“Who are the animals in their life?”

Why this question

The family dog, the goldfish won at the fair, the grandparents' cat. Names, personalities, and what your child is like with them.

Capturing it in voice

• ·You don't need quiet. You need now. Record it in the car, on the walk to school, at the foot of the bed.
• ·Record it on an ordinary day — the background noise of your kitchen is part of the keepsake.
• ·If they're old enough, hand them the phone and let them answer it themselves. Their phrasing is the treasure; don't tidy it.

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