Convincing Your Parents to do a Legacy Video, Part 1

Parents can sometimes be reluctant to film a legacy video.

How to Convince Your Parents to Record a family Legacy Video

Every child would love to have a family Legacy Video of their mom and dad, but producing one takes some effort on everyone’s part. Most parents jump at the chance to record one, but every once in a while, I’ll run into a senior who is too shy, too humble, too busy or too private to want to participate.  

Asking a parent to record a Legacy Interview is asking them to come to terms with their own mortality, and that can sometimes be a difficult conversation to have.

We all deal with the topic of our own mortality differently. Some seniors might not talk about or while others might constantly point out that they will “only be around for a few more years.” But, if you want a Legacy Video of them before they pass, you need to eventually broach the topic and let them know how much it would mean to you.

Their Legacy is Your Legacy too

If you aren’t sure how your loved one will respond to the topic, try to come from a vulnerable place. Make the conversation about you, not about them.

Let your loved one know how much you value them, and how much it would mean to you for them to create a family Legacy Video so that you have a recording of them while their mind is fresh, before illness or any form of health issues arise.

Try saying something like, “I know this might be hard to talk about, but it’s something that is really important to me and your whole family. We would love this reminder of you when you’re gone.”

Conduct the Legacy Interview yourself

And, if they are a private person who doesn’t want to have an on-camera Legacy Interview conducted by a stranger, offer to interview them yourself. They might feel more comfortable talking to a family member. Make sure they know their Legacy Video is more for you then it is for them.

By approaching the conversation in a vulnerable way, they’ll likely be more receptive to the idea of how they might leave their legacy behind for future generations.

For more advice on having the conversation read part two of this series on how to convince your parents to do a legacy video.