I have been thinking about writing a letter for my kids, but think I might turn it into a book - Mum's advice - I lost my mum when relatively young and there was lots of times when I wished I could have asked her what she would suggest. I want to have it as a bit of a resource with tips and suggestions that they can just look at when they need to. On health - info on family health risks and genetic conditions in our family (info they are too young for now and my hubby will never remember but they will need when planning a family or managing their health checks etc), On kids - letting them know that they will be ok and you don't have to listen to ALL the advice you are given and it's ok to stay at home and ok to work whatever they choose will be ok and don't feel guilty about your choice etc etc anyone have any suggestions on the topics I should cover????

First loves, first heartbreaks, first cars, pets. Your grandparents. Books to read, songs to hear. The songs you sang to them when they were babies. Their first words, steps, funny stories about poo and tantrums and what you did that worked. Their favourite tv shows when they were little. Your favourite foods, and the ones you loathe. Good and favourite recipes for all occasions! Any advice for when they have their babies, what you found good and what you ignored. Advice about choosing a life partner. Advice about facing adversity, what you've done to handle the tough times and celebrate the good times. K xox

My Grandfather wrote a book about his life & his parents life for the family, and also kept a diary. It's interesting to read how things where back when he was a child, and his thoughts on life as it happened. I read his diary entry for the day I was born and he says "(Mums name) had a baby girl today, what a beauty." In another part he also talks about helping to build roads in their area.So I'd say times and ideas will change over time, so put your life & thoughts in writing for them.

I started writing my life story for my grandchildren to read one day. Telling them what life was like when I was growing up. I have lost interest lately, thinking they wouldn't be interested. Maybe when they are a lot older, they might read it, but by just writing the story done has made me feel greatful for the life I have had so far. Last birthday I turned 72 yrs.having first had breast cancer at 51 and then metastatic breast cancer at the age of 66yrs. So I have had many good years , when I have seen my children grow up, marry and have children of their own. Life may have its ups and downs but I think I'm fortunate and have decided to keep writing my story.

I havent kept a written journal since I was in my teens, but it's possible in will give my son my log in details for this site along with all the other digital archives we accumulate these days. That should keep him occupied for a while if he chooses to investigate.My biggest legacy to him will be my workshop which tells its own tale of a woman who loved to build and create things. It is the story of a mad ride through saddlery, jewellery manufacturing, wood working, building, pottery, fine arts, blacksmithing, panel beating, sculpture, welding, plumbing, bookbinding...I think at last count I owned about thirty different sorts of hammers, all with their own purpose.

Sounds like a fantastic idea. Things about friendships, partners/spouses, memories you've shared, things about your life and family, about your pregnancy and their birth, things about how it was growing up compared to theirs.

Journals, letters, books or gifts to leave for your kids

14 Replies

kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@wendy_h67 If they're not interested their children will be. It will become a family heirloom. Keep going! Just think, long after anyone who remembers you is gone, your descendents will know of and about you. It's a wonderful thing. K xox
wendy_h67
Member
7 years ago
I started writing my life story for my grandchildren to read one day. Telling them what life was like when I was growing up. I have lost interest lately, thinking they wouldn't be interested. Maybe when they are a lot older, they might read it, but by just writing the story done has made me feel greatful for the life I have had so far. Last birthday I turned 72 yrs.having first had breast cancer at 51 and then metastatic breast cancer at the age of 66yrs. So I have had many good years , when I have seen my children grow up, marry and have children of their own. Life may have its ups and downs but I think I'm fortunate and have decided to keep writing my story.
Stressmagnet
Member
7 years ago
What an awesome idea!
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
I agree @Wendy55, @primek you have been missed. K xox
primek
Member
7 years ago
Apparently @wendy55 even Big W do something similar. Just google photo books.
wendy55
Member
7 years ago
@primek, thank you so much for the link to this, I am not very computer savvy and would love to do something like this for my partner, son and grandaughter, the one for my partner would have to include how to use the dishwasher and the washing machine,.and where I hide the dog treats!,I have all the family photos and history regarding my parents, I sometimes wonder what will happen to them later on as these days the younger generation dont seem to be as interested as people of my age are, I still have my dads apprenticeship paper from way back and the copy of the official secrets act paperwork he had to sign, also the letter from the old king dated 1918, welcoming my grandfather back from being a prisoner of war - so much history -
ps. nice to see you back
wendy55
primek
Member
7 years ago
You can create photo albums with stories online if you want to do some of it like that. Especially if you want a couple of books but uniquely different parts.

https://www.snapfish.com.au/store/photo-book
primek
Member
7 years ago
Favourite family recipes.

How to cook a roast and have it ready all together.

Xmas traditions of your family.

Funny stories to read out from things you did together.

Precious memories of times together.

Why certain things...like a dinnerset...was special to you. The story behind the thing is what's important and brings meaning to them.

I think it is a brilliant idea and something all of us could do. I would have loved that keepsake of my Mum. X
RachelG
Member
7 years ago
Beautiful idea @TripleNegMama
Zoffiel
Member
7 years ago
I havent kept a written journal since I was in my teens, but it's possible in will give my son my log in details for this site along with all the other digital archives we accumulate these days. That should keep him occupied for a while if he chooses to investigate.
My biggest legacy to him will be my workshop which tells its own tale of a woman who loved to build and create things. It is the story of a mad ride through saddlery, jewellery manufacturing, wood working, building, pottery, fine arts, blacksmithing, panel beating, sculpture, welding, plumbing, bookbinding...I think at last count I owned about thirty different sorts of hammers, all with their own purpose.