Hispanic Fiesta 2015 / Photo Credit: Micheal Zender
There is a proverb that says we can’t have the fruits of the tree without its roots. When we eat an apple, we get in touch with the rain, the sun, the soil and its seeds. Something similar happens to us and our culture; but, what about our children? Do they identify and feel proud the same way as we do? With our traditions, costumes and where we come from?
When living abroad, we have to adapt to a new culture and sometimes change old habits. Our kids even more. What can we do to keep our identity? There is a saying, ‘We have to give roots and wings to our children, so they can fly’.
A beautiful lesson we can give as parents is to show our roots. Our children will have more tools in life and will feel proud of their identity. We will probably have to do things that we wouldn’t do if we were still living in our mother countries. On top of that, we will have to do double work, to keep what we already own and develop what is new. It will worth it!
Let’s not forget who we are and where we come from. Let’s proudly teach them with lots of enthusiasm, our language, food, music, traditions and games. We have the responsibility of passing from generation to generation our cultural heritage and what we are made of.
Strong roots in the present, fruitful actions in the future.
By Carla Soto