The Author With One Of Her Adoptive Panamanian Families

Panamanians place extreme importance on family. In North America family is important, but careers, money and keeping up with the Jones’ sometimes put family on the back burner. For most Panamanians, family is of utmost importance.

From the time they are born, Panamanians are very loyal to their family. Children are raised surrounded by extended family and form close bonds that last a lifetime. Panamanians respect their elders and genuinely believe the knowledge of older generations is something to be cherished.

Because of their close family ties, it is not uncommon for Panamanians to live at home until they are married – even if they don’t tie the knot until their forties. Often times four generations of Panamanians will live under the same roof, with the younger ones caring for their parents and grandparents. Retirement homes are virtually unheard of in Panama, and many Panamanians don’t understand why North Americans would rather send their ailing family members to be cared for in a facility, when in Panama elders are cared for at home.

Panamanians often “adopt” new family members. I have the privilege of being an adopted member of 4 different Panamanian families. Within these families, I am introduced as the sister, daughter or granddaughter of these Panamanians. At first that introduction draws a curious look from people, since I don’t usually fit in visually with my adoptive family. Even though I am not a relative by blood, you would never be able to tell based on the way these families treat me.

Panamanians really know what they are doing when they place such importance on family. It’s very heartwarming as a visitor in this country, to have people who just recently were strangers, now be your family. Many other cultures could learn a lot from close Panamanian family units.   

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Filed under: Culture, News on October 2nd, 2008