Browsing by Author "Mursula, Anuriitta"

The aim of this study was to describe children ́s views on everyday life and family activities. Everyday life at home and it ́s functions are seen important factors for families` well-being and child ́s development. Household activities and family interactions intertwine in everyday life. Family activities are also influenced by the environment and cultural factors. In their stories children tell about what it is to be a child today. In their stories they also mirror perceptions of the surrounding society. Previous studies have shown that in their everyday life children value family and time together, friendship, routines and involvement. Both family and children are seen as active actors who are capable of modifying their everyday activities. The data of this study was an electronically recorded data of childrens` storycrafted tales. Of this data was limited 60 homestories in finnish. The data had been collected between 1995 and 2000 and the storycrafted children were between the ages 3 and 8 years old. The narrative data was analyzed by means of content analysis. The resoults of this study showed that in their stories children tell about their everyday life and family activities richly and diversely. The stories took often place at home and the nature around it, often in the woods. Routines and rituals gave rhythm for the everyday life in children ́s stories. The characters in the stories often played and acted spontaneously, and found shelter and safety at home with their families. In the stories parents and characters taking care of animals maintained and carried out important routines and rituals. A lot of time in the stories was spent with family and friends. Families ate together, went for walks and for a swim, for example.