How to tell your parent about Tell Me

This is the conversation everyone overthinks. You've signed up, you're excited, and now you have to explain to Mum what's about to happen — without making it a bigger moment than it needs to be.

Don't lead with legacy. Don't lead with "before it's too late". Don't mention the kids inheriting her stories. Even if all those things are true, leading with them makes a warm idea feel heavy.

Try this instead

Pick up the phone. Don't text. This works better as a conversation.

Mum, I've found this lovely thing. You'll get a friendly question every couple of days — things like "Tell me about your first job" or "Tell me what you used to do on Sundays growing up". You just reply with a voice note or a quick message. We'd love to hear your stories someday. Want to give it a go?

That's it. The whole pitch.

Notice what it does:

• It's small. A question every couple of days. Not a project. Not a commitment. She doesn't need to set time aside.
• It's framed around her. "Your stories." Not "your legacy", not "your memories before they're gone."
• The "we'd love to hear" bit does the emotional work. Pointing at the listener — whoever that is for you — lands gentler than "we'll keep these forever".

Tell her the practical stuff

Once she's said yes (most do), give her the heads-up:

• A friendly message will arrive on WhatsApp, email or the storyteller app every couple of days.
• She can reply with a voice note (best) or a typed message.
• She can skip any question she doesn't fancy. No one chases her.
• She can take days to reply if she wants. There's no rush.

What to do if she's reluctant

Some parents will say "oh, I haven't got any stories worth telling". They genuinely believe this. They're wrong, but you won't convince them by arguing.

Try:

The questions aren't about big stories. They'll ask you about ordinary things — what you ate, who lived next door, what your school dinners were like. Those are the bits we forget.

If she still won't, leave it. Try again in a few months. Don't push.

The day before the first message arrives

Send her a quick text:

Hi Mum — that Tell Me thing I mentioned, the first question is coming through tomorrow. Just reply whenever you fancy.

That little prep is the difference between her seeing the message and going "oh, this is the thing" — and her seeing the message and going "who is this and what do they want".