Adopting.org Discussion Forums

Lots of adults talk to children about adoption: parents, teachers, doctors, friends, and family members. Children take their cues from adults so it's important to be aware of how we respond to questions and start discussions.

Continue reading How to Talk to Kids About Adoption

Honesty in talking to children is extremely important. Children can sense when we are trying to "hedge" or get around a topic that they want to discuss. This can make them feel like the subject is wrong or off limits when it may just be that we are distracted at that moment. Be careful to give your complete attention to a child that is asking questions about adoption so as not to give them the idea that adoption is wrong or shouldn't be talked about. It is important to talk about adoption so that it loses some of the shame that is sometimes associated with it.

We are very open about our kids' adoption. Kind of hard not to be when our two oldest ones remember their bparents and a bit of their life with them.

But with our two youngest ones, who do not remember, we do make sure to discuss it from time to time.

I don't though make a huge deal out of it. Meaning, I don't make it the focus of our family. Adoption is how we became a family and it's a part of it, but it's not the only part.

I agree. There are 7 adopted children in my family! We are multi-racial so there is no hiding it, and we are all proud! All of the children, being various ages when adopted, have participated in the new adoptions as much as possible and had all their questions answered. I even wrote a story for one of my sisters about when my mother and I flew to Vietnam to finalize paperwork and bring her home. She loves it because it shows just how special her becoming a part of our family is to me. She was an infant & I was 14 at the time of her adoption. Later when she was about 7 years old we had the chance to fly back to Vietnam. It was great, and the bond that I have with my younger siblings is special.