When I think about my kids, I’m always thinking about their future. I know that times are probably getting tougher, and they may have it harder than we have it now. I’m worried about providing for their education to make sure they have the very best chances in adult life. And I’m always wondering what kind of adults they may be.

I love my kids but, like most parents, I always have a few concerns about whether I give them too much. Nobody wants their kids to be lazy or to expect things to come to them in life. Instead, I hope my children understand the value and reward of hard work. I’m always talking about how things were in my Grandparents’ day, even if the kids may be a little too young to understand it right now.

Things are certainly different today. I don’t want my kids to lose touch with their familial past so have begun thinking about what things I might pass onto them in the way of family heirlooms. I’ve been looking at jewellery and porcelain princess dolls as ideas for Heidi to inherit, and for Dex, watches and signed sports memorabilia. I probably have a handbag or a painting somewhere that has been passed down to me that might be suitable too.

When it comes to our family past, I don’t want to leave it too late to record the stories of long ago. I’ve been looking into some of the apps and websites that help you record the people in your family and have started building up the family tree (not without some difficulty). I’ve also been trying to access records like the census to track down family members from my mums side (she was adopted). It’s just another small something to pass onto the kids when they’re old enough to understand it.

In addition to this blog, I’ve also started to think about building up a scrapbook of events that happen to our family. I haven’t decided whether a paper book or an app would be best yet, but I’m determined to create something special. Each time something interesting happens, I’ll record it so my grandchildren and great grandchildren can inherit the details. It will help them get to know us and find out who we were long after we’re gone.

Heirlooms and historical records are quite important for families to look after. It connects you to your own family past as well as leaving something for your descendants to enjoy. It might take a little bit of work and research on your part, but your kids and grandkids will appreciate it. Perhaps you’ll discover a story about your grandparents you wouldn’t have had the benefit of beforehand.

Family stories are really important to hold onto. Your family scrapbook will help you collect your stories for future generations. Things about your job, your pets, your hobbies, and interests may seem boring to you. But these are the things that will fascinate your family in years to come. They help paint that picture of you were, and how you lived your life.

Stories, records and heirlooms help bring your life to life for someone in the future. It’s a great way to bring your present family together too. I can’t wait to start my own both with, and for, my babies.