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I don’t want to age myself, but… I have been around for quite some time and have seen many things in my time on Earth! Y2K? I survived it (as did, well, basically everyone else alive on New Year’s Day 2000)! The Berlin Wall? I wasn’t there personally, but I remember how I felt while watching the news coverage. And how about those groovy ’70s? I’ll save those stories for when the grands are a little older…
You have so much to share with your grandkids and future generations, but how do you share it? I recommend beginning with one (or all!) of these 10 creative ways to share your life stories with grandkids:
1. A “When I was your age” journal
This one is exactly as it sounds and something that can be passed down – and even added to! – for generations to come. As the name suggests, you can start a journal where each entry begins with “When I was your age…” and share stories that relate to their current experiences and interests. Can you think of a more personal and relatable way to share your history? Me neither!
2. Story jars
Write down short anecdotes on pieces of paper and pop them into a jar, and then, whenever the grandkids visit, have them pull one out for you to elaborate on. To make it even more fun and memorable, pair each story with popcorn and hot cocoa for a cozy storytelling session.
3. Create a family tree
If you have yet to make a family tree – or even if you have but want to make a new one for the purpose of sharing your stories – I highly recommend making one WITH your grands! While you work, share stories of each relative with your grandkids for a history lesson and a family bonding session rolled into one.
Everyone LOVES grandma’s cooking (your fried chicken is legendary!), so why not incorporate storytelling into each recipe? Cook a meal with a story behind it, whether a recipe passed down through generations or one you mastered during your first year of marriage. After making it together – and sharing any stories behind it – be sure to write or type it out so your grandkids can make it themselves.
5. Record your tales
In today’s digital age, why not grab your phone and record audio or video of your stories? Doing this is a fantastic way for grandkids to hear your stories in your voice – even after you are gone (many, many, many years from now).
6. Write a letter
You know I love my letters, as they can effectively convey your point and are a great way to record your personality. If you like, write a letter to each of your grandchildren and share experiences and lessons you’ve learned. Like the audio recording, letters are an excellent keepsake your grandbabies will treasure forever.
7. Map out your adventures
Are you a world traveler (whether current or former)? What better way to share your many adventures (and a geography lesson!) than by mapping it out and sharing tales from the places you’ve been? Remember to have some pictures ready to share!
8. Interactive memory book
Create a scrapbook with photos, but leave blank spaces next to them. Then, when your grandkids visit, fill the spaces with handwritten notes or stories about the pictures to turn memory sharing into an ongoing, interactive project.
9. “Guess the year” game
Kids love games (so do grandmas!), so turn your memory sharing into an interactive activity with this “Guess the Year” game. To play, show your grands pictures or play songs from different periods of your life and have them guess the year for a fun way to share your history and see how perceptions of time differ between generations.
10. Memory music playlist
Create a playlist of songs that have been significant in your life and share the stories behind each one. Music evokes powerful memories and emotions, which makes it a perfect way to share your experiences! To make things even more exciting and interactive for your grands, invite them to also share some of their most essential songs with you.
Conclusion
I hope you feel inspired to share your life story with your grands! I know there are many things I wish I had asked my grandma years ago, so I am trying to prevent the same from happening to my grandkids. If you can think of any other creative methods, I would love to hear them. Have a great week – and God bless.
