Time is short and unfortunately we are all getting older. There may never be a better time than now to have a meaningful conversation with your parents.
You sometimes hear people say that they regret missed opportunities while their parents were alive and that there were things they wish they had spoken about. Make sure that you seize (抓住) the chance while you can.
1. Can you tell me a story about parents or grandparents?
Family history is much more than a family tree and a photo album. It is also a collection of stories which become your family folklore (奇闻异事). Be sure to have some stories about your parents and grandparents that you can pass on to your descendants (后代).
2. Can you tell me a story about when you were a child?
Stories about their adventures, hopes, fears and relationships with friends and parents can be interesting and revealing (有启迪作用的). Why not record them on video?
3. Can you tell me a story about me as a child?
Your parents will remember funny or embarrassing things about you as a little child. These will be handy when one day your child asks you the same question.
4. What is the one piece of advice you would like to share with me?
Your parents have a lifetime of experience and there are still things that you can learn from them. They may share something philosophical (有哲理的) or funny. It can pass into the family sayings.
5. What thing in your life made you the happiest and the proudest?
Let's talk about the good things in their lives: their achievements, joys and moments of pride.