Recording Your Personal History

One of the greatest gifts you can give your kid is your time while you are still around. But what do you leave them of yourself after you are gone. I've included a few things that will help you leave your children and grand children a glimpse into who you are.

Pictures are worth a thousand words

Most of us parents take a million pictures of our kids as they grow up, but very few of ourselves. In addition to lots of kid pictures, be sure to include the parents and grandparents in the pictures. Kids and grand kids will love looking back on those days and see what you were like. Above all, backup your pictures.

Write up a personal history

Think of it as a life resume where you give some detail about all the jobs and important events you have experienced in your lifetime. For instance talk about your wedding, your first job, your career path, when they were born, where you have lived, what struggles you have had to deal with, etc... If your parents are still around, have them do the same. If not, try to write some basic information down around their lives.

Keep a journal about your kids.

I keep a running list of things my kids did you make me proud, happy, or anything else I would want them to remember. It also reminds me why I love my kids during difficult times. I write the date and a brief description of the event. An example would be: "It was fun to see my son help his younger sister up the slide. You took such good care of her and I am proud of you." I try to do some kind of entry like this every month or so. Create a reminder on your calendar or whatever it takes. It doesn't seem like much, but three years later, I have some great memories that I would have forgotten. This will give them an important glimpse into who you are and what is important to you. Maybe it will help convey messages you weren't able to verbalize in the rush of parenting.

Think you don't have the time? You don't need to organize the data now, just create a folder on your computer or file cabinet where you write down events and times you wish to remember. Time is fleeting and my kids are growing up faster than I ever imagined. If you don't take a few minutes a week to at least document fun moments with your family you will wish you had later when they are gone.