What does it mean to Honor traditions in an adoptive familly? Honoring traditions is a way to honor life and our experiences. We celebrate the journey of those who came before us, deepen our understanding of who we are, and create a foundation upon which future generations can stand. In a world where the only constant is change, traditions offer us a way to stay connected to the essence of who we are.

Benefits of Honoring Traditions In An Adoptive Family

 

  • Building Emotional Resilience

Adoption comes with unique challenges, including feelings of loss, confusion, and identity struggles. By honoring a child’s cultural traditions, adoptive families can help build emotional resilience. When a child sees their adoptive family engaging with their heritage, it validates their feelings and experiences. It reassures them of the acceptance of their complex background and the love they deserve.

  • Celebrating Diversity Within the Family

Incorporating an adopted child’s traditions into family life enriches the entire family’s experience. It allows everyone to celebrate diversity and fosters a spirit of inclusion. When children grow up seeing their differences acknowledged and celebrated, they are more likely to develop a healthy sense of self-worth and an appreciation for diversity in the world around them.

For siblings, extended family, and friends, honoring traditions in an adoptive family provides opportunities to learn about and celebrate a different culture, thus enhancing their understanding of the world. Respecting traditions not only benefits the adopted child, but also enriches the entire family dynamic.

  • Preserving the Child’s Connection to Their Birth Family and Community

For many adoptees, especially those adopted internationally or trans-racially, honoring traditions in and adoptive family is a way to maintain a connection with their birth family, culture, or community. Even if direct contact with birth relatives is not possible, maintaining cultural practices provides a symbolic connection to their roots. It helps keep the memory and influence of their birth family alive, which can be a source of comfort and strength.

By respecting and honoring these traditions, adoptive families show that they recognize and value the birth family’s role in the child’s life story. It allows the child to integrate both aspects of their identity and move forward with a balanced sense of self.

One Adoptee’s Favorite Childhood Tradition

On Christmas Eve, my mom would cook a beautiful dinner. I was responsible for setting the table, and I took that task very seriously. I would make sure all the plates and spoons were perfectly aligned. I tested out many types of napkin decorations, such as a turkey and a crown. My absolute favorite dish was and still is my mom’s sweet potato casserole. The casserole tasted like joy, safety, and holiday cheer. I know that sounds a little cheesy, but it was delicious.

After dinner, the whole family piled into our station wagon and attended a candlelight service at our church. All the church patrons received candles at the end of the service. Before our dismissal, we lit the candles and sang the song Silent Night. My brother, sister, and I would engage in a competition to see who could endure the hot wax dripping on our fingers for a longer period without incurring any reprimands from our parents.

After candlelight service, we would pile back into the car and drive around to look at Christmas lights. As the years went on and we got older, we stopped looking at the Christmas lights and marveled at the beautiful homes on the fancy side of town. To this day, I carry this tradition on with my husband and kids.

In a world that is constantly evolving, where technology advances at a fast pace and cultures blend and transform, it’s easy to overlook the value of traditions. However, honoring traditions in an adoptive family is crucial, even more so in today’s society.

Traditions are more than just customs or rituals passed down through generations; they are expressions of love, wisdom, and identity. Please remember to treasure and honor traditions in an adoptive family with open hearts and minds. By doing this, the significance of the traditions will remain intact.

Share this Post