Part II: How to Preserve Your Family History—10 Minutes at a Time

Last Friday Darcy Maulsby on How to Preserve Family History, 10 Minutes at a Time. In part II of this article, today Darcy gives examples of questions to ask family members to make it easier.

Sharing the stories that bind us

Need more inspiration to preserve your family history? Leaving a legacy offers surprising benefits for children.

This was proven by Dr. Marshall Duke, a psychologist at Emory University. In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Dr. Duke’s studies with U.S. families confirmed that children who know more about their family narrative have higher self-esteem, a stronger sense of control over their lives, less anxiety and greater resilience, meaning they can moderate the effects of stress.

Sharing your family narrative can happen in as little as 10 minute at a time at holiday gatherings, dinnertime, family vacations and more. Here are some questions to start the conversation:

• Do you know where and how your parents met?
• Do you know some things that happened to your mom or dad when they were in school?
• Do you know some of the jobs your parents or grandparents had when they were young?
• Do you know some awards your parents received when they were young?
• Do you know the source of your name?
• Do you know some of the lessons your parents learned from good and bad experiences?

Remember, there’s no time like the present to capture the past and preserve it for future generations. All it takes it 10 minutes at a time!