Ancestry and Parenting

Posted by Connie Newbauer Aug 21, 2006

Where do I come from? Believe me, there is more than one way to answer that question! Every human being has the need for some sense of ancestry. That personal history is almost as essential to a healthy psyche as human touch...But what if your family lives away from aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents?

No argument - when a variety of generations are engaged in your child's life, everyone is enriched and blessed! My children certainly did not have the benefit of family growing up in the traditional sense. However, I have learned why the older generations tell stories!

Before having children, I lost my mother. Out of my own need, I sat down frequently with pictures. They kept my memories alive. A magical thing happened though - my children would sit down next to me and ask "who's that?" the stories tumbled from my lips - healing my loss, passing memories of my parents with each word. Through me, the children's ancesters continued to live.

It is interesting to me to watch a couple marry and blend their seperate families into a new, unique family group. Share your unique family & personal history with your children! It will help them blend their own families in the future.

If your parents are still living, encourage them to share what things were like when they grew up -not only will your children get a sense of belonging, your parents can relive the wonderful memories they have stored away and heal from their own loses - a double blessing!