How to Instill a Love of Genealogy in Children
As adults, many of us are passionate about genealogy. Our hearts race with excitement when we uncover a new ancestor or when long-lost pieces of the family puzzle finally come together.
I was blessed to grow up in a family that instilled in me a deep sense of heritage and pride. Though my grandmother passed away before I was born, I grew up hearing stories about her life—stories that made me feel deeply connected to her.
I wanted to know everything about her and about the relatives who came before me. I was fascinated by old photographs—especially of the stone home my great-grandfather built. I loved learning their stories and hearing which ancestors I resembled. Even as a child, I wondered where my personality traits and quirks came from.
That joy—the thrill of discovery and the emotional bond with those who came before—is something so many of us feel. But if these stories aren’t told and retold, they risk being lost forever.
So how can we pass this love of genealogy on to our children, especially in a world so different from the one we grew up in?
1. Use Storytelling to Bring Family History to Life
Soon after my mother and I co-authored [Twirl with Me, Mama!: Helping a Child Understand a Loved One with a Chronic Illness], we realized we had more stories to share—stories that could help children navigate today’s complex world.
Out of late-night inspiration and heartfelt conversations came our next picture book: Too Tall Tilly.
2. Introduce Kids to Relatable Characters with Roots
Meet Tilly—a lovable, imaginative character who helps children connect with their roots.
Too Tall Tilly is a whimsical, heartwarming picture book about embracing who you are, even when it feels easier to be someone else.
Spunky Matilda—Tilly for short—is tired of being the tallest kid in her grade and of being called names like “Too Tall Tilly.” So she decides to reinvent herself.
With her colorful imagination, Tilly becomes a ballerina, a teacher, a world-famous painter, and even a royal princess. But everything changes when her parents show her a special family book filled with old photographs and stories she’s never seen before.
Through this treasured keepsake, Tilly embarks on a journey of self-discovery through family history—realizing that knowing where she comes from helps her see herself more clearly.
3. Connect Genealogy to Self-Discovery
Can a connection to her family’s past help Tilly embrace who she really is?
Absolutely.
Too Tall Tilly helps children discover that their identity is richer and deeper than they might think. It teaches them that understanding their ancestors’ stories can give them the confidence and pride to face life’s challenges.
While it’s not always easy to get kids excited about genealogy, stories like Tilly’s offer a fun, relatable, and emotionally engaging entry point. Children will connect with her struggles, delight in her adventures—and learn how family stories shape who they are today.
4. Make Genealogy Fun and Accessible for Kids
Genealogy isn’t just about names and dates—it’s about connection. When we help children discover their family tree in creative, playful ways, we give them something priceless: a sense of belonging.
💡 Try These Family History Activities for Kids:
- Create a colorful family tree together
- Share bedtime stories about grandparents or family traditions
- Look through old photo albums and talk about who’s who
- Read books like Too Tall Tilly that weave family history into storytelling
- Record family memories together using voice notes, videos, or drawings
5. We Are All Connected
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or family historian, Too Tall Tilly is a meaningful way to introduce children to genealogy. It helps them celebrate their roots, their family’s legacy, and—most importantly—themselves.
When children learn to see themselves as part of a larger story, they don’t just learn about their past…
They learn to stand tall—just as they are. 🌳💖