In a recent newsletter, Terrence Gargiulio offered some great "trigger questions" for eliciting stories about parents and siblings:

• What stories do you know about your parents' childhood?
• What things did you do with your parents?
• Do you have any memories of shopping for food or clothing with your parents?
• Were you ever jealous of your siblings? Were they ever jealous of you?
• What things do you admire most about your parents?
• What aspects of your relationship with your parents were difficult?
• While you were growing up, were there any major events in your parents' lives?
• Did you ever see your parents frightened?
• How did your parents relate to one another?
• Who were your parents' friends?
• What hobbies or interests did your parents have?
• What things upset your parents?
• Did your parents give you chores?
• Did you have an allowance?
• How did your parents express affection?
• How did your parents express anger?
• Were you spoiled in any way?
• Did you or any of your siblings receive special treatment?
• Were your parents strict?
• What sort of rules did you have while growing up?
• Were your parents involved in the community?
• What did your friends say and think about your parents?
• Did your parents ever apologize to you?
• In what ways did you try to please your parents?
• What were some of the most memorable gifts your parents gave you?
• How did your parents express disappointment?
• What do you cherish most about your parents?