Eight Questions That You Should Ask Your Parents

We spend so much of our lives with our parents and yet most of it is devoted to routine and commonplace things.

Time is short and unfortunately we are all getting older. There may never be a better time than now to have a meaningful conversation with your parent or parents.

You sometimes hear people say that they regret missed opportunities while their parents were alive and that there were things they wish they had spoken about. Make sure that you seize the chance while you can.

Family history

1. Can you tell me a story about your parents or grandparents?

Family history is much more than a family tree and a photo album. It is also a collection of stories which become your family folklore. Be sure to have some stories about your ancestors that you can pass on to your descendants.

Their childhood

2. Can you tell me a story about when you were a child?

Stories about their adventures, hopes, fears and relationships with friends and parents can be fascinating and revealing. Why not record them on video?

The old time

3. Can you tell me a story about me as a child?

Your parents will remember funny or embarrassing things about you as a little child. These will be handy when one day your child asks you question 2 above.

Life philosophy

4. What is the one piece of advice you would like to share with me?

Your parents have a lifetime of experience and there are still things that you can learn from them. They may share something philosophical, funny or silly. Whatever it is it can pass into the family sayings and mythology.