Parents often underestimate the impact of sharing their personal and family history with their children. Yet, these accounts can become treasured parts of a child’s understanding of who they are and where they come from. Children are naturally curious about their place in the world, and knowing they are part of a larger timeline, a rich history, and a vibrant tradition can be incredibly meaningful to them.
I recall my mother telling me about my grandmother, who, during World War II, escaped a city under attack while holding two children. My father shared memories of living in the forests of Belarus with his mother and brother as Nazis surrounded their village. There were tales of life under communist rule in Russia, as well as humorous anecdotes about how my parents met. Now, I share with my own children what it was like to grow up as an immigrant 8-year-old in the early 1980s. My sister and I were filled with wonder and excitement as we discovered life in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.
Hearing these varied experiences about their parents and ancestors helps children see their family in a new light. They realize that their parents were once children too, facing challenges, joys, and adventures similar to their own. This connection to the past provides a sense of continuity, belonging, and identity.
One meaningful project parents can undertake is writing down these family memories with their children. Even short anecdotes or tiny tales about ancestors can be compiled into a book, becoming a keepsake for generations to come. This process not only preserves family history but also creates a tangible link between the past and the present.
However, it’s important to remember that not every part of the past needs to be shared. There may be memories that are best left behind, events that don’t need to be revisited. It’s perfectly okay to open only the doors to the past that you feel are worth exploring. The stories you choose to share should be those that enrich and connect, leaving out what doesn’t serve that purpose.
If possible, take your children to the neighborhoods where you grew up. Visit locations meaningful to your personal life story. Make a day of it—it doesn’t matter how old your children are. Show them your first schools, take them on tours of the colleges you attended, and visit the old Blockbuster Video store that was responsible for many movie nights. Show them the movie theater, the shopping mall where you hung out, and the park where you spent hours playing. Introduce them to your former teachers, if possible, and your old neighbors, if they are still there. By sharing these experiences, you create memories your children will never forget and establish a meaningful family tradition.
Incorporating old family movies and photographs while recounting these events can make the experience even more engaging. Visual aids bring the past to life, allowing children to see the faces and places connected to the tales they hear. These moments spent together, watching an old home movie or flipping through a photo album, can become cherished family traditions, further deepening the bond between parents and children.
By sharing your history, you give your children a gift that lasts a lifetime—a deep-rooted sense of identity, belonging, and connection to their family’s legacy.
A Few Fun Activities to Do with Children That Celebrate Your Story
Explore family recipes—every dish has a story.
Dust off the children's books your parents read to you.
Watch movies you enjoyed as a kid with your children, and don't forget those old TV shows.
Listen to the songs of your youth, and maybe even show off a few dance moves from back in the day.
Try on clothes you wore when you were your child's age.
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