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Encourage children to ‘climb’ the family tree “Who was your Grandma’s Grandma?” “Where were you born?” “Where did our last name come from?” A child’s fascination about his heritage and lineage usually begins to awaken around 5 or 6. The natural curiosity prompts a barrage of questions about where they were born, where you were born, and information on generations past. Researching a family’s history provides the roots to a family’s tree. Sadly, the lure of playing with friends, extracurricular activities and video games combined with the rigors of homework, religious education and household responsibilities often leaves virtually no time to reflect on one’s family and ancestors. Although questions such as, “Where was Grandma born?’ and, “How many brothers and sisters does Grandpa have?” may cause you to ponder, they also present a wonderful opportunity for you and your children to spend time together. The cornucopia of resources, knowledgeable life experiences and invaluable interaction with extended family members provides important moments. Starting with the basics, and tapping into some creative resources, you can develop many skills and foster bonds while your child learns names and makes connections. Climbing a tree Recognizing the wonder and grace that family members add to a child’s life can be achieved by giving your children the chance to “interview” extended generations. Researching a family tree using innovative options to celebrate less-touted holidays such as Grandparents Day, Sweetest Day or even Groundhog Day can yield terrific information. Scheduling a family tree meeting day or picnic on Arbor Day or “Interview with Grandma” on Grandparents Day adds a fun touch to an often overlooked event. Using Valentine’s Day to jot down all the hearts allows your child to add many branches to a blooming family tree. Whatever day you and your child prefer, using some creative alternatives creates a fun way to learn about his ancestors as well as spend time with loved ones. Under the supervision of an adult, a Web-savvy child can show off her surfing prowess by visiting www.ancestry.com, www.geneology.com or one of the many other sites devoted to genealogy. Many of these sites feature free trial access to the databases, files and thousands of records as well as the ability to search other posted family trees. Together with a loved one, your child will build her knowledge of your family’s history as she enjoys the company of her co-researcher. Community colleges and park districts offer seminars that adults and children can attend together. Giving a gift certificate for your family to attend a class together is a terrific way to surprise a grandparent for their birthday. This also generates quality time spent together. Turn your burgeoning cub reporter loose with a pad of paper or tape recorder for an afternoon of interviewing his great-grandfather or grandmother. Learning about where, when and how various family members lived as a child, went to school and what they ate every Sunday for dinner helps to build your child’s foundation and shape her interests. The hidden benefits Working on tracing her ancestors, interviewing family members, or drawing her family’s tree is a project that can be easily started and stopped depending on schedules and activities. When the weather isn’t cooperating, or your child is looking for an alternative to video games, picking up the phone to collect additional facts from her grandparents is always a productive alternative. Younger children can refine their artistic abilities and make simplified trees by gluing photos of the family members onto a tree they lovingly drew on a large piece of paper. Older kids and teens can utilize their computer skills and archive their progress on spreadsheets or use genealogy software and various presentation software options. They can create timelines, video journals or their interviews, or incorporate a more detailed version of the photograph family tree that traces family beyond available photographs. You also never know what intrigue and information your family might stumble onto. Starting out with nothing more elaborate than a pad of paper and a pen or pencil, your child may discover that your neighbor two houses away is actually your seventh cousin or that your family name was accidentally changed when your ancestors immigrated to the country. Of course, one of the most beneficial aspects is the time your child has to spend with the various members of her family.m Gina Roberts-Grey is a mom and contributor to numerous parenting publications. Questions kids can ask family members [1] What is your full name including any nicknames you have or may have had in the past? [2] What is your birth date, marriage date and locations of each? [3] What are your parents’ and grandparents’ names and any nicknames they may have had in the past? [4] Ask for dates and locations of each birth, marriage and divorce, if applicable. [5] What was it like for you growing up in your time period? [6] Where did you grow up? [7] Did your family move often and if so where, why, how and during what time periods? [8] What is your fondest memory? [9] What kind of house did you live in when you were a child? [10] Did your parents or grandparents come to this state from another state or country? [11] When did they come to this state or country? [12] What was the city, county and state they came from? |
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