Our families help us understand who we are and how we fit into the big world around us. When children begin to identify physical characteristics (“I have brown eyes and my mom does, too. But my eyes are darker than hers”) or talk about their likes and dislikes (“Aunt Alex’s favorite color is blue. My favorite color is green”), they are exploring who they are as individuals and learning to embrace differences. And sharing family stories — about your successes, challenges, and history — helps children build a greater sense of identity, self-confidence, and emotional wellbeing. This self-awareness prepares children to handle life’s ups and downs.
Questions to Ask Your Child
- When watching Molly of Denali, point out the special traditions Molly has with her family. Ask, what special traditions do we share in our family? What do we do together every day? Every week? Every year?
- Encourage your child to talk about how families they see in books and on TV are the same as or different than your family. Ask, does our family look like this family? Who lives in their home? Do they have the same number of people? Their family is beautiful just like ours.
- At dinnertime, ask children (and adults!) to share something they love about the family -- a favorite memory, tradition, inside joke, etc.
Play and Learn Together With Children 2 to 5
To help young children begin to build self-awareness, have your child take some quiet time to draw a self-portrait or family portrait. Try reading a few books about families and ask your child to point out the ways in which families are the same and different. Let your child know that every family has its own special story, and find some time to learn about your family name(s) together.
Learn Along Bingo for Ages 2-5: My Family and Me
Play and learn with this activity packet all about my family and me!
My Family
All families are different. Draw what makes yours special!
8 Books About Families
Here are a few heartwarming books about families of all shapes, sizes and customs to brighten these long winter nights.
Create Your Own “My Family Traditions” Book
30 min activityExplore family and culture by making a story book about your family traditions.
Creating Your Own Family Album
30 min activityCelebrate ways your family is special by making a family album together!
Play and Learn Together With Children 6 to 8
With older children, encourage your child to explore family heritage by interviewing a grandparent or older relative in honor of Grandparent’s Day on September 13. Then, spend some time learning alongside Molly of Denali or suggest that your child organize a family awards ceremony to recognize the importance of each family member.
Learn Along Bingo for Ages 6-8: My Family and Me
Play and learn with this activity packet all about my family and me!
7 Ways to Connect Kids to Their Family Heritage
Let’s Go Luna! reminds us of the simple ways we can talk about and celebrate our family heritage with our children.
Hold a Family Awards Ceremony
15 min activityBoost your child’s self-esteem by helping them create awards recognizing their personal talents.
Make a Hero Self Portrait
Help your child draw a self portrait and write down qualities that represent who she is in this creative activity.
Favorite Family Road Trip Games
Taking a family road trip? Tackle boredom with these favorite road trip games for kids of all ages.
Family Tree Activity
Every family is different! Make a family tree that shows what your family looks like.
Play and Learn By Myself
Pinkamazing Family Game
It's family game time! Your family can take turns drawing, acting, singing and dancing with fun and unique prompts from Pinkalicious.
Our Family Favorites
What are your family's favorite things?
Read More
Nurturing “Grand” Relationships
The relationship between grandchild and grandparent can be a special, distinct, and incredibly powerful connection in a child’s life.
Helping Our Children Love Their Differences
Help all children learn to love what makes them different. Try out these strategies at home!
Using Stories to Nurture Your Child’s Identity
The process of forming one's identity begins as a toddler. Stories and picture books are great ways to help children learn more about themselves and the world around them.
What Are Your Favorite Family Traditions?
Families from the “Celebrating Family” episode of “PBS KIDS Talk About” video series shared their favorite holiday traditions. Find out what they told us — you just might get ideas for new family traditions of your own!
"Lyla in the Loop" Celebrates Family Food Traditions
The newest PBS KIDS show “Lyla in the Loop” honors family food traditions. Here’s why you should too.
Best Benefits of Playing Video Games Together
Playing video games with your kids can be a great way to learn and grow together. Find out why and discover what new games to try!
4 Fun Ideas for a “Peg + Cat” Family Night
Try these family night ideas to show your child how your family can have fun together while learning early math skills. Problem solved!
7 Fun Photo Ideas to Try With Your Family
It can be difficult capturing the perfect family photo with everyone smiling at once. Try these fun tricks to capture the spirit of your family instead!
How “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” Can Help Parents and Grandparents
“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” is purposefully and intentionally designed to help all the players in a child’s life. Here are three ways caregivers can use “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” to support kids.
How to Connect With Long-Distance Loved Ones
As much as it’s nice for family to live close by, that’s not always possible. With creativity and commitment, there are lots of ways to help your kids connect with far away loved ones. Here are 10 ideas to try!
How to Help Kids Feel Loved and Lovable
Children thrive when their caregivers offer them consistent love and support. Our love offers a safe landing place as they stretch, struggle, and grow. Here are four ideas for helping children feel loved and lovable.