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?