Family

Family Culture and History

An active and/or documented family culture and history can benefit members in many ways. Certain aspects may bring the family closer together, such as a shared mission, ongoing traditions, and shared experiences. Other aspects may provide perspective and background such as a health history resource and family history. Heirlooms can provide a physical presence of family culture, being a tangible reminder of the path taken to arrive at the present. Collectively culture and history can help family members define and act upon principles, shared values and priorities.

Family History Documentation

Family histories help to humanize those who have passed for the family members who didn't know them in person, and keep the memory alive for those who did. A family history can also help to solidify a sense of family and/or add clarification to current family dynamics. Often this documentation is useful to many generations that follow.

https://folklife.si.edu/the-smithsonian-folklife-and-oral-history-interviewing-guide/smithsonian

https://www.npr.org/2021/11/12/1055128650/how-to-record-oral-family-history

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-right-side-of-40/202204/what-is-a-legacy-tree-and-why-do-you-need-one

Health History Resource

Understanding family health history can motivate members to action, lower chances of getting diseases, encourage changes of unhealthy behaviors, spawn positive lifestyle changes, and seize the opportunity for screening tests. Sharing diagnoses of medical conditions or the results of genetic testing, whether recent or long past results from relatives who are no longer living, allows younger relatives to benefit from the family health history information.

https://cbiit.github.io/FHH/html/index.html

Living With Traditions

Family traditions are rituals that can foster a sense of unity and help pass down cultural values. They can range from annual activities around holidays, to gathering regularly at a shared family home.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-flux/201405/5-ways-create-family-traditions

Focusing on a Mission

Families that collaboratively define collective principles, shared values and priorities typically benefit from stronger, more respectful family relationships, with children who are better equipped to address outside influences while making ethical and intelligent decisions, and a higher likelihood of the entire family adopting a healthy lifestyle.

https://raisingkidswithpurpose.com/defining-family-values/

Preserving or Creating Heirlooms

Documenting and preserving or even creating family heirlooms are ways to continue a legacy and tell the family story. These might be art, books, collectables, furniture, letters, or something else. Selecting or creating heirlooms with purpose and intention behind them can reflect and express values important to the family.

https://tfsadvisors.com/how-to-meaningfully-document-your-family-heirlooms/

https://everloved.com/articles/end-life-care/10-legacy-project-ideas/

https://www.remento.co/journal/how-to-document-the-stories-behind-family-heirlooms

Sharing Experiences

One way to create a happy and resilient family is to tell and retell the story of family members’ positive moments as well as family members’ abilities to rebound from difficult times. Both are important, increasing the odds that the family will thrive for generations to come.

https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/fashion/the-family-stories-that-bind-us-this-life.html