Learning about your family’s history and building a family tree are wonderful ways to teach your children about the importance of family roots and dynamics and to also have a lot of fun. Importantly, all of this has been connected to generating self-confidence and emotional health in a child. Consider it as a huge puzzle and the pieces all have to come together in a proper fit. Wondering where to start? Here are some ideas.
There are many genealogical records that are available – you just have to do the research. I have listed some links below to assist you with finding information. Military records and naturalization papers are often available. These are great sources of information as they provide detailed descriptions of the person, in the event you do not have a photograph. Census records also are good sources of information that you may not be able to find elsewhere, as they can provide marital status, citizenship, and occupation as well as whether the person owned a home.
Consider researching data kept by churches as many areas have churches that keep detailed records of their parishioners and families. Genealogical societies are well known for collecting familial data as well.
There is no doubt that your children will benefit from learning about the varied persons in their family tree and hearing stories about them. Psychologist Marshall Duke from Emory University in Georgia worked with families and questioned children about their family history. He commented: “Hearing these stories gave the children a sense of their history and a strong ‘intergenerational self’. Even if they were only nine, their identity stretched back 100 years, giving them connection, strength and resilience.”
You may think that it is a daunting task to build your family tree. Try doing the research bit by bit. Having your children involved and motivated will be a tremendous help. In the end, you have built a firm legacy for them to better understand who they are and then pass it on to their own children!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
https://www.legacytree.com/blog/importance-family-history
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jan/14/children-family-histories-tales