Lesson 2: Birth and Background

Your Birth

This is the beginning of your life, an introduction to who you are. Apart from the facts of where and when you were born, you clearly don’t remember much of this time of your life so this part of your story will actually be someone else’s story- your mother, father, older sibling, grandparent or another relative. What did they tell you about when you were born and what you were like as a baby? If any are still living, ask them questions about when you were born.

Depending on your circumstance you may have much to write about or very little to write about.
 

• Perhaps there is an interesting story to tell about where you were born or circumstances leading up to your birth.  

• Were there any complications at your birth which may have been life threatening?  

• You may have been adopted which is a story in itself.

 
Do a bit of research on what was going on in the world at the time you were born. This can add context and interest to your story.

Introduce your family

1.    Parents

Your parents are a big part of your story. If they never met, you wouldn’t be here today!

You may have great memories of your parents, you may struggle with hurtful memories, you may have lost one or both parents, or never known a parent. Various memories will evoke different emotions- love, sadness, anger from a bad experience or abandonment, respect and appreciation. What you write is up to you but remember that others will read your story so if you don’t feel comfortable about putting something into print, then don’t.

When writing about your parents consider

- when and where they were born

- where they grew up

- how they met?

What stories have they told you from their childhood?

We often try to see our parents into today’s circumstances but remember that life when they were growing up, and when you were born, was very different to what it is today. Consider what was going on in the world back then- war, depression, financial hardship, cultural matters. Their experiences would have shaped them into the person you knew them as in their adult years.

If your parents are still living, ask them questions. If not, talk to your siblings or relatives for help in recalling memories. Just remember that you are writing about your parents from YOUR perspective. Your siblings may have other memories of or feelings towards your parents. Don’t let them sway you but be sure to stick to the facts.

Focus here particularly on your parents lives up until your early childhood. You will have further opportunities to write about your parents as your life story progresses.

Remember that you are writing your story, not your parent’s story so don’t get too carried away with writing their life story, this can be another project.

A note about step-parents and adoptive parents- write what you know about your birth parents, then write about the parents who raised you.

2.    Brief family history

Where did your ancestors came from, any interesting stories. Can you link your past to your present?

3.    Siblings 

Who are they?

Are they older or younger than you?

Where do you fit into the family?

How were you affected by your position in the family (oldest child, middle child, youngest child)?

If your siblings are living you may want to contact them to fill in any gaps you might have in your memory. Again, don’t let them influence you away from your memories, your story is from your perspective.

Did your family lose a child at birth or in infancy? Don’t forget to make mention of them.

Do you have step-siblings? If you had a relationship with them, mention them.

Again remember, you are writing your story not your siblings’ story so don’t get too carried away with writing their life story. You might like to encourage them to write their own life story.

Focus here on introducing your siblings and their relationship with you as a young child. There will be opportunities to write more about your siblings as your life story progresses.

4. Family Life

What sort of occupation did your father and mother have? This information, along with where you first lived, gives an insight into the lifestyle you were born into.

What were your parents like, how did the family unit get along?