Tweens and Their Family Tree
Ways to Teach Your Kids About Past Relatives
Family history can be a fascinating subject, even for children. They can just imagine living as their very own ancestors once did. Not only is learning about the family tree fun, but it is very educational and gives tweens a tie to their own heritage. It does take some work to research the family heritage, but the time spent is well worth it, and your child may develop a keen interest in a new hobby.
Use the Internet
If you have never taken the time to research your own family tree, your tween can certainly help you. Kids these days are very savvy with computer skills, and there are many websites that will allow you to search your family name. Some places you might try include:
Call Around
Sometimes all it takes to get started are a couple of phone calls to some older family members, too. Your tween will enjoy hearing the stories of ancestors past and piecing together the family puzzle. You will even get enjoyment in catching up with family members that you have not spoken to in ages.
Visit a Cemetery
When is the last time you visited the cemetery of long-lost family members? Kids are actually very interested in this type of field trip and they can learn a lot. Look up old family records and find out where ancestors are buried. Take a camera along and let your tween take pictures of the headstones of relatives. Gravestone rubbings are also easy and can be added to your collection of family history.
Make a Family Tree
You can download templates for making your very own family tree on the Internet, or make your own. You will need basic information about close relatives such as names, date of birth, date of death if it applies, and place of birth. You may find you are missing some information, so have your tween call a relative and ask to help fill in the blanks. You can be certain that relatives will love chatting about family history and this provides an interactive experience for your child.
Interview Family Members
Grab a tape recorder or video tape and start interviewing older family members. Older family members are often a treasure trove of interesting stories and information. Your tween can ask questions about life when they were kids, or even about the price of items. Kids also love hearing war stories, so make sure you talk to the veterans in your family.
Put Together a Scrapbook
After you have collected old family papers and photos, make a scrapbook with your tween. Add copies of important documents such as birth certificates and other records. She will treasure the scrapbook later in life.
Help your child make a unique connection with the past by examining your very own family tree. It is rewarding for everyone involved.
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