Creating a Family Tree

Quick Links: Family Tree Chart

Wooden Frame

Women's back and white striped romper

Self tying hair scarf

I recently created a family tree chart for my daughter. It's important for her to know her family lineage and learn about her roots. Hearing stories about family give children a strong sense of history and identity of themselves.

Gathering the Info

Growing up I frequently asked my parents where I was from or who my distant relatives were but no one could tell me much. A few years ago I decided to take the Ancestry DNA Test to find out more about my history. I used their website to research my family lineage and was quite successful in finding more information than I ever imagined!

After the birth of my daughter I knew that I needed to find a way to display our family tree in a cohesive way. I had a slew of paperwork containing our family history that just sat idle in a file folder tucked away in my office. When my friend told me that she received a framed family tree gift for her son at her baby shower, I knew this was the perfect solution!

Family Tree Chart

I was so impressed with the family tree chart I ordered! It came with two in a pack so if you wanted to gift one away or if you messed up then you would have a backup. This is the exact one that I used.

Once I had all of the information like the names, dates of birth and locations then it was simply just transferring the info to the chart. I like how the chart is all drawn out for you and that it can hold up to six generations! All that I had to do was fill in the spaces with our genealogy.

Once my family tree chart was complete I framed it. I selected this wooden frame and promptly hung it on the wall in the foyer for everyone who enters my home to see. It's one of my most cherished and favorite pieces in our home! I know it will be something my daughter will cherish her entire life and pass down to her children.

Sharing Stories

Now, as my daughter grows up and begins prodding me with questions about her family genealogy, I will simply lead her to this family tree and share many stories with her about her heritage. I look forward to picking her up and pointing to her Great-Great-Great Grandfather who immigrated to America from Ireland in 1730.

I encourage you to take the time to share family stories with your children. As a child I always sought out these tales and my desire for knowledge never could be satiated until well into my adult years. Don't make your little one's wait that long. Sit down with your children this evening and tell them a story about their grandparents. Tell them your earliest memories of their aunts and uncles. The intimate facts about their family histories make them more healthy emotionally.