Why share Family History with Kids?

 

There are many hurtles that prevent people from learning about their family history.  They might be really busy, not have the education to know where to begin or a million other reasons why, but kids?  Well, their only stumbling block is us as their parents!

What child doesn’t love sitting on their parents lap and having them read them a story.  Now, try telling them an interesting story about an ancestor and tell them they share the same blood.  They will be swept away in awe and wonder as they contemplate on how they are related to that storybook hero.

As we bring the stories of our ancestors to the hearts of our children, they will feel a connection that surpasses time.  I remember as a young child, hearing the stories of my grandmother as she talked about her parents and what it was like to live before there were automobiles as we know it today.

I was also raised hearing the stories of my great Uncle who was a war hero during the Korean War and gave his life to save so many others.  He was the first Hawaiian to receive the Medal of Honor.   It made me feel very proud as a young child to know I had a war hero in my family that gave the ultimate sacrifice.  There was even a ship named after him the USS Pililaau.

Some of our favorite memories as a family while living in Pennsylvania was when we would visit cemeteries.  We would love to go “hunting” on Sundays to a near by cemetery to see if we could find any relatives.  It was a great way to teach the importance of “why” family history is so important to us and hopefully share that same enthusiasm with them.

As we come to understand the stories of our ancestors as children, we will have a desire to be more like them.  I always wanted to be brave like my Uncle and courageous.  It has helped me to learn how to overcome trials and adversities because he was so willing to be courageous.  I know that as I teach my children the importance of family history and where they came from, it helps them find a sense of belonging.

In order to help my children learn more about their ancestors, I put together a binder for each of my kids.  Inside there are worksheets where they can learn more about their ancestor.  I’d love for you try and see if it doesn’t help your own children learn the stories of their ancestors and begin their own family history journey!  To learn more about the importance of family history, take a peek here.

Family History FHE Covers 2   Family History FHE Covers   Family History FHE Lesson 2

Family History FHE Lesson 2a  Family History FHE Lesson 3

Looking for more great articles about this topic?   Here’s a list for you to learn more.

Sharing Family History With Kids: Because Life Isn’t Fair – Growing Little Leaves
Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?  – The Duvall Family
In Their Own Words: Why share family history with children? – The Finlay Family
Disney and Family History: how Moana teaches why family history for kids is vital – Baby Genealogist
(You Are Here) Why I Share Family History with My Children – Devon Noel Lee
Family History for Litte Ones – The Genealogy Girl
What I Want My Children to Know  – Amy Archibald
Why Share Genealogy With the Kids? – The Genealogy Kids
Why Teach Your Kids Family History?  – Olivia Jewell
Mom’s Secret Weapon for Better Family Dinners and Stronger Children – The Family Locket
Trying to Stump Big Grandma and other Family History Fun With Kids – The Genealogy Reporter
At the Knees of My Grandparents – The Mommy Genealogist

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