# Passing on a story without imposing it

A family may keep names, photographs, loss accounts and unanswered questions. An adult wants a new generation to remember. A story's importance nevertheless differs from a child's, teenager's or adult descendant's readiness to listen now.

The full article considers age, the present question and chosen detail. Honest narrative need not be graphic; tears and hearing everything need not prove respect. Personal memory, another's report, document and unknown can differ without a child judging family versions. Hidden-memory recovery and every present condition explained through family history are not proposed.

A child should not become an adult's therapist, keeper of all family hope or inherited debtor. Memory does not require a future heroic act, prescribed profession, universal forgiveness or enmity. Private narrative also grants no automatic recording and publication. Different uses have different terms and actual limits of control.

Substantial everyday difficulties may warrant suitable help considering age and circumstances, without complete history or every relative's agreement first. Immediate danger, serious deterioration or inability to maintain safety requires appropriate available local urgent help. Finishing a conversation about the past need not come first.

[Read the full article](ARTICLE_EN.md).