Tales That Bind: The Importance of Sharing Family Stories with Kids
I 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.
