7 Tips to Keep Your Heritage Alive With Your Children

I celebrate my Latino heritage every day! In my parenting, small moments become celebrations of our culture, helping my kids develop pride in their roots. As a Dominican American mother married to a Brazilian man, our household is a vibrant blend of cultures, languages, and traditions.

I grew up in a predominantly Dominican neighborhood of New York City, surrounded by the rich tapestry of Dominican culture, music, and food, which deepened my connection to my roots. Now, as a mother of two—Sofia (13) and Thiago (9)—I strive to pass on my cultural heritage to my children. However, like many second-generation Latinos in the United States, I sometimes struggle with maintaining a balance between my Latino culture and my American culture to ensure my children experience things that I learned by default from my foreign-born parents. I have to make an intentional effort to ensure they know and understand aspects of my culture (and their father’s) that helped shape much of my identity today. I’ve had to get creative and develop strategies to pass on our cultural heritage to our children.

Here are some ways how I keep our Latino heritage alive in our household that can help multicultural families

1. Celebrate Through Food

Food is the heart of many cultures. In our home, the kitchen is where cultures collide and meld beautifully. We make it a point to cook traditional Dominican and Brazilian dishes. Cooking together is a fantastic way to teach our kids about their heritage. Let your children pick a recipe, shop for ingredients together, and enjoy the process as a family.

Tip: Pick a date in the week to cook a family meal together that is part of your culture. Take a picture of your dish and create a digital album on your phone that grows with your child and a potential recipe book!

2. Encourage Bilingualism

In a bilingual household, language is a powerful connector to culture. My husband speaks Portuguese to our children, while I often begin speaking in English and transition to Spanish. If you don’t speak Spanish fluently, that’s okay! Any level of interaction will help reinforce culture; from your abuela’s idioms to listening to pop culture music, it all counts. Language appreciation can help embrace their roots.

Tip: Pick an activity you do only in the language of your choice, such as game night. In my household, Bingo night is always in Spanish, and capoeira practice is always in Portuguese. Consider labeling household items in both languages for younger children to reinforce vocabulary.

3. Music and Dance

Music and dance are integral parts of both Dominican and Brazilian cultures. From bachata and merengue to samba and pagode, our home is always filled with rhythm. I have my oldie Merengue classics that my mother listened to growing up, and I will often play them during car rides.

Tip: Create a playlist of your favorite songs and have impromptu dance parties. It’s a fun way for the kids to connect with their roots and learn about the different musical styles that shape their heritage.

4. Embrace Culture Through Art and Movement

In our home, we connect to Brazilian culture through capoeira, a martial art that blends dance, music, and acrobatics. Practicing capoeira as a family strengthens our bond and gives Sofia and Thiago the chance to practice their Portuguese and appreciate Brazilian percussive music.

Tip: Find a cultural activity your family can practice together, like a sport or art form. It’s a great way to teach your children about their roots while keeping them active and engaged.

5. Get Involved in the Community

In our household, we make it a point to participate in community events, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month or Latino holiday celebrations throughout the year. Whether attending a parade, cultural festival, or an exhibit at an art museum by a Latino artist, staying connected to the community helps our children see the broader impact of their culture and connects them with others who share their heritage.

6. Spend Time with the Abuelitos 

Thiago and Sofia help their abuelitos with yard work and gardening every month. These visits allow them to hear family stories, practice their Spanish, and create lasting memories.  If you don’t have grandparents nearby, consider fostering a relationship with an elder in the Latino community who can share similar cultural experiences. 

Tip: Involve your children in activities with family or community elders to strengthen their cultural connection and learn from their heritage. 

7. Celebrate Holidays and Traditions 

Whether celebrating Nochebuena with a Christmas feast, unwrapping gifts on January 6 for El Dia de los Reyes Magos, or participating in Festa Junina Festivities, keeping traditions alive is crucial in passing on cultural heritage.  

Tip: Explain the meaning behind each tradition to your children and allow them to ask questions and participate. You might also consider starting new family traditions that blend elements from all the cultures that make up your household.