Remember to Remember: Making Recollection a Part of Your Family's Daily Life

The "Yes Brain" strategy, developed by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, emphasizes fostering a positive mindset in children. One crucial aspect of this strategy is "Remember to Remember," which involves making recollection a regular part of family life. Here’s how you can incorporate this into your daily routine:

Daily Reflection

1. Family Discussions:

• Set aside time each day, perhaps during dinner or before bedtime, for each family member to share something memorable from their day. This practice helps children focus on their experiences and strengthens their memory and reflection skills.

2. Gratitude Journals:

• Encourage everyone in the family to keep a gratitude journal. Writing down three things they are thankful for each day helps children remember and appreciate positive experiences.

3. Storytelling Sessions:

• Regularly tell stories from your own childhood or past. This not only entertains but also helps children understand the importance of remembering and sharing personal history.

Weekly Activities

4. Memory Games:

• Play memory-boosting games such as “I went to the market and bought…” or memory card games. These activities make remembering fun and engaging.

5. Family Scrapbook:

• Create a family scrapbook where everyone can contribute pictures, drawings, or notes about significant events. Reviewing the scrapbook together reinforces those memories.

Special Occasions

6. Time Capsules:

• Create a family time capsule with items that represent significant events or interests from the past year. Plan a date in the future to open it together, promoting long-term recollection.

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7. Affirmations and Reminders:

• Use affirmations or positive reminders about past successes and enjoyable moments. This can be part of your morning routine or bedtime ritual to start or end the day on a positive note.

Integrating Recollection into Family Culture

8. Encourage Questions:

• Encourage children to ask questions about their past experiences and yours. Answering these questions helps them learn and remember more about their personal history and family heritage.

9. Make it Fun:

• Use fun activities like drawing or acting out past experiences. This not only makes recollection enjoyable but also helps solidify those memories in a child’s mind.

By integrating these practices into your family’s daily life, you can help your children develop a strong "Yes Brain," fostering resilience, balance, and empathy through the power of remembering and reflecting on their experiences.