Starting the "adoption talk"

[momatlast]

My DS is 2 1/2 and my DD is 1 1/2. My son's adoption is closed while my daughter's is open. I know my children are very young, but I feel that now is the time to start discussing adoption. How do we start this dialogue at such a young age? Are there any cardboard books out there for toddlers that bring up the subject of adoption?

Thanks so much,
Mom at last

[Pat Johnston]

A Mother for Choko, by Keiko Kasca is perfect for the very young. Though it doesn't even use the word "adoption" it is all about a family that doesn't "match."

Now might be a good time to start a lifestory book for your older child. (A great guide to doing thi is a way that will help you "grow it" and make it more mature over time is Beth O'Malley's Lifebooks: Creating a Treasure for Your Adopted Child http://www.adoptshoppe.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=246) Really, children's favorite adoption stories are their own, which are very personal and totally individual. The very fact that they are so individual is what will make it easier--probably years from now--to answer any questions that may (or may not) come up concerning why one adoption is communicative and the other is confidential!