Part 1 Genesis

genesis: the beginning; the origin of things; family roots; starting point; radical ideas.

Included in this section will be:

Your NAME SEARCH1, plus how/how not your name fits you.

Your FAMILY MAP2

A. Parent Interview:

Ask your mother or father, preferably both parents [if you are able] the following questions about your birth and record their answers:

  1. How did your pregnancy with me enrich your life?
  2. Did you know I was going to be a boy or a girl?
  3. What were the circumstances at the time of my birth? i.e. family size, age differences, financial status, etc.
  4. Where and at what time was I born?
  5. How long was labor and who was present for it?
  6. What did I weigh and measure at birth?
  7. Where there any unusual happenings?
  8. Any historical events at the time of my birth? news, music, world events, etc.
  9. How did you pick my name?
  10. What were the first six months like?  The first year?
  11. What do you remember about my baptism or christening?
  12. What was I like during those first few years?
  13. (Here you can ask whatever else you would like to know about your birth or early childhood, such as first steps, first words, any sicknesses, etc.)

B. Growing up in My Family:

After giving these questions some thought, try and answer the following:

  • What was family life like in your home?
  • Describe any feelings of joy, excitement, and love that you experienced toward each person in your family as a child (not necessarily your feelings right now but how you felt then)
  • Did you move often? If so, how did it affect you?
  • [If you have younger bros or sisters]How old were you when your younger brothers or sisters were born?  How did you feel about their arrival?  Did you parent’s attitude toward you differ from their attitude towards them?
  • Do you feel that you were treated fairly?
  • Did the Boogey Man or the Devil ever threaten you if you misbehaved?  If so, what were your fears in this regard?
  • Did your parents submit to your whims and immature demands most of the time?  Did you have temper tantrums?  How did your parents respond to these tantrums?

C.  Family Rituals:

  • Name four holidays or special days each year that you spend with your family.
  • What do you do as a family?  Do you have a special meal in celebration of the special day?  Are there family rituals?  Who joins the family for the day?  How do you prepare for it?
  • Besides holiday traditions, what other traditions does your family have? (i.e. Sunday dinners, special outings, vacations, etc.)
  • How many of the family traditions you mentioned do you think will continue after you leave home?
  • How many of these traditions do you plan to include in your family life when you marry? (If you choose to marry)

D.  Summary of “the beginnings”

  • Can you think of more happy times than sad times from your childhood?  Explain.
  • Can you remember several presents you received when you were a child, even today?
  • Are most of the important holidays your family celebrates religious in nature?

E.  My Family Now:

  • How do you view your family, now?  How do they view you?
  • What are the ways you feel supported by your family?
  • What are the areas of tension in your family?
  • How do you add to the quality of your family experience?
  • If you could have a heart-to-heart with each one of your family members [living or deceased], what would you say to them?

1.  Name Search

Look up the meaning of your first, middle, and (if you can) your last names.

  •             Does this name fit you as you view yourself today?
  •             Explain why it does or doesn't fit you
  •             Find a name that better suits your personality and explain why it does?

2.  Family Map or Family Tree

For the family tree go back as far as you can since in everyone’s life there are roots. (See pix below for examples)

Tree

lincoln

Or Like the One Below

moretrees

For the Family Map:Draw a picture of your family with your place in it. Include as many family members as you know; i.e. grandparents, unlaces etc. You should exemplify an aspect of each family members’ personality, job or activity.What are the social, educational, religious, psychological and physical characteristics of each person in your family?Draw lines between major family members that show relationships. (see pic below)

simpson

Or this example

amap