About Family "Genograms" (Maps)

     A "genogram" is simple way of diagramming who belongs to your multi-generational family, and how members relate to each other. Well-constructed genograms, structural maps, and family trees can illuminate "problems" at a glance - specially in complex situations like divorced families and stepfamilies.  

    Standard mapping symbols are squares for males, circles for females, horizontal connector-lines for unions, and vertical or slanted lines for children from a union.  Include dead and absent family members, fetuses, pets, adopted and foster kids, nannies, house keepers, important friends and supporters, in-laws, ex mates, and their significant relatives too - anyone whose person-alities, genes, existence, and behavior "significantly" affects the family. Some people choose to include spiritual entities like God and Guardian Angels also.

      Optional info to add includes ages, birth, immigration, gradu-ation, marriage, and death dates, occupations, educational de-grees, hobbies, religious faith, and major achievements.

     Drawing and discussing a genogram can be a fun, interesting activity for one or more family meetings, and a great way for young people to learn who they are.   //   detail