[Luvbeingmommy]

I am a single mom to 2 wonderful bio children (22 and 20 years old), adoptive mom to a beautiful little girl and foster mom to adorable little boys.
My question: My bio children go to spend time with their father (my ex-husband) in the summer or during Christmas break. My 5 year old adopted daughter (who came to live with me at age 3) calls my ex "uncle John". She has not asked yet about who/where her dad is, but I can feel it coming. What have any of the rest of you told your young child about the other parent? She has no memory of her biological family.
Thanks for any help in this matter!

[nawlinsmom]

Believe it or not, my 3 year old has asked "where is his daddy", I have told him that there were different kinds of families and that we were a family with just a mommy and him. So far it has worked, I am not sure how long it will work but right now I am grateful that he doesn't push it any further. I actually read this response on another thread when he was very young and it popped into my head when he asked. I am anxious to hear others responses as well.

[waitinginnj]

I use the same response as Nawlings - My three year old also asked. She always had her pretend play characters looking for the Daddy. Dora the Explorer was always looking for the Daddy too. Now it has calmed down. She is almost 4 and I will keep this up until she can accept the idea of a bio family. Unfortunately there is not information about a birthfather in my case either.

[qs mom]

I'm a single mama to a 5 year old son. I really brought this up to my son on Father's day last year.

I told him that we don't have a daddy in our family - just us! Since we don't have a dad, I'm his mom and his dad.

He doesn't seemed fazed by it. He tells people all that time that I'm his mom and his dad. He calls me dad occasionally. We do get funny looks in public.

So far, I did have to explain a little to one other kid - I told that kid the same thing I told me son - we don't have a daddy - just me - I'm both. He replied with "I have 2 - a mom and a dad" and never gave it another thought!

[happygmom]

Thank you sssoo much for the post and replies. My husband and I encouraged our single daughter to parent her son without "dad". We have been carrying fear in our hearts for the day when he would ask about his father. Sharing your experiences helps us to push forward for this little guy and his sense of well-being.

With increasing respect for single Moms and Dads every day,

Happy G'Ma

[Luvbeingmommy]

Thank you all for your advice. I have been away from this forum for a while so I just now was able to read them. I appreciate all the advice I can get from those who have "been there, done that"!

Thanks again!

[Linnie65]

So far, I did have to explain a little to one other kid - I told that kid the same thing I told me son - we don't have a daddy - just me - I'm both. He replied with "I have 2 - a mom and a dad" and never gave it another thought!

Isnt' is amazing how kids "get it" so quickly. No big deal, you have one, I have two. ok, move on.

My sister-in-law is a single mom of 2 adopted kids, I wish I had some advise, I'm not sure what she told them. ALthough they both have always known they were adopted and it does not seem to be an issue. I'll ask next time I talk to her.

[mckenna]

i too say our family only has a mom and that usually is fine, except for now my son is trying to "marry me off" he is only 4 but he has great plans. i don't really know how he knows about wedding rings, but the other day, he put one of my daughters small rubber bands around his finger and said, now i am a daddy! i thought that was funny