A Guide for Transracial Families to Instill Racial and Ethnic Pride

It's essential for transracial families to help each child feel confident in who they are and where they came from.

Shelley Skuster April 28, 2015

Transracial adoption isn’t for everyone.

While many families appreciate the diversity, culture, and unique relationships that transracial adoption brings, parents who choose transracial adoption may find themselves grappling with opposition. Racism, intrusive questions, and negativity from family members, friends, and complete strangers compose some of that opposition. Transracial adoption brings specific struggles unique to this type of adoption. Even though transracial families face opposition outside of the home, no struggle overpowers the love and security parents give to their families.

Here are six ways that transracial families can develop children with ethnic and racial heritage and pride.

Seek out other transracial families.
1. Seek out other transracial families.

Allow your children to be around families who look like theirs by seeking out other transracial families in your town.

Diversify your library
2. Diversify your library

Make sure your bookshelves are filled with characters that represent different races and ethnicities.

Be inclusive with art and seasonal decorations
3. Be inclusive with art and seasonal decorations

Choose wall art that showcases different races and ethnicities. Incorporate seasonal decorations (i.e. Christmas ornaments, angels, etc.) representing various races and ethnicities.

Choose professionals wisely
4. Choose professionals wisely

When possible, seek out professionals (e.g. doctors, dentists, attorneys, teachers, etc.) who represent a similar race as your child.

Seek out opportunities
5. Seek out opportunities

Host an international student from your local college or university. Attend cultural events and seminars to learn more about others.

Choose a diverse neighborhood
6. Choose a diverse neighborhood

If possible, choose to live in a location where there is diversity in class and race. Seek out schools, teachers and mentors who represent a similar race as your child. Join a church congregation or encourage your children to attend extra-curricular activities where there is diversity in class and race.

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Shelley Skuster

Shelley is a former award-winning television journalist who traded in suit coats and red lipstick for a messy bun and yoga pants. She's a freelance writer who stays at home with her three daughters who are all ((gasp)) under the age of three and came to her via adoption and birth. She's the woman behind the blog Shelley Writes and she can also be found on facebook and twitter as ShelleySkuster.


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