Resources

Here’s a beginning list of resources that either directly or indirectly discuss the human need for connection, for belonging, for community. Some address the emerging literature about the neuroscientific basis for these needs being addressed.

If you know of other resources, please send that information to me so I can update this listing. Let’s learn together more about the importance and value of KinKeeping, providing those belonging needs for others – as well as receiving KinKeeping from others.

Communication in the Family: Seeking Satisfaction in Changing Times, by Judy Pearson.

This is the college textbook where I first saw the word, “KinKeeping.” Pages 90-92 contain text that describes the original, colloquial definition of the term. It was thought of as the general label for those people who connected the generations within a family.

I immediately expanded the KinKeeping definition in my heart and mind, and to me, it became about connecting people to people, no matter which KinGroup they belong to. It’s also about all the other connections we make to valuable, important facets of our lives.

I made a choice to expand the definition of “KIN” to mean those people we are related to by a) blood, b) law, or c) choice.

And this exploration formed the basis of a more-than-15-year-long journey to observe and learn about KinKeepers and KinKeeping – and the value of helping people connect to others. My journey recently culminated in my writing a book called, “KinKept: Intentionally Nurturing Connections,” now available on Amazon.

I’m currently working to update this list of reference materials, gathered over the last 15+ years – I will post when available. I’m also noticing many new references online about KinKeeping – how exciting!  I’m glad to see the term becoming known. I believe KinKeeping is labor with such a rich payoff, and such definite satisfaction when done. I also completely believe it’s an “all hands on deck” task and privilege – not one only for women! We need KinKeepers of all ages and genders, from little kids to the elderly among us.

I’ll add my list of resources when compiled, being sure to reference some of the newer writing on the topic. For my examples of KinKeeping and how it affects people, I hope you’ll read “KinKept.” So many lovely things done by people for people – enriching everyone’s world!