This post is adapted from The Washington Post from Anna Nordberg.

Has a family member ever told you about “that time when…” and their story is a fundamental  part of them? Or does your family have a defining story that they tell everyone that never gets old? Or maybe you grew up with a parent with a life lesson hidden in a story for every situation?

Parents who share stories about their childhood give children the knowledge that they are part of something bigger, and children who know more family stories may grow up with higher self-esteem and suffer less from depression and anxiety. It can even help heal families who have faced trauma. But, like any other skill, family storytelling is a muscle that needs to be built.

So how do you build that muscle of storytelling? Dani Shapiro, author of the upcoming novel “Signal Fires, suggests to “create moments in which storytelling is possible. It doesn’t happen in the midst of a busy day or when everyone’s scrolling through social media. It requires some effort, perhaps even a family ritual.” 

Children tend to like stories that relate back to them; like when a grandparent discusses their first day of school when a child is starting kindergarten. “[Storytelling] can help your children in their life as they navigate changes.” says author Bruce Feiler. 

Preserve your family’s moments for your child to look back on again and again. What stories from your journey will you share? Open your Qeepsake journal to document one here or start a Qeepsake membership here.