Frequently Asked Question

How Do You Explain Adoption To Your Other Children?

If you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant and are already raising children, you may wonder how to talk to them about your pregnancy and decision to place the baby with an adoptive family. There is no magic “right way” to do this.

We have worked with many pregnant individuals and couples on this issue. Our adoption experts can talk with you, discuss strategies, and help you find your way to move forward.

Our advice for explaining adoption to children

Our take-away from our experiences is:

  • Make your explanation age-appropriate
  • Emphasize the positives of adoption
  • Know you’ll address this in the future as your child grows and has new questions
  • Make sure you have support during this time
Written by

Patty Smith

Patty has been with Friends in Adoption for more than 16 years. She manages cases, provides in-service training workshops and community outreach and education. Patty Smith is Friends in Adoption’s Supervisor of Home Study and Post Adoption Services. She also manages cases with expectant women/couples and adoptive parents, provides in-service training workshops and community outreach and education. Patty is universally adored, and she has been an integral member of the Friends in Adoption team since 2007.