10 Family History Questions That Will Warm Your Grandparents' Hearts
As our elders experience life from the vantage point of their sunset years, it's important for families and society at large to ensure that their stories are known. Aside from the immediate, life-affirming benefits of learning our family history, our lineage-to-come may themselves wish to learn of their families' legacies.
Hear that legacy as no one else can – from those who alone can tell it – with these family history questions that will not only preserve our precious biographies but give our grandparents the solace and joy of reliving their timeless stories.
Insightful Family History Questions to Ask Your Elders
The next time you find yourself sharing precious quality time with your grandparents, see how these ten suggestions open the gate to an endless supply of remarkable stories and heart-stirring nostalgia.
1. Where did we come from?
Many of us know at a basic level the countries, regions, and cities where our ancestors once lived. But the real beauty of this question lies in how it invokes memories of the journeys taken between them.
2. What did we do?
Though the standard "So… what do you do?" is a bit of a bore at cocktail parties, the same question when posed to your grandparents can be extremely exciting. It reminds us now of the way things once were – and how they could become again, in the future. All the more, learning about the trades that our ancestors had success with brings insights into the latent skills and inborn talents that we and our progeny might still possess.
3. What's your fondest memory?
Of course, the happiest life events and milestones of our dear ones are worth knowing; but all the more, hearing them tell them as only they can never cease to amaze. In fact, even the Senior Helper caretakers lucky enough to hear the hopes and passions of their youth cannot help but feel moved upon hearing such tales; just watch as it inspires the imagination of their children and grandchildren all the more.
4. Is there a time you will never forget?
This can be a very special question, especially for those whose grandparents' memories are finding their way back into the sands of time. It can also be very good for them to flex those precious memories. Nothing sparks the memory like scent, and period music… and a warmly attentive presence.
5. What's life all about?
Perhaps best saved for those almost speechless moments when beholding a sunset or other natural scene together; then, if you have the courage to ask about the heart of all matters, even our shyest as well as most reserved elders will tell you things you never thought you'd hear. In fact, it may just change your life!
6. Is there something you need?
Don't be surprised if the answer to the previous question relates in some way to service; service to something greater than one's self, or the humblest form of service towards each other. May as well tap into that now. Show the utmost respect for the needs and wishes of the golden member of the family.
7. What should we do?
Most grandparents often express wanting nothing more than togetherness and sharing amongst friends and family. So this is the perfect excuse to bring out their favorite game, activity, past-time ...or even just their favorite subject of conversation as you continue your chat with their favorite tea or snack close at hand.
8. How did you find your calling?
For anyone, a deeply magnetic sense of purpose is essential to a feeling of meaning and joy in life. Tap into that yourself by learning how your grandmother and grandfather discovered their own purpose in their life journey. It just may re-magnetize you to your own.
9. When was a time you felt perfectly at peace?
The power of the mind to bring oneself back to the emotional state attendant to a powerful memory is remarkable. (They say the best things in life are free, after all.) So, invoke this ability frequently and often to create a deeply settling state of ease and tranquility around your grandparents, and yourself.
10. What are you most proud of?
Celebrate who they are! By asking them how they themselves want to be remembered, you reignite the youthful buoyancy that they came into this world with. It will also teach you how to most respectfully honor them when you tell future generations of where – and from whom – they come.
There is incredible depth to the quality of time that grandparents alone seem to know how to fully experience. These ten family history questions are sure to make those times that much more illuminating. All you have to do is ask!
Know Your Roots
There is no telling what benefits the youth may gain from simply knowing who got them to where they are. With more depth of knowledge about one's roots, our family's continually growing branches are sure to benefit in myriad untold ways. We hope that even just one or two of these suggested family history questions will set your and your grandparents' hearts alight, and even give you a laugh or two while you're at it.
Tending Our Roots in the Greater Erie Area
Senior Helpers has been humbly providing the most attentive and exceptional home-care services to your beloved elders in Pennsylvania's Erie communities. This includes Millcreek, Fairview, West County, Harborcreek, North East, Waterford, Union City, Corry, as well as Meadville.
If you or your loved ones are wondering if home care is the right choice, you can schedule an in-home assessment or reach out to us at any time. We are honored to be there for all your dignified-living needs.