Adoption creates strong families built on love and commitment. At the same time, it often brings together people from different backgrounds, races, or cultures. For adoptive parents, raising a child from another cultural heritage involves more than providing a home. It also includes preserving the child’s connection to their roots, traditions, and identity. Maintaining a link to a child’s culture of origin can provide comfort, clarity, and confidence as they grow.

This is especially important in international and transracial adoptions, where children are often placed in families with different cultural backgrounds. Research shows that cultural identity plays a significant role in a child’s development. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, adoptees who retain strong cultural ties tend to have higher self-esteem and a better sense of belonging. When children see their culture acknowledged and celebrated at home, they feel seen, valued, and secure.

Public figures like Madonna have drawn attention to this issue. In 2017, Madonna adopted twin girls, Estere and Stella, from an orphanage in Malawi. Since then, the girls have returned to their birth country many times. In an interview with People Magazine, Madonna shared that Estere and Stella love visiting Malawi. They enjoy speaking Chichewa and connecting with local communities. Madonna described their appreciation for both their heritage and their new home. “They’ve learned, in time, that I’m their mother and nothing is going to change that,” she said, highlighting how love and cultural identity can coexist.

Bringing children back to their country of origin is one meaningful way to keep cultural ties alive. However, most adoptive families don’t have the resources or access for frequent international travel. Fortunately, there are many other ways to maintain and celebrate a child’s cultural heritage at home.

Language is one powerful tool. If the child’s first language or birth country language is known, parents can help them continue learning it. Language classes, books, music, and even cartoons in the original language can support language retention. Children don’t need to speak fluently to feel a connection, but recognizing familiar sounds or words can create a sense of comfort.

Food also plays a major role in cultural identity. Cooking traditional meals at home offers a tangible way to experience culture. Children can learn family recipes, try new flavors, and even participate in the cooking process. Meals shared together can lead to discussions about the child’s heritage and the people who share those traditions. Cooking becomes both a bonding activity and a way to reinforce identity.

Celebrating holidays and cultural events is another helpful approach. Participating in local or virtual events, parades, or community festivals allows children to see others who share their background. These events often include music, art, dance, and stories from the culture of origin. Including these traditions in the family’s annual calendar ensures they’re not forgotten. Over time, these celebrations become part of the family’s own unique rhythm.

Reading books and watching movies from the child’s country or culture of birth can also help. Children benefit from seeing characters who look like them or share similar experiences. Stories can teach history, values, and customs. They also open doors for important conversations about identity, belonging, and adoption.

Connection to community is another key factor. Families can seek out cultural organizations, support groups, or religious institutions that share the child’s background. Even in small towns, many cities offer cultural centers or meetups that welcome adoptive families. Building these relationships early creates a network of support for both the child and the parents.

Some children may eventually express a desire to learn more about their biological family. While not all adoptions allow for direct contact, others do. In open or semi-open adoptions, birth families may be known or accessible. In international adoptions, this is less common, but not impossible. When possible, respectful and age-appropriate communication with biological relatives can help children understand their story. In cases where contact isn’t possible, adoptive families can still honor biological connections through storytelling, photos, or mementos.

Parents should be prepared for questions about race, identity, and cultural differences. These conversations should start early and evolve over time. Acknowledging differences without judgment shows that culture is something to be respected and embraced. Children should know that their heritage matters. Adoptive parents can reinforce this message through open dialogue and positive reinforcement.

Studies show that children adopted across racial or cultural lines may face additional challenges, especially as they grow older. According to the Journal of Adolescent Research, transracial adoptees often face identity confusion during teenage years. However, when their adoptive families actively supported their cultural connection, these children reported stronger self-worth and lower anxiety. The more parents engage with their child’s culture early on, the more secure the child feels later in life.

While maintaining cultural connections is essential, it should never come at the expense of making the child feel out of place in their new family. Parents should aim for balance. The goal is to celebrate the child’s heritage while affirming that they are fully and unconditionally part of their adoptive family. It’s not about choosing between two identities, but learning how to hold both.

Every child’s needs and preferences will differ. Some may embrace cultural exploration with enthusiasm. Others may be more hesitant or uninterested. Parents should be guided by the child’s comfort level, while still offering opportunities to explore. With time, interest may grow. The important thing is to create an environment where culture is accessible and respected.

Support from professionals can also be helpful. Therapists, social workers, and adoption counselors often have experience helping families navigate identity issues. Talking with someone who understands adoption and cultural dynamics can benefit both parents and children. Therapy can be especially useful during transitional periods or milestones like school changes, puberty, or visits to the birth country.

Legal professionals play a vital role as well. Ensuring that the adoption process includes all proper documentation is essential, particularly for international cases. Citizenship, passports, and other legal documents must be in order to make travel or heritage connection possible. Families need legal support that goes beyond finalization. Post-adoption services, including name changes, updated birth certificates, and support with dual citizenship, are important to maintaining cultural ties.

Families may also need help navigating the legal aspects of open adoption, especially when birth families are from a different country or cultural background. Experienced legal professionals can draft agreements that respect the needs of both families while protecting the child’s best interests.

For more than 25 years, the Law Office of Cofsky & Zeidman, LLC has helped families build secure and lasting connections through adoption. With more than 1,500 adoption proceedings successfully handled, their team understands the importance of both legal stability and cultural continuity. Whether you are pursuing a domestic, international, or stepparent adoption, the firm can guide you through the entire process—from the home study to finalization and beyond.

Attorney Donald C. Cofsky and his team provide dedicated legal support for every type of adoption, including cases involving open agreements or international documentation. Their experience ensures that your family receives the legal foundation it needs to thrive, while also respecting the cultural background of the child you welcome into your home.

To speak with a legal professional about your adoption journey, contact the office online or call (856) 429-5005 in Haddonfield, NJ, (856) 845-2555 in Woodbury, NJ, or (215) 563-2150 in Philadelphia, PA. Taking this step can help you provide not only a loving home, but also a lifelong connection to the heritage that makes your child unique.