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Expert Q&A
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| By Betsy Buckley Adoption Expert Author | ||
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We adopted my niece at birth because my sister is mentally challenged. How and when do I tell my daughter?
First, I would like to know how old your daughter is and if the adoption was open or semi-open, as that factors into my advice. I'm afraid a one-age answer for all situations isn't possible. Some children are more inquisitive than others at earlier ages, more "mature" and able to handle what might be sensitive issues. However, speaking from experience as an adoptive mother, and after interviewing dozens and dozens of adoptive families, my feeling is that how you tell your daughter she's adopted is just as important as when you tell her. As she develops, you will continue to add to the information she's given. But don't wait – waiting implies secrecy and shame."
Related Expert Q&A
- Should I wait to tell my son about his complicated adoption until he is 18?
- We adopted my niece at birth because my sister is mentally challenged. How and when do I tell my daughter?
- When do we tell him of circumstances surrounding his adoption – that we are his grandparents, and his sister is actually his birth mother? HOW do we tell him?
- Is a 2-year-old too young to understand adoption?
More Answers by this Expert
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