Donor Conception Network - Stories
HOW TO TELL PROJECT
- TELLING AND TALKING MATERIALS - FOUR BOOKLETS AND A FILM ...
A set of unique resources for parents of donor conceived children and the professionals who support them.
The materials were launched by Dame Suzi Leather, Chair of the Human
Fertilisation and Embryology Authority on 25th May.
Speaking at the launch of the materials, Dame Suzi Leather, chair of the
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, said:
“The Donor Conception Network’s ‘Telling and
Talking’ series of materials give detailed information, advice and
tips for the parents of donor conceived children on how to approach
telling their child. We recognise the importance of this project, and
believe that it will be a valuable aid to all parents of donor conceived
children. There is a wealth of evidence about the benefits of openness
within families and the positive psychological consequences for both
parents and children.
The decision to tell a child of its donor origins is clearly a major
decision faced by parents. It is important that parents receive help and
advice in making these decisions, and ongoing support once the decision
to tell has been made. I am very pleased that donor Conception Network
has produced these excellent materials to offer practical help to
parents.”
The booklets
Written by a parent of donor conceived young people and based on children’s developmental stages, the booklets provide parents with a source of emotional support and practical guidance in ?nding the right time and the right language to ‘tell’ and continue conversations with their children over the years.
There are separate booklets for parents of children at different stages.
View the publicity leaflet for Telling & Talking (PDF)
Issues covered:
* Anxieties about ‘telling’
* Facing fears and overcoming them
* The best age to start ‘telling’
* Language to use for babies, little kids, bigger kids, teenagers and
adults
* How children’s development affects what they understand and how
they respond
* Talking with the school and family and friends
* Telling if a known donor has been used
* Telling following the ending of anonymity for donors
All these issues and many more are addressed in both the booklets and the DVD, which includes families who have used anonymous and known egg donation, anonymous sperm donation and double (egg and sperm) donation. Two single women, one lesbian couple and seven heterosexual couples are featured.
The four booklets are now available to download free from this web site.
Details and Downloads
They are also available for a limited period in printed form from our
PayPal publications page
You can also download an order form fill it in and send it to us
A film in DVD format is also available. Produced and directed by Liesel Evans, the 45 minute film shows parents
and children in ten families answering questions about their experiences
of ‘telling’ and continuing to talk together as children grow
and change.
The price of the DVD is £10 (UK incl p&p).
