How to Talk about Birth Fathers to Young Children

Q: How do you explain the concept of a birth father to young children who may not understand the concept of the father’s role in conception?

A: I understand that many parents are unsure of how to address this issue if they have not yet had the “birds and bees” conversation with their child. However, although they have the discretion as to how detailed they want to get about how conception occurs, there really isn’t a way to avoid it be being part of your answer. The child will need to understand the basic concept that both a man and woman are required for a woman to be able to start growing a baby.

Dr. Jennifer Bliss is the National Associate Counseling Director at the Independent Adoption Center, a non-profit domestic infant adoption agency.

This topic was discussed in more detail on the Creating a Family show: “Talking About Birthparents”  as well as our blog “Do I Have to Pretend to Respect My Child’s Birth Parents.“