By Lionel Kubwimana
••12 min read
Simple steps to start your family phrasebook today. Collect funny sayings, inside jokes, and special words that make your family unique. Perfect for busy parents!
Do you have special words or funny sayings that only your family understands?
Maybe it's the way your grandmother says "come eat" in her native language. Or that silly nickname your kids made up that still makes everyone laugh.
These little moments are gold. They're what make your family unique.
But here's the thing - if we don't write them down, they might get forgotten. And that would be such a shame.
That's where a family phrasebook comes in. It's like a treasure chest for all your family's special words, jokes, and sayings.
Don't worry - you don't need to be a writer or have perfect handwriting. This is about capturing the heart of your family, not winning any awards.
Let me show you exactly how to start one today.
Think about it. What do you remember most from your childhood?
Probably not the expensive toys or fancy vacations. It's likely the little things. The way your mom called you for dinner. The joke your dad always told. The song your grandma hummed while cooking.
These memories shape who we are. They give us a sense of belonging.
When you create a family phrasebook, you're giving your children something priceless. You're showing them that their family's way of talking and joking matters.
Research shows something amazing. Families who share special sayings and inside jokes feel more connected to each other.
They also handle stress better. When tough times come, these shared memories become like a warm hug that everyone can access.
If you're raising kids in a different country than where you grew up, this is especially important.
Your children might speak English at school and with friends. But at home, you have your own special mix of languages and cultures.
A family phrasebook captures this beautiful blend. It shows your kids that being multicultural is something to celebrate, not hide.
You know those moments when someone says something and the whole family cracks up? But if a stranger heard it, they'd be totally confused?
Those are your inside jokes. Write them down!
Examples:
Every family has their own way of showing love through words.
Maybe you call your daughter "sunshine" in your native language. Or your son has a funny nickname from when he was little.
These loving words deserve a special place in your phrasebook.
These might be:
What did your parents or grandparents always say?
These might be:
Special occasions often come with special words:
You don't need anything fancy. Here are three easy options:
Option A: Digital (Easiest to Share)
Option B: Physical (Great for Kids to Help With)
Option C: Hybrid (Best of Both Worlds)
Quick Tip: Start with whatever feels easiest. You can always change later!
Don't try to do this alone. Make it fun for everyone!
For Younger Kids (Ages 3-8):
For Older Kids (Ages 9+):
For Adults:
Method 1: The Voice Memo Trick Keep your phone handy during family time. When someone says something funny or special, quickly record it. Later, you can write it down properly.
Method 2: The Family Meeting Approach Once a week, spend 10 minutes as a family sharing new sayings or remembering old ones.
Method 3: The Natural Collection Method Just pay attention during regular family time. When something makes you smile, jot it down.
Method 4: The Interview Strategy Ask older family members about sayings from their childhood. You'll be surprised what treasures you discover!
By Theme:
By Person:
By Language:
This is what makes your phrasebook special. Don't just write down the saying - explain:
Example: Saying: "Grandpa's spaghetti" Story: This started three years ago when the power went out during a storm. Grandpa cooked spaghetti on our camping stove for the whole family. Now whenever we have a cozy family dinner, someone always says "This feels like Grandpa's spaghetti night." What it means: A warm, loving family moment where everyone feels close and happy.
Pictures make everything more memorable. Include:
If you're using a digital format, add voice recordings:
Make a mini-dictionary of words that are special to your family:
Show how your family's language has evolved:
Add sections where family members can:
Design special sections for:
Leave space for:
The Monthly Check-In Once a month, spend 15 minutes as a family adding new discoveries. Make it fun with snacks or a special family activity afterward.
The Holiday Tradition Every major holiday, add one new saying or update an old one. This creates a natural rhythm without pressure.
The Car Ride Collection Use long car rides to share and collect family sayings. Kids are often more talkative when they're not distracted by screens.
Dinner Table Sharing Once a week, ask "Did anyone hear a funny family saying this week?"
Bedtime Stories Include family sayings in bedtime stories. Kids love hearing about when they were little or what grandparents used to say.
Group Chat Updates If your family has a group chat, encourage everyone to share funny moments as they happen.
Remember, this should be fun, not stressful. Some weeks you might not add anything new, and that's perfectly okay.
The goal is to capture your family's special moments, not to create more work for yourself.
Each year, create a "best of" collection:
Consider sharing copies with:
When your phrasebook reaches a milestone (like 50 sayings), celebrate!
Your phrasebook will become more precious over time:
Yes, you do! You just haven't noticed them yet. Try:
Start with just 5 minutes a week. Use:
Make it their project too:
You don't need to be! This is about capturing memories, not winning writing awards:
That's perfect! Your phrasebook can include:
Decide if you want digital, physical, or hybrid. Set up your basic structure.
Tell everyone about the project. Get them excited about contributing.
Start with the obvious ones - phrases you hear all the time.
Write a sentence or two about where each saying comes from.
Let them add drawings, stickers, or their own explanations.
Share what you've created so far. Plan how you'll keep adding to it.
When you create a family phrasebook, you're telling your children: "We are special. Our way of talking and being together matters."
This builds confidence and pride in who they are.
Families who share special language often communicate better overall. They have more inside jokes, more understanding, and more patience with each other.
For multicultural families, a phrasebook becomes a bridge between different worlds. It shows children that they don't have to choose between cultures - they can celebrate all parts of who they are.
Years from now, your children will look back at this phrasebook and smile. They'll remember not just the words, but the love behind them.
They might even start their own family phrasebooks, passing on the tradition to their children.
Creating a family phrasebook isn't about being perfect. It's about celebrating what makes your family unique.
Here's what to do right now:
Remember, every family has its own special language. Yours deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
Your children are watching how you value family traditions. When you take time to collect and preserve your family's special sayings, you're showing them that family matters.
You're giving them roots they can be proud of and wings to create their own family traditions someday.
So grab that notebook, open that app, or start that group chat. Your family's story is waiting to be collected, one special saying at a time.
The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is right now.
What will be the first saying in your family phrasebook?
