Talking with Kids About Adoption

What your kids want to know about their adoption, and how to talk about it.

By Ronny Diamond, CSW

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Introduction

Feelings about being adopted influence a child's sense of self-worth and esteem. Adoptive parents are caught in the paradox of helping their child understand what it means to be adopted while knowing that in the process, the child may feel rejected, sad, and hurt. Parents worry about how best to talk about adoption.

A child's curiosity can be a signal for a parent. Answering the question "Where do I come from?" involves discussions about birth, reproduction, and adoption. If your child doesn't ask, you can raise the topic yourself; find out what your child thinks and what he wants to know. It is better to respond to questions than to inundate a child with information.

Next: Toddlers and Preschoolers (1- to 4-year-olds)

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