[eleanor99]

I've been thinking for awhile now of the 'story' I want to start telling Nora about her adoption (like a bedtime story). I'm a little stuck. I know this story will evolve as she grows and has questions (she is 1 year now). So, I was thinking-- would people be willing to share the 'story' they tell their children? If you don't want to post it, would you mind PMing me? I think I just need a starting point!

Thank you.

[havensd]

I have started reading the book "Over the Moon" by Karen Katz (I think that's her name) to our daughter at night. It is so fitting and easy for a child to understand. Right now my daughter is only 10 months old, so I think mostly she just likes the bright colors in the book, but some day I think she will really love the story.

[TwoBoystoLove]

We read "Rosie's Family" at bed time. I have made a life book for when he is old enough to ask questions.

[ManyTimesBlessed]

We have made a memory book explaining each of our children's adoption story - kind of like a lifebook, but more focus on the adoption process. We plan to read it like a book to our kids.

Here's how our story started for Jayden, from Guatemala:

"Once there was a man and a woman who both wanted a baby very much. They prayed and asked God to give them a baby, but God said 'wait'

"Far away in Guatemala there was a woman named (birth mom's name here) who was pregnant. She loved her baby, but she could not take care of him. She made an adoption plan for her baby. After the baby was born, Eva found a safe place for him to stay while he waited for his forever family.

"Mama and Daddy heard about the baby boy when he was almost 4 months old. They knew that he was God's answer to their prayers. They could not wait to bring the baby to be a part of their forever family.

"Mama and Daddy named their baby boy Jayden Samuel, which means "God has heard and answered our prayer". Mama and Daddy were so excited about their beautiful baby boy. . . "

This is spread out over several pages and we have pictures of Jayden, etc. to break up the narrative. The rest of the book has a page for each month with the updated pictures we receive. Sometimes I put narrative and sometimes I put letters that I'm writing to him about how much he is loved and wanted.

We feel like this will be a good way to explain the basics of adoption to our children. When they are older, we may try to do a more typical lifebook with more information about the birth parents, etc.

[mommytoEli]

I usually start it with a little "Tell me again about the night I was born" by Jamie Lee Curtis. Not all of it applies to ethan, since he was adopted via foster care, so whenver I get to a part that doesn't apply, I add some commentary. For example, after I read that the mommy and daddy get on a plane to get their baby, I tell him, "mommy didn't have to get on a plane, we just went in the car. First we had to go and get you a car seat b/c we did not have one. Then we drove to the hospital to meet you....you were beautiful...." We also talk about how we had to go to court and the judge said we get to be a family forever....now, that is usually the point where my 3 years old asks, "judge judy?"...and I realize I watch too much court t.v. We talk about different parts of his adoption story at different times...the whole story is too long for one sitting...and some parts are better left for when he gets older. But we talk about how he had another mommy and daddy and other brothers and sisters. The important part when they are little is to just keep reinforcing that you are so glad that they came to be a part of your family. We also made a hard backed book at a website full of our own pictures as our case progressed, so sometimes we read through that as well. We keep it simple, like, "look, here is Ethan when his name used to be Nick. Mommy and Daddy got a phone call that said a little boy needed a family. We were so happy! When we met you we thought you were the cutest little thing ever. We took you home and everyone loved you. Look, there you are at court with your family., Do you see the judge? He said we get to be a family forever. That was the day you were adopted. You are adopted, just like your brother and sister. Soon Eli will be adopted, too. I am so happy we got to adopt you and you got to be a part of our family forever." If you get a book as a jumping off point, your "story" will come naturally to you...and like you said, will change over time. Good luck!

[Mamma]

A few years ago, I was wondering the same thing. Then I decided to write my son's own adoption story and put it in book form. I began a two year writing course in hopes of developing better writing skills. Well, I've just finished the story, had it approved by my instructor, and am now trying to illustrate it (the most difficult part! ). Once it's finished, I'm hoping to have it printed (even if it's only for family). As far as how to start your story, just start with the very beginning. I started with how we prayed for a little boy or girl; I tried to keep it simple and write on a toddler-prek level. Hope that helps! Have fun!!!