History provides the Big Picture
History shows that we are part of a much larger narrative than just our own subjective stories. It connects us to our families, communities, nations and the world as a whole and gives us a huge sense of belonging. Learning and understanding history, creates wise and compassionate family members & leaders while at the same time also creating informed and responsible citizens.
It Offers Encouragement
Other’s stories of what they’ve endured give us a new perspective on our own experiences and help us see ways to become resourceful within our limitations. We see other ways of handling things and other options that we might not have thought of before. In other words it helps us to solve problems.
It also generates gratitude when we see that other people have experienced the same or even far worse adversities than we have. History thereby also inspires us to persevere because we have other family members who survived and thrived.
Research has shown that children who know more about their family history have higher self-esteem and a sense of control. The developmental psychologist Dr Robin Fivush illustrated it so well with seeing yourself as part of a large family tapestry as opposed to just one weak thread.
Enables us to learn from other’s mistakes
“Those who ignore history are destined to repeat it.”
We can build on the sacrifices, failures and achievements of our forefathers and go forward with much more success.
Use history to teach your children resilience
- Everybody loves stories and story-telling has also been shown to be a most effective way of teaching, so create opportunities to talk about your ancestors and share their stories.
- Make a family tree and invite extended family to participate and expand it.
- Identify the characteristics and traits that grandparents and great grandparents were known for and encourage your children to discover which ones they inherited from who. This is really great to help them relate to their elders and find their own place in the family.
- Write down questions you cannot answer and make a collective family research project of it. Go to the library together or sign up for a history newsletter etc.
- Visit elders regularly and record their stories to be saved for future generations. We have amazing technology these days, so use it.
- Ensure that you use a good balance of good and bad stories as teaching opportunities and conversation starters. Focus on the life lessons and how resilience is cultivated during and after the experiences.
- Discuss the shared family values that were handed down through generations and your vision for the future of the family. It’s important that children are made aware of these things in an age appropriate manner.
- Maintain family rituals, celebrations and special occasions as part of your heritage.
- Talk openly and normalise the wounds (trauma) in your family and then counter-balance it with the strengths (victories) – all of which we inherit through the generations. We do not only carry wounds – we inherit super powers too.
I’m working on an exciting family history project, so watch this space if you want to know when it’s launched.