Do you have a moral obligation to tell a child they are adopted?

1. 63

   krsharp05posted 12 years ago

   Do you have a moral obligation to tell a child they are adopted?

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2. 61

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   I don't know if it would be considered a moral obligation, but if I had an adopted child, I would want them to know it.  I would want them to know they were special to us and that they also had a family history they may want to pursue one day.
   
   I think it is the right thing to do.

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3. 78

   spartucusjonesposted 12 years ago

   I think a child definitely deserves to know. The tricky think is determining the when to tell. At what age is a child ready to know? But it is better that they know when they young, than accidentally stumble upon it as adults.

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4. 69

   JLBenderposted 12 years ago

   I had the pleasure of being adopted at birth and I do believe it is a moral obligation to tell a child. I mentioned it as a pleasure because I believe my parents handled the situation very well. I can't remember the exact moment that I was told because it was something they were open about since I was a child. If I had any questions as I aged, they let me know. It was never an issue or a big deal. Eventually a child will begin to realize they are unlike their parents, especially since adopting children of different races is common. I believe it is my right to know and could not imagine it any other way.

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5. 60

   melbelleposted 12 years ago

   Yes, I think a child at the right age should be told.  How would you feel if you were adopted and your parents did not tell you?

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6. 0

   Garifaliaposted 12 years ago

   I agree with everyone that when a child is at an age they can be told, it is a good idea to tell him/her. That way the child can appreciate the fact that it was a conscious and happy life-changing or enhancing decision to adopt him/her. Experts say that the child must be told of the adoption because the family runs the risk of the child finding out from others and experiencing a great shock. Subsequently, most seek out their biological parents to find out why they were  given up, to see any resemblences (because naturally the child sees none in his adopted parents) and to find any brothers or sisters. Perhaps the last depends on the country the family is in and whether the child has grown up feeling lonely.

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7. 73

   Mazzy Boleroposted 12 years ago

   You need to tell them for all the reasons already given and also the fact that they could have inherited genes they need to know about, which may make them more vulnerable to certain health conditions.

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8. 64

   WordCrafter09posted 12 years ago

   As the mother of one adopted child, I do feel that there is a moral obligation to tell the child such a fundamental fact about his existence; and for one main reason - when you love someone as much as a mother loves her child, you can't/won't lie to him/her.

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