In kinship families, love often steps in where loss has lived. Adoption Day is one of those milestones that holds so much more than a court decree—it holds stories, sacrifice, and a powerful reminder that family is not always formed in the traditional way, but in the most meaningful one.

No matter what it’s called, the day marks a legal affirmation of what many children in kinship care have already felt—a permanent place in the hearts and home of someone who loves them.

While some children may feel pure excitement, others may experience a mix of joy and grief—and that’s okay. Kinship adoption often comes after difficult circumstances: parental absence, loss, addiction, incarceration, or trauma. Even when a child feels safe and loved, this day can stir up a longing for what might have been, or sadness about who isn’t there to celebrate with them.

Caregivers may feel pride and deep love, but also heartache for the circumstances that made this adoption necessary. It’s okay to hold both—joy and sorrow can coexist.

Here are a few ways kinship caregivers can talk about and celebrate this day with sensitivity and care:

"It's okay to feel happy and sad at the same time today. This day means we are a family forever, and it's also okay to miss the people who aren't here with us."

Depending on your child’s age and understanding, keep language clear but gentle.
“This is the day a judge said what we already knew in our hearts—that we are family.”

Let your child guide how you celebrate. They may want balloons and cupcakes—or a quiet dinner and a walk. Ask them how they feel about the day and what they’d like to do.

Adopted children, especially in kinship care, may sometimes worry that permanence isn't real. Gentle reminders like, “I will always be here for you,” and “You are safe and loved no matter what,” go a long way.

Celebrate with rituals that reinforce connection—looking at old photos, retelling your family story, planting a tree, making a scrapbook together, or writing each other letters.

If your child wants to talk about their birth parents, make space for that. You can say, “Your first mom loved you very much. I’m so glad I get to love you now, too.”

It’s the continuation of a journey rooted in love, resilience, and deep commitment. For kinship caregivers, it’s a reminder that family is sometimes chosen in unexpected ways. And for children, it’s a reminder that no matter how they came into a home, they are wanted, welcomed, and deeply loved.

So whether you're celebrating with cake and confetti or with candles and quiet reflection, remember: the heart of Adoption Day is not about erasing the past, but embracing a future built on unconditional love.