Free · Guide

Free printable family tree template: 3 or 4 generations

Two A4 sheets for children to make their family tree: draw or stick photos, write the names and find out who their great-grandparents were.

How to make a family tree with a child

1. Choose the sheet. Three generations for younger children; four, with great-grandparents, for older children or a school project.
2. Start at the bottom. In the “Me” circle, the child draws themselves or sticks a photo and writes their name.
3. Go up one generation at a time. First the parents, or whoever looks after the child; then the grandparents. The lines under the circles are for the names.
4. Ask the family. Great-grandparents' names are rarely known by heart: a good excuse to call the grandparents.
5. Add photos and dates. A small photo in each circle, the year of birth and the place each person comes from turn the tree into a keepsake.

Questions to ask grandparents

While you fill in the tree, these questions lead to good conversations:

• What were your parents called and where were they born?
• Where did you live when you were a child?
• What did you play, and with whom?
• How did you meet grandma or grandpa?
• Which family tradition would you like me to keep?

Every kind of family

Not every family fits the classic drawing of mum, dad and four grandparents, and that is fine. The parents' circles say “Mum or dad” so you can write the name of whoever looks after the child. If there are more important people, draw more circles around: the tree belongs to the child and should show their family.