Before Christmas, an advertisement for a furniture shop appeared on Spanish television. A large, multi-generational family organises a quiz and everyone who doesn’t know the answer to the question must leave the table. As long as the questions are about the lives of celebrities, athletes’ achievements or technological innovations, the family is having a great time. However, after the question: “What was the subject of grandma’s studies?”, everyone at the table goes quiet. Next questions: “Where did your parents go for their honeymoon?” and “What does your child want to be in the future?” – remain unanswered. Sad and embarrassed family members leave the table one by one. What would a similar quiz look like in your family? Sometimes we’re unable to appreciate what we have. We complain and criticise, thinking that others have better or more convenient lives. Sometimes it just takes a short while apart or gaining a little perspective to see that we have a real treasure right under our nose. It’s time to get to know your family better!
Questions are important
On a large piece of paper, outline your child’s silhouette. Then, by writing words or drawing together with your child, fill it with what your child likes to do. You can think of it as an interview with your child. You are a journalist and the child answers your questions:
write or draw on the “hands” of the figure what the child likes to do,
on the “legs” write places that they enjoy going to,
on the “head” write dreams about what they would like to do in the future,
and on the “heart” write three things that they enjoy doing the most.
On another piece of paper, the child outlines the parent (it can also be a normal-sized sheet and a human silhouette) and conducts the same interview with them. Let these interviews go further. Talk about your childhood and your dreams from that time. About your friends. About moments of courage, sadness and joy. Start and watch it unwind. You can arrange your list of questions and interview other family members. Call your relatives. Let your children talk to their grandparents about their childhood, about the moments that were important for them and about how they met. You can go even further and call your extended family such as, your favourite aunt or cousin. Thanks to this, you’ll learn more about your family history.