Building Kids' Interest in Family History
Nan Barnes
A number of people we meet tell us, “My kids don’t care about family history.”
That’s not surprising. Interest in genealogy is like any other interest kids have, it has to be developed. As kids learn what genealogy is all about their interest grows. If you want your kids or grandkids to be interested in family history, you have to help them learn about the basics.
Both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts offer Genealogy Merit Badge Programs. These can be a good introduction.
The Young Genealogist Association founded in 2009 offers ideas tools and support kids can use in getting started. Click here to visit their site.
With summer approaching you may want to look into a couple of activities for children. The Southern California Genealogical Association will offer its second annual Kids Camp at the Burbank Marriott on June 11th. Click here for details. If Burbank is too far away, consider working with your local genealogy organization to sponsor a similar event in your community.
The LDS Family History Library offers a Summer of Sleuthing offers a variety of activities for both kids and adults. Click her to see the details from Family Search.
But most importantly, whatever activities you may use to let your children or grandchildren see how interesting Family History can be, the best way to nurture that interest is to work with them yourself. If they can collaborate with you in your own genealogy work they will feel the excitement of being included in a serious adult activity. They will also see that it is an activity that they can continue throughout their lifetime. And you’ll enjoy the opportunity to share their budding interest with them.