A family with roots grows strong, and family tree lays out these roots for remembrance in and connection with the current generation and those to come. Spreading your lineage across a physical page illustrates relationships, common traits, health histories and more.
A family tree can help children see where they have come from, and help young adults recognize the foundation that impacts their current situations and their futures. Our lives weave story over story to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that the family tree holds in its framework. And, these stories last far into the future.
Perhaps the idea of a family tree project overwhelms you a bit, or maybe a lot. After all, generations of names, various technologies and a pile of dates offer enough reason to say, “I don’t have time for this.” But, be assured you can design a family tree.
Keep in mind:
Many Internet sources offer online and printable templates to help you draw out your family tree. But, let’s begin in a different direction. To get started, grab a pen, a large sheet of paper, like a piece of butcher or even wrapping paper, and a stack of Post-It notes. Then, take the following steps:
Children and other family members may enjoy engaging in the puzzle-piecing that this type of tree requires. The dialogue that arises through this activity bonds generations and passes down family history. Isn’t this the point? The framework of information means nothing without the relationships and stories that it represents.
The Internet offers seemingly unending sources for researching and recording family history. If you are new to this technology, libraries and senior organizations in your area may offer courses. Or, you can check the following design sources:
The contents of a family tree are personal to its creator. Knowing the reason why you are drawing a tree helps determine the generational reach and the broadness of relationships to include. For instance, projects aimed to engage grandchildren should include the family members they know and perhaps go back one or two unfamiliar generations.
Nontraditional family structures often throw off tree creators. Blended, adoptive and divorce situations prove best handled by personal preference and the context for which the family tree is being drawn up. Family Tree magazine offers helpful insights on this point.
Family is forever. This concept comes to life through the valuable information detailed on family trees. Details recorded and uncovered on a family tree for future generations include:
Yet, perhaps the most significant values prove to be family connection and legacy. The relationships marked out by the family tree signify powerful factors impacting an individual’s current reality and future days. These qualities connect us, inform us and comprise our memories.
Including medical information on your family tree offers critical insight to current and future generations. Being informed as to the history of certain conditions and diseases allows doctors to be on alert, and even run screenings that save patient lives. Be sure to understand the reasons why family medical history proves valuable and consider including it in your document.
To spread out a family tree between generations and tell stories of those that grace its limbs offers unforgettable family memories. And, if a dear one’s family has passed, what a precious opportunity to hear the stories of those filling their lineage. Do you need any more reason to start recording your history today?
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*This blog was first published here: Sunshine Retirement Living
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