Generational Storytelling: What it is and Why it’s Essential

Our older generations offer an incredible wealth of information. Sure, it might feel as though you've already heard their stories time and time again. But those stories on repeat—they're meant to teach you something. And it's not necessarily a lesson (although it could be); their stories are mostly to teach you something about the person who's telling them.

That’s because they're not just telling you their stories. They’re revealing something about themselves. Your grandparents and parents may be trying to tell you about a younger, more adventurous, or healthier version of who you know them to be. So, lean in and listen closely the next time they share their stories with you. You might discover a new perspective from them or gain a deeper understanding of who they are. This emotional connection is what makes generational storytelling so meaningful. 

However, there's much more to generational storytelling than listening to the same stories over and over. While those stories will certainly give you insight into your parents and grandparents' lives, they also offer other clues. Clues about your family's physical and mental health, relationship dynamics, religious and spiritual practices, and traditions and values.

For practical purposes, generational storytelling is simply a form of knowledge transfer. This knowledge transfer serves many functions and can even be essential to a family's survival. It can help doctors and medical professionals track a family's medical history in order to screen for genetic diseases. It's a way to teach younger generations about who they can trust and how to navigate many common challenges they may face later in life. It also allows families to retain their unique cultural heritage by passing down traditions and values within the home. By continuing this tradition, you are preserving the past and empowering your family's future. 

So, what can we do to ensure that generational storytelling is a tradition that continues? Especially when the messages attached to these stories are considered outdated or irrelevant to future generations. You may have experienced this firsthand when your grandparents shared their advice. Although well-intentioned, perhaps their advice didn't align with your beliefs or how things have changed since their youth.

I experienced this with my Opa when he told me that I was too picky in choosing a husband and that I wasn't getting any younger. When he was young, this may have been how many marriages began, but our understanding of relationships, marriage and even divorce has changed a lot in the decades since. It's important to recognize that not all stories or advice will align with our current beliefs or circumstances. However, those stories still hold value in the context of our family's history.

Therefore, the wisdom that our older generations have to offer is invaluable. It comes from their experience of the world. And while many things have changed, there's a lot that hasn't. We can benefit from what they share with us, which is why it's important to acknowledge the changing times while still respecting the wisdom they offer.