Talking about my family. All our families are different.
Whether your family is you and your child, or a much larger or extended family, children do love to chat about their family and hear stories. Sometimes a child’s family story can be complex, and in those circumstances, you can think about the ideas we offer here but also talk to any professional person that offers you and your family support.
When our children talk with us about their family, they learn that every family is unique, and so they can learn to respect the makeup of other families.
Talking about our family
In play and chat children can learn about who constitutes their family. You might want to establish who are the most important people you want your child to know that love them and care for them. We can also chat about which family members our children like to do certain things with – nan who takes them swimming, uncle who reads them stories.
Family portraits
You can draw and paint together, including all the important people (and pets) that are part of your child’s family. If your child lives with different parents/carers in different homes everyone can be included so that the child thinks of family as everyone.
Family events
When gatherings happen, or when looking back at photos of past events, stories can be remembered, and the idea of family established.
Sad times
Children can experience change and loss, families change, family members get ill, there can be a family bereavement. It is important to talk with your child about change and feelings and recognise when they might be upset or have questions. If your child is experiencing loss or change, consider telling a person you trust at their school or any clubs they go to, so that they can look out for them being upset or quiet and offer some support.
Books
You might like to read these books together. Your library might have them, or you can ask them if they will order a book for you.
My Family Your Family: Let’s talk about relatives, love and belonging
Laura Henry-Allain
ISBN 978-0241610480
A non-fiction guide to all types of families.
How to spot a mum
Donna Amey Bhatt and Aura Lewis
ISBN 0711261024
A celebration of mums whether biological, adopted, foster or step mums.
Rosie Rudey and the very annoying parent
Sarah Naish
ISBN 978-1785921506
Rosie did not have an easy childhood which has made her build a hard shell around herself so no one can get in. But her new mum knows just how to help soften Rosie’s hard exterior.
Lizzie Zipmouth
Jacqueline Wilson
ISBN 978-0552557849
A book that looks at ways of coping with a new stepfamily.
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