Explaining Adoption to Your Child

Talking about adoption with your child is a crucial part of being an adoptive parent. Adoption is an essential piece of your child’s identity and a story that must be told time and time again. If you have recently adopted, you may be wondering how to approach this conversation with your little one. If you are just beginning the adoption process, it is time to start thinking about how you will do the same.

It can be difficult for parents to find the words to talk about adoption with their children. Some fear that having the “adoption talk” will affect their relationship with their child. Some worry it will make their child feel less special, sad, or as though he or she does not belong. Others believe it will only confuse their son or daughter. The truth is, talking about adoption – and talking about it early on – can have a very positive impact on your child’s sense of self.

Discussing adoption with your child now can help lay the groundwork for a positive, lifelong conversation. It can also help your child understand and embrace adoption. That is why Adoptions With Love encourages all adoptive families to keep adoption an open, ongoing conversation in their homes.

Every child who was adopted deserves to talk about it. Adoption is not a one-time “talk.” As a parent, you cannot just tell your child that he or she was adopted and move along. Adoption is a lifelong conversation that will evolve as your child grows. Keeping the conversation going will allow your child to ask questions as well as understand, grow confident in, and become proud of his or her adoption story. Ongoing adoption discussions build self-esteem in children. These conversations give adopted children a sense of security in their families. These talks also normalize the concept of adoption for growing children who might feel “different” from their peers. As a parent, it is up to you to set the stage for adoption from the very beginning — compassionately, honestly, proudly, and regularly sharing your child’s adoption story. For over 30 years, Adoptions With Love has helped adoptive parents navigate these very conversations – from explaining adoption to their child for the first time, to answering the more difficult and unknown questions about adoption. In this guide, we will help you do the same.