Mother Country SBS Audio

Maintaining a connection to their birth culture is an important part of identity development for children adopted from other countries. But how can parents foster this connection for their kids when they are not from that culture themselves?

Rahel Davies was adopted from Ethiopia when she was two and has spent most of her life in Australia with her Caucasian parents and siblings, and another adopted Ethiopian sister. Now in her twenties, Rahel is proud of her heritage and works with young women of colour to amplify diverse voices in the media. But Rahel never felt completely comfortable in her own skin until she returned to her country of birth.

One of the first choices every parent has to make is what to name their child. But when your child already arrives with a name, this decision becomes more complex. Changing or keeping a birth name can affect an adopted child’s sense of identity and connection.

For Australian families who adopt from other countries, finding ways to pass on the culture of their child’s home country is important. It helps to encourage their sense of identity and belonging.

Passing down culture is an important part of parenting. But how do you do this when your child’s culture is not your own, and you have only ever experienced it as a tourist?