Father’s Day is a special occasion that occurs one day a year to honor and appreciate the fathers in our lives. For many of us, our fathers are our “North Stars” guiding us through life with their steadfast support and enduring presence. In my case, my beloved Dad was my “rock” throughout my life, up until his 90’s when he passed. I miss him dearly every day.
While gifts and cards are lovely on Father’s Day, creating a video that captures your father’s wisdom, experiences and love, can be an even more meaningful gift for you to share. All you need is a smartphone and a list of tailored questions to ask your father, which you can find in the blog post.
One of my most cherished possessions is the biographical video interview I did with him over 20 years ago, where I captured all of his life stories and life wisdom.
A homemade video serves not only as a precious keepsake but also as a gift of quality time spent together, deepening bonds and fostering open, heartfelt conversations. It will preserve your father’s voice and expressions and capture his stories and emotions. It’s a dynamic way to document his legacy, allowing future generations when they see it to connect with his personality, values and wisdom in a way that written words alone cannot achieve.
To make the most out of this production, questions should be tailored to the age of the person asking them. This approach ensures that the conversation is engaging and the questions are appropriate, whether they are asked by a young child or an adult.
Once the video is complete, share the final production with your family and back it up to keep copies safe for future generations to enjoy.
Best Father’s Day wishes to all the exceptional Dads!
Questions to Ask Dad on Father’s Day
Here are questions to get you started, sorted by age. For your convenience, you can download the Questions to Ask Dad on Father’s Day PDF and print to use as a script while you record. Most of all, have FUN!
For Young Children:
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- How did you feel when you found out you were going to be a dad?
- What is your favorite memory of me as a baby?
- What is the funniest thing I’ve done so far?
- What was the most surprising thing about becoming my dad?
- What do you hope I remember about my early years?
- What is your favorite activity to do with me right now?
- What have you learned about yourself since becoming my dad?
For Elementary School Children:
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- What’s your favorite story to read to me?
- What school activity or event are you most proud of me for?
- How do you encourage my curiosity and learning?
- What advice do you give me about making friends?
- What’s your favorite game or sport to play with me?
- What lesson do you hope I learn during elementary school?
- What family tradition do you enjoy most with me?
- How do you handle challenges or conflicts with me?
For Middle School Children:
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- What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed in me during middle school?
- How do you support my growing independence?
- What do you admire most about my personality?
- What advice do you have for me about handling peer pressure?
- What hobbies or interests do we share?
- How do you help me balance school, activities, and relaxation?
- What’s the most important value you want me to remember?
- What’s your favorite memory of us from when I was younger?
For High School Children:
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- What were you like in high school?
- What’s the most important advice you have for my future?
- How do you support my goals and dreams?
- What’s your favorite memory of us from my childhood?
- What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as my parent?
- What qualities do you think are most important for me to develop?
- How do you feel about me becoming more independent?
- What life lessons do you want me to carry into adulthood?
For Adult Children:
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- What was your proudest moment as my father?
- How did becoming a father change you?
- What advice do you have for me as I navigate adulthood?
- What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned from being a parent?
- What’s your favorite memory of us together?
- What values do you hope I continue to uphold?
- How do you want to be remembered by your grandchildren?
- What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were my age?
For Adult Children Who Are Fathers Themselves:
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- What advice do you have for me now that I’m a father too?
- What was the biggest challenge you faced raising me?
- How did you balance work and family life?
- What are your favorite memories of raising me?
- How did you approach discipline and guidance with me?
- What’s the most important lesson you want me to pass on to my children?
- How do you see fatherhood changing across generations?
- What are you most proud of in your journey as a father and now a grandfather?
The Unspoken ‘I Love You’: How Families Express Love Without Words
/in Frontpage Article /by Iris WagnerValentine’s Day is filled with roses, chocolates, and heartfelt messages. But love—real, lasting love—goes far beyond the grand gestures. It’s often found in the quiet, everyday moments that don’t make it into greeting cards. In many families, I love you isn’t always spoken. Instead, it’s passed down through traditions, small actions, and even the meals we share.
A father who scrapes the ice off his daughter’s windshield before she wakes up. A grandmother who never lets anyone leave her house without a full belly and a container full of left overs. A sibling who sends a text that simply says, Thinking of you. These gestures may not seem like much, but they speak volumes.
Love, in its truest form, is in the details. Some families express it through food—handwritten recipes stained with years of use, a signature dish that makes everyone feel at home. Others pass it down through rituals—Sunday dinners, morning phone calls, the way a mother always waits at the window until her child is safely inside.
This Valentine’s Day, instead of focusing only on romance, take a moment to recognize the quieter forms of love in your life. And more importantly—preserve them.
Because love, like legacy, is often best remembered in the stories we tell.
Think back to the moments of unspoken love in your own family. Capture them in words, a letter, a recording—so that long after the last meal is shared, the last text sent, and the last light left on, the love that shaped you will still be there, ready to be passed on.
A Decade Later: Why Legacy Letters Matter More Than Ever
/in Frontpage Article, Uncategorized /by Iris WagnerTen years ago, I shared the idea of writing a legacy letter—a heartfelt message filled with stories, values, and love for children and grandchildren. Back then, it was a simple invitation to pause and reflect on what truly matters. Today, that invitation feels more urgent than ever.
In a world brimming with digital noise and fleeting interactions, the power of both writing and receiving a written letter stands apart. It’s a gift of permanence in an uncertain world, an act of intention that says, “I see you, I know you and I love you.” As we launch into another year, let’s welcome this practice—not as a task, but as an opportunity.
A legacy letter reflects on the past year, capturing the moments, lessons, and values that have shaped you. It examines who you’ve become and shares in the hope that your experiences and insights will be of service to the reader, now and in the future.
Beyond the message itself, writing a legacy letter has two profound effects.
Early in this year, I invite you to sit with a pen and paper—or your keyboard—and write something deeply personal. Recount your joys, challenges, the lessons you’ve learned, and the dreams you hold for your loved ones. Be as honest and heartfelt as you can. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be real.
For those who aren’t parents, consider writing to nieces, nephews, godchildren, or anyone whose life you have touched. A legacy letter is more than words on a page—it’s a permanent hug, a gift that will outlast trends and transcend time.
Reflect, write, and share. The love and wisdom you capture now will echo for generations to come.
Wishing you and yours a meaningful and joyful New Year.
Be well, go safely.
Legacy as a Living Bond: Finding Connection Through Reflection
/in Frontpage Article, Uncategorized /by Iris WagnerWhen you hear the word legacy, you probably think of something left behind—like a gift for future generations. But here’s something surprising: reflecting on your own values and life stories doesn’t just benefit the future—it can create stronger, more meaningful relationships today.
The end of the year (or the start of a new one) is the perfect time to pause and reflect. When we share our stories and life lessons, we give the people around us a window into who we are. Think about the last time you told a funny childhood memory or shared a lesson you learned the hard way. Didn’t it spark a connection? Maybe it led to laughter or an “ah-ha” moment that brought you closer to someone.
Science backs this up. Studies show that self-reflection helps us understand ourselves and strengthens the bonds we have with others (American Psychological Association, 2021). When we open up about what has shaped us—whether it’s a family tradition, a mistake that taught us resilience, or the values that guide us—we’re not just sharing facts. We’re building empathy and a sense of shared history.
In fact, research reveals that nearly 7 out of 10 people feel a stronger sense of belonging when they talk openly about their experiences and values (Pew Research, 2022). At a time when real connection can feel harder to find, reflecting on your life and sharing those reflections is like offering an invitation: This is who I am. Let’s understand each other better.
Recently my husband shared a remarkable childhood story with his three year old grandson who is presently learning how to swim but mostly wants to just fool around in the water. When my husband was almost four years old on holiday with his family in Saranac Lake, New York, without telling anyone where he was going he had walked into the lake, without knowing how to swim, wearing his baseball cap. Fortunately, his father suddenly spotted his baseball cap floating – with him under it– drowning! The next day, he was enrolled in swimming lessons. His grandson was wide-eyed and asked why he did that. His response was, “I wanted to go for a walk into the water, but I learned quickly that you have to learn how to swim before you try any water activities”. Since hearing that story, his grandson is taking swimming lessons much more seriously. And as an aside, later in life my husband became Head of Waterfront at a summer camp!
Legacy work isn’t just about leaving behind a record of your life. It’s about creating a bridge—a way to connect with those you love on a deeper level. And isn’t that what we all want? To feel seen, heard, and truly known?
So, as the year winds down, take a moment to reflect on your journey. Share a story. Pass on a piece of wisdom. You might be surprised at how it strengthens the relationships that matter most to you right now.
Tales That Bind: The Importance of Sharing Family Stories with Kids
/in Frontpage Article /by Iris WagnerI was reading The Atlantic article “What Kids Learn From Hearing Family Stories,” recently and it reaffirmed my strong belief that family stories and lore are very powerful. They are truly special moments (that need to be preserved!) when families get together and share tales from the past. These stories—whether funny, heartfelt, or even bittersweet—do more than just entertain or pass the time. They help shape how children see themselves and their environment.
When kids hear about their parents’ or ancestors’ experiences, struggles, and triumphs, they begin to understand that they’re part of an intergenerational legacy. Sharing these stories connects them to their family’s history, offering a sense of continuity and belonging. As The Atlantic highlights, this can be essential in helping children develop a strong sense of identity.
Family stories also tend to carry life lessons. Whether it’s a grandparent’s perseverance through hard times or an uncle’s act of generosity, these tales often reveal what is valued within the family. Kids pick up on these lessons naturally, without feeling like they are being taught. Stories of overcoming adversity—whether they are about immigration, financial struggles, or personal setbacks—they all can build emotional resilience in kids. Children learn that challenges are part of life, but all hardships can be faced with courage, compassion and determination.
My beloved mom often shared the poignant story of her childhood in extreme poverty, where even owning a doll was an unimaginable luxury—especially with three brothers in tow! This perspective undoubtedly shaped her choices, like when I, as a little girl, was given a hand-me-down Barbie doll from an older cousin. Though we could have afforded a new one, my mom’s upbringing instilled in her the belief that it simply wasn’t necessary. Through her approach to hand-me-downs, I realize now she instilled in me that financial well-being isn’t about spending lavishly but about making thoughtful, intentional decisions that reflect your values and priorities.
Perhaps most importantly, sharing family stories creates connections between generations. When children hear stories about their grandparents or great-grandparents, they realize they are part of a multi-generational legacy. This connection deepens family bonds and gives kids a sense of belonging that stretches beyond the immediate family circle. This is especially helpful in today’s world, where families often live far apart, and it is easy to forget that we belong to something bigger. These stories bridge the gap between distance and time, reminding us of the shared history that keeps us connected.
So the next time you tell, or even better, record a family story, remember—you are not just sharing a memory. You are giving your kids and grandkids insight into understanding who they are and how they fit into the world.
Reframing Legacy: The Subtle Shift from “Not Forgetting” to “Remembering”
/in Frontpage Article /by Iris WagnerLabor Day: The “Real” New Year?
/in Uncategorized /by Iris WagnerFor me, and for many others, the new year truly starts with Labor Day. It’s the time of year when the energy shifts—summer winds down, teachers and kids head back to school, and we return to our routines with renewed focus. Just like the traditional back-to-school photos that fill social media, this season signals a fresh start not only for students but for adults as well.
Labor Day weekend is the launching pad for new beginnings—whether it’s diving into creative projects, setting personal goals, or expanding professional horizons. This transitional time of the year is rich with potential. We often think of January as the time to make resolutions, but for me September holds that same promise of fresh beginnings. I use this time to dive into my own “new year.” It’s when I review projects, recalibrate goals, and begin fresh initiatives.
This is also a juncture where we can pause and reflect: What have we accomplished so far this year? What do we want to achieve before it ends? Just as students step into new classrooms and begin new lessons, we too can start new chapters in our personal and professional lives. Perhaps it is launching a new project, refocusing on health and wellness, or setting our sights on long-held dreams that were on the back burner.
Labor Day weekend really is a great time to reflect, regroup, and step forward into our own new year full of possibilities. Labor Day isn’t just a holiday from work and school—it’s a moment for reinvention. Let’s embrace it!
Summer Video Time Capsule: Connecting Generations Through Fun Questions
/in Uncategorized /by Iris WagnerSummer is the perfect time for families to come together and create lasting memories. This year, why not add a fun and interactive twist to your gatherings with a Video Time Capsule project? Imagine sitting around the picnic table or campfire, not just sharing stories but capturing them for future generations.
One engaging way to do this is by setting up a talk show-style game where everyone participates in answering easy questions about the family’s history and traditions. While you play, this actually becomes a perfect time to record on video (via smartphone or tablet) the answers to be preserved as a memory and for posterity.
Begin by asking questions that highlight generational differences. For example, “What kind of phone did you have as a child?” might yield answers like rotary phones, touch tone phones, and smartphones, showcasing how technology has evolved. This can lead to fun conversations about how old technology worked or how older generations might have a harder time adapting to new technology. It’s a delightful way to learn about each other and open up communication across generations.
For this game everyone writes their answers on their own sheet of paper. Once everyone is ready, they reveal their answers at the same time. That way you get a snapshot of the different experiences and can discuss them, adding a layer of fun (likely some laughs!) and learning.
P.S. We would love to hear from you!!! After you do this Video Time Capsule, kindly reach out to Iris (email/phone/text) to share how the experience was for your family.
VIDEO TIME CAPSULE QUESTIONS
For your convenience, you can download the Summer Video Time Capsule Questions PDF and print to use as a script while you record. Most of all, have FUN!
Here are 20 questions to get started
If the youngest participants are old enough
In Honor of Fatherhood: A Meaningful Father’s Day Gift – A Video Experience
/in Uncategorized /by Iris WagnerFather’s Day is a special occasion that occurs one day a year to honor and appreciate the fathers in our lives. For many of us, our fathers are our “North Stars” guiding us through life with their steadfast support and enduring presence. In my case, my beloved Dad was my “rock” throughout my life, up until his 90’s when he passed. I miss him dearly every day.
While gifts and cards are lovely on Father’s Day, creating a video that captures your father’s wisdom, experiences and love, can be an even more meaningful gift for you to share. All you need is a smartphone and a list of tailored questions to ask your father, which you can find in the blog post.
One of my most cherished possessions is the biographical video interview I did with him over 20 years ago, where I captured all of his life stories and life wisdom.
A homemade video serves not only as a precious keepsake but also as a gift of quality time spent together, deepening bonds and fostering open, heartfelt conversations. It will preserve your father’s voice and expressions and capture his stories and emotions. It’s a dynamic way to document his legacy, allowing future generations when they see it to connect with his personality, values and wisdom in a way that written words alone cannot achieve.
To make the most out of this production, questions should be tailored to the age of the person asking them. This approach ensures that the conversation is engaging and the questions are appropriate, whether they are asked by a young child or an adult.
Once the video is complete, share the final production with your family and back it up to keep copies safe for future generations to enjoy.
Best Father’s Day wishes to all the exceptional Dads!
Questions to Ask Dad on Father’s Day
Here are questions to get you started, sorted by age. For your convenience, you can download the Questions to Ask Dad on Father’s Day PDF and print to use as a script while you record. Most of all, have FUN!
For Young Children:
For Elementary School Children:
For Middle School Children:
For High School Children:
For Adult Children:
For Adult Children Who Are Fathers Themselves:
Our Mothers: Bless them all!
/in Frontpage Article, Uncategorized /by Iris WagnerToday would be my beloved Mom Shirley Wagner’s birthday. I dedicate this blog in memory of her.
As Mother’s Day approaches this year, it is a perfect time to reflect on the profound impact our mothers have had on our lives. From nurturing us in our earliest days to guiding us through life’s challenges, their influence is undeniable. Mothers are unparalleled in their ability to offer unconditional love and care. From the moment we arrive, they embrace us with tenderness and support, guiding us through life’s ups and downs.
Mothers play a pivotal role in shaping our values and beliefs through both their actions and teachings during our formative years. From the simple act of leading by example to more deliberate conversations, they instill in us the principles that guide our decisions and interactions with the world.
Reflecting on our own experiences with our mothers, memories flood our minds. Whether it’s the comforting embrace during a difficult time or the gentle guidance through life’s uncertainties, their presence has been a constant source of strength and reassurance.
I lost my beloved Mother a few years ago, and still miss her and think of her each and every day. She was an amazing Mom all my life, but especially in our adult-adult relationship– she was my very best friend. The life wisdom she imparted to me still guides me to this day. She was one very special woman and I am so grateful that she was my Mom!
Expressing gratitude to our mothers is not only important but essential. They have dedicated their lives to nurturing, supporting, and guiding us, often making countless sacrifices along the way. On Mother’s Day, consider meaningful gestures to demonstrate your gratitude. Whether it’s a heartfelt letter or a poem, a thoughtful gift, or simply spending quality time together, the key is to make it personal and heartfelt.
As Mother’s Day approaches, let’s take time to reflect on and appreciate the indispensable role of our own mothers. For those whose mothers are no longer with us, let’s cherish their memory and the lasting impact they’ve had on our lives. Whether through fond memories, cherished traditions, or quiet moments of reflection, let’s honor their legacy and express gratitude for the love and support they provided.
We love you Moms! Happy Birthday Shirley!
Happy, Healthy wishes to all Mothers on Mother’s Day 2024!