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| Family tree of Ludwig Herzog von Wurttemburg, Louis III, Duke of Wurttemburg (1554 - 1593) |
For many -- and perhaps most of us -- who are devoted to the topic of genealogy in general and the study of our family history in particular, the unbelievers among us often greet us with bemusement, polite indulgence and, perhaps rarely, derision. I have heard from more than one family member the ambiguous comment on my hobby that goes something like this . . . "Wow! He is really into dead people!"
Well, fellow genealogists, it is now time for us to unite and collectively engage in a little indulgent, magnanimous bemusement of our own! That well-known and greatly respected weekly academic journal -- PARADE magazine -- has just published a cover article titled The Secrets To A Happy Family by Bruce Feiler. The learned article is adapted from Mr. Feiler's new book, The Secret of Happy Families: Improve Your Mornings, Rethink Family Dinner, Fight Smarter, Go Out and Play, and Much More (due out February 19, 2013, William Morrow).
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Mr. Feiler's Parade article extracts 19 questions to illustrate what happy families have in common. And what is the No. 1 question -- the one the leads off the whole article? Here it is fellow genealogists. Sing it loud, sing it proud!!!
1. When a team of psychologists measured children's resilience, they found that kids who ________ were best able to handle stress.
(a) ate the same breakfast every day
(b) knew the most about their family's history
(c) played team sports
(d) attended regular religious services
Answer: (b) The more children know about their family's history, the stronger their sense of control over their lives and the higher their self-esteem. The reason: These children have a strong sense of "intergenerational self" -- they understand that they belong to something bigger than themselves, and that families naturally experience both highs and lows.
NOTE TO FAMILY MEMBERS: Yes, I am "really into dead people" and their stories. And here is just one reason why!
And that is not all that Mr. Feiler provides for genealogists! How about Question No. 18??
How many Americans attend a family reunion every year?
(a) 25 million
(b) 50 million
(c) 100 million
Answer: (c) About 40 percent of Americans attend an annual reunion, with another 25 percent attending one every few years. To increase bonding during reunions, hold a family trivia contest or play intergenerational games like capture the flag. Having fun together is a key part of building a strong family identity.
NOTE TO FELLOW GENEALOGISTS: You should be disqualified from playing in the family trivia game, BUT you should be the one to come up with the questions and answers!
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PARADE, Sunday, February 17, 2013.
PARADE article adapted from Bruce Feiler's new book, The Secrets of Happy Families (Feb. 19, William Morrow)
Image of Ludwig Herzog von Wurttemburg family tree is from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genealogy The work is in the public domain in the U.S., which recognizes a copyright term of the life of the author/creator plus 100 years or less. The image file is from the Wikimedia Commons.
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Copyright 2013, John D. Tew
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Yep, family history is helpful to families. Sweet! (But then, we already knew that right?)
ReplyDeleteJana and Elizabeth: I think an understanding and appreciation of one's family history is a real advantage (if not essential). Those who have no interest, or sadly lack enough information to discover much beyond their parents or grandparents, are really missing out on an important aspect of being here and now. My sons indulge my interest, but I think they are absorbing some of it too and developing an interest that will probably increase f and when they have the joy and responsibility of parenthood. ;-) Thank you for visiting and commenting!
DeleteYes, I saw that article in today's Parade Magazine and my thoughts ran along these lines. I like to think my teenagers are turning out pretty well, and maybe it's because their mom is a genealogist!
ReplyDeleteJana and Elizabeth: I think an understanding and appreciation of one's family history is a real advantage (if not essential). Those who have no interest, or sadly lack enough information to discover much beyond their parents or grandparents, are really missing out on an important aspect of being here and now. My sons indulge my interest, but I think they are absorbing some of it too and developing an interest that will probably increase f and when they have the joy and responsibility of parenthood. ;-) Thank you for visiting and commenting!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I heard on the radio recently that children who seem to know more about themselves and are helped to remember things about their family and their past tend to be more confident as they grow up because they have no doubt of who they are. I will continue the good fight with my own kids!
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