At 5:35 p.m., I received a message saying arrival would be at 5:50 p.m. The handoff occurred at 5:53 p.m.”
Use this guide as a writing aid.
Family Daybook does not verify user-entered facts and this guide is not legal, medical, mental-health, safety, or emergency advice. Qualified professionals can help with decisions that require professional judgment.