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How can you learn about life? Listen to one!
An adult can do a life interview with an older adult, or a child or teenager can interview an adult – a parent, grandparent, great grandparent, or other family member, or a member of the local community.
A life interview is a way to connect individuals and generations. It allows the person doing the interview to learn and understand more about another person, to gain insights into what living a life is all about and in turn the goals they have for their own life, and even to learn something about local events and history.
For the person being interviewed, it's an opportunity to share a part of themselves and feel like their life experiences have validity. People often want to talk about their lives, but they're rarely asked. When someone takes the time to listen, the message is that who the person is, what they've done, and the things they care about are important.
When you're doing a life interview, it's helpful to have prepared questions. You can download a set of sample life interview questions. The life interview tips are also helpful.
A life interview can be a long-term family project, something you do over the holidays when everyone is together, and it can be a valuable and interesting part of a school assignment or event (e.g. a Grandparents Day or Intergenerational Day event).
Adults can also use the life interview questions as ideas and memory prompts for writing their own life story as a personal record and family keepsake.
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