What to say to your grandchildren: 18 prompts for a video message
Stories only you can tell, with a one-line example for each. Pick one, press record, and talk for a minute.
Describe the house you grew up in.
“Four rooms, one radio, and a kitchen that smelled of bread on Saturdays.”
Record with this prompt →What did a normal day look like when you were ten?
“Chores before school, a two-mile walk, and the creek until dinner.”
Record with this prompt →Tell them how you met their grandmother or grandfather.
“At a dance I didn't want to go to. She asked me. I said yes before she finished.”
Record with this prompt →What was your first job, and what did it pay?
“Stacking crates at the market for a dollar a day. I felt rich.”
Record with this prompt →What is something from your childhood they'd never believe?
“We had one telephone for the whole street, and it was in the shop.”
Record with this prompt →What did your own grandparents tell you?
“My grandmother said: 'Be the one who brings the bread.' I still don't fully know what she meant.”
Record with this prompt →What is a family recipe they should keep making?
“The lemon cake. The secret is you don't measure the lemon.”
Record with this prompt →What is the best trip you ever took?
“The train to the coast, 1971. I'd never seen the sea. I cried.”
Record with this prompt →
Which family story is actually true?
“The goat on the ferry. All of it. I was there.”
Record with this prompt →What were their parents like as children?
“Your dad took every clock in the house apart. Most went back together.”
Record with this prompt →What do you love about each of them right now?
“Ella, your questions. Sam, the way you check on the dog before yourself.”
Record with this prompt →What did you worry about that turned out fine?
“Money, mostly. We were always a little short and always okay.”
Record with this prompt →What is one piece of advice for when they're grown?
“Call people back. Everything else is details.”
Record with this prompt →What should they know about where our family came from?
“A village you can't find on most maps, and a long boat ride.”
Record with this prompt →Tell them about a day you were really proud.
“Your mother's graduation. I wore the suit from my wedding.”
Record with this prompt →What is a song they should learn the words to?
“The one I sang at every birthday. Badly. On purpose.”
Record with this prompt →What do you hope they do with their lives?
“Something useful, and something that makes them laugh every day.”
Record with this prompt →What would you say to them right now, if you could?
“You were the best surprise of my whole life.”
Record with this prompt →
A few tips before you press record
- Record one story per message. You can make as many messages as you like.
- Say their names. Years from now, hearing you say it will matter.
- Props help: a photo, a recipe card, the old watch.