Ask AF: Telling Nieces and Nephews About Adoption

When dealing with young extended family members, what is the best way to explain an adoption plan? The AF editorial team answers.

Q: How can we explain our plan to adopt to our nieces and nephews (ages one to nine)?

A: Storybooks about adoption are a good way to introduce the topic to children. Joanna Cole’s How I Was Adopted (Harper Collins) explains adoption very clearly. Waiting for May, by Janet Morgan Stoeke (Dutton), describes the process—and the excitement—through the eyes of a soon-to-be-older-brother. For words your siblings can use when talking to their kids, see our handout designed for parents of our kids’ classmates.

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