Some of our children’s most meaningful memories won’t come from big trips or expensive activities. They’ll come from simple moments that quietly stay with them forever.
This past weekend, I saw one of those moments happen.
My son, Thomas, was born in Kentucky, but his growth has always been closely tied to family. He was homeschooled, learned largely through real-life experiences, and helped care for his grandfather as our family navigated dementia together. His development didn’t happen away from family—it happened with family.
Thomas will tell you himself that family comes first. The traditions he has experienced since he was very young—both on the mainland and in Puerto Rico—have played an important role in shaping who he is today, and I’m incredibly proud of that.
I didn’t grow up the same way. As a young girl and young woman, I was focused on makeup, fashion, fun, and independence. 🙈
So watching my son grow with such a strong sense of belonging has been especially meaningful.
That sense of belonging is crucial for kids at any age.
A Moment That Brought It Together
This weekend, our Parranda group arranged a visit to a local basketball game. A parranda is a Puerto Rican musical tradition filled with joy, rhythm, and community.
As the group sang and clapped throughout the stadium, Thomas walked alongside us wearing his Parranda shirt, clapping along and fully present. It was a new experience for him—one that blended culture, music, and community in a way he hadn’t experienced before.
I could see curiosity, pride, and connection all at once.
 |  |
Why Traditions Matter
Family and cultural traditions help children understand who they are and where they come from. They provide emotional grounding and confidence that carries into adulthood.
Traditions quietly tell our kids:
• You belong
• Your story matters
• Family and identity are important
Even in a fast-paced, modern world, these moments become anchors.
 |  |
Traditions Look Different for Every Family
While our family traditions are Puerto Rican, this message applies across cultures and households.
Traditions may look like:
• Latin families gathering for music, food, and extended family celebrations
• Chinese families honoring Lunar New Year, sharing symbolic meals, and respecting elders
• Indian families celebrating Diwali, passing down prayers, rituals, and light-filled traditions
• American families gathering for Sunday dinners, holiday rituals, or game-day routines
And sometimes, traditions are wonderfully unexpected.
In the Czech Republic, some families keep a live carp swimming in their bathtub for days before Christmas—before it becomes the holiday meal. For many children, it’s their first “pet,” followed by a very emotionally complicated dinner 😬. Funny, memorable, and deeply cultural.
No tradition is too small. What matters is that children see where they come from and feel included in something meaningful.
 |  |
Small Moments, Lasting Impact
Children don’t need to fully understand every tradition to be shaped by it. Exposure plants seeds.
Years from now, my son may remember the music, the energy, and the feeling of walking alongside family—and those memories will continue to guide who he becomes.
 |  |
Start Where You Are
You don’t need elaborate plans to build tradition. Start with one simple thing:
• Share a story
• Cook a meaningful dish
• Play music that matters to you
 |  |
Because one day, those moments become memories—and those memories help shape the adults our kids grow into.
Chef Sharon Michelle
Publisher, Macaroni KID South Lake☀️Celebration🎉WDW🏰SW Orlando🌍Universal
Founder, No Soy Basura ™🌴🥥 + Tu Casa Es Mi Casa ™
✨ Sprinkling joy, culture, and community—one event at a time
