Stories Our Parents and Grandparents Told Us
Getting Started: Introduction
Step 1: Read the introduction to immerse yourself in the essence of this workshop and discover what it has to offer.
If we are fortunate, our parents and grandparents told us lots of stories about their lives and the lives of others. If we are very fortunate, our great-grandparents told us stories. Some of those stories may have focused on ordinary daily life (e.g., work, school, cooking and eating) or unexpected surprises (e.g. accidents, severe weather). Some of those stories may have focused on how bigger events in the world affected them—e.g., the Great Depression, World War II. We will share some of those stories in conversation and writing.
Exploring Perspectives: Reading Quotations
Step 2: Read the quotations below and reflect on the ones that resonate with you, drawing connections that inspire and deepen your understanding.
“Evidence suggests that the more children know about their family history, the less anxiety, less depression and higher self-esteem they exhibit.”
Natalie Merrill, researcher in psychology
“The single most important thing you can do for your family may be the simplest of all:develop a strong family narrative.”
Bruce Feiler, writer
“Unlike stories from books, family stories are always free and completely portable. You don’t even need to have the lights on to share with your child a story about your day, about their day, about your childhood or their grandma’s.”
Elaine Reese, New Zealand author
“The best loved stories are not from books or films, but those from our own families.”
Jane McGarvey
“If you don’t recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor your own stories and tell them too. The tales may not seem very important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us who we are.”
MadeleineL’Engle, author
“This packrat has learned that what the next generation will value most is not what we owned, but the evidence of who we were and the tales of how we loved. In the end, it’s the family stories that are worth the storage.”
Ellen Goodman, American journalist
Reflect and Express: Discussion and Writing Questions
Step 3: Begin exploring your family’s past and weave it into a captivating story—one that brings cherished memories, untold experiences, and generational wisdom to life. Use the questions below to guide your storytelling.
What stories about daily life did your parents, grandparents, or great grandparents share with you when you were younger?
What stories about extraordinary experiences did your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents share with you?
What are some of your favorite stories that your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents shared with you?
What are some stories that your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents especially liked to tell?
What are some stories that other family members (e.g., uncles, aunts) especially liked to tell?
Which of the aforementioned stories have made the most lasting impression on you?
What has made some of these stories especially memorable?
What do you think you have gained from hearing these stories?
Which family members were fond of embellishing stories?
In what ways did they embellish the stories?
Which of the aforementionedstories do you most enjoy retelling?
What stories have you enjoyed telling to children in your family?Why do you tell them?
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