National Adoption Month 2024 is a wonderful time to celebrate your family’s unique journey. This special month is dedicated to raising awareness about adoption and honoring each family’s story.

As an adoptive family, you have a powerful opportunity to show your child how cherished they are. Acknowledging this special bond can deepen their sense of connection, confidence and belonging.

Observing National Adoption Month can be both fun and memorable. Here are nine thoughtful ways to celebrate National Adoption Month with your child:

1. Watch a movie about adoption together.

Movies with adoption themes can help your child see characters with stories like their own. Watching these films together offers a chance to discuss adoption in a relaxed setting, letting your child ask questions or share thoughts about their own journey. As you enjoy the film, tell your child how much they are loved and how deeply you value them as part of your family.

2. Help your child create a book about their adoption story.

Crafting a personalized book about your child’s adoption journey can be a special project to work on together. You can staple pieces of paper or use an empty journal or sketchbook. Adding photos, drawings and little notes can bring their story to life in a way that’s fun and personal. This creative activity can help younger kids feel more connected to their adoption story and give them a keepsake they can treasure as they grow.

3. Talk with the birth family.

If you have an open or semi-open adoption, reaching out to your child’s birth family can be a meaningful way to celebrate. You might set up a virtual chat, a phone call or even write a letter together. Connecting with their birth family during National Adoption Month 2024 can strengthen the positive relationships your child has through adoption.

4. Celebrate your child’s heritage.

If your child is from a different cultural background, celebrating their heritage can be a beautiful part of National Adoption Month. Try making a meal from their birth culture or attending a cultural event. This allows your child to feel proud of their unique heritage and deepens their understanding of their background.

5. Schedule a family photoshoot.

Commemorating National Adoption Month 2024 with a family photoshoot can be a fun way to celebrate. You could wear matching outfits, design custom T-shirts or even invite your child’s birth family if that feels right. A photoshoot creates keepsakes that give your child tangible memories to look back on.

6. Have friends and family over to celebrate.

Bringing together friends and family for a casual get-together or festive celebration can make the month extra special. Being surrounded by loved ones can help your child feel recognized and valued. A gathering like this lets everyone demonstrate their love and commitment to your family.

7. Start a new tradition.

Establishing a special tradition can be a meaningful way to celebrate National Adoption Month each year. You could let your child pick an activity like visiting the zoo, watching a movie or going to a nearby park. Some families even take trips to their children’s birthplaces or hometowns. Whatever you choose, starting a tradition creates memories that will grow with your family over time.

8. Bake cookies or another dessert with your child.

Baking together is a wonderful way to spend quality time while doing something special for National Adoption Month 2024. You could bake cookies to share with classmates, friends or family. This activity combines fun, creativity and a sense of giving.

9. Give your child a personalized gift.

A personalized gift, such as a scrapbook, piece of jewelry or memory box, can symbolize your child’s adoption journey in a special way. You could spend time reflecting on the story behind the gift. This small token can serve as a reminder of your family’s love and their place in it.

Every family celebrates National Adoption Month in their own way. However you choose to celebrate, what matters most is the love and thoughtfulness you put into it. Have you decided how to celebrate National Adoption Month? Share your plans and inspire other adoptive families!