Explaining this to kids?

Spin313

We moved into our house two years ago and, at the same time, our neighbors began fostering an infant girl. They are now adopting her and changing her name. We socialize with them freqently; all the kids play together. It's going to be weird to refer to this little girl by a new name, and I'm not sure how my kids are going to deal with it.

Suggestions for discussing it with them...?

NotSharknado

Like her first name?

NotSharknado

Nevermind other kids, won't that be weird for the little girl? That doesn't seem very fair to her.

NotSharknado

GhostMonkey said:

NotSharknado said:

Nevermind other kids, won't that be weird for the little girl? That doesn't seem very fair to her.

It's not uncommon. If she's old enough to know, she was likely involved in the decision.

It makes sense to do it, but I guess I'm intrigued at the idea, rather than judging it. If that makes sense.

Maebb

My SIL and BIL adopted 3 kids, and they gave them new names for the fresh start reason...also somewhat for privacy and security reasons.  The older kids helped to choose their new names, and I think it's great.

I would just tell my kids, "_ has a new name now.  Now we can call her _.  Isn't that pretty?"

I don't know if your 5 year old knows that the little girl is adopted, but if he knows, you could say something about how she is part of their forever family now, and they wanted to celebrate by giving her a new name for her new family.  But if he doesn't know, I would just say she has a new name, and that's probably enough.

Spin313

Thanks all. Maybe I am over thinking it...I just envision the kids being confused by the whole thing.

NotSharknado

pobrecita said:

I don't think that makes sense. Nope.

The name change or explaining it?

I think the name change makes sense especially considering the circumstances as to why they ended up in foster care. I agree with @Ghostmonkey about the fresh start. And what would be even cooler is if the kids had a say in what their new name would be. Provided they were old enough, of course.

BluepointToasted

Yeah, I have come across several students who have had a name change at adoption, one at 8 years old, for both a fresh start and security concerns.  As far as explaining it, honesty on their level is usually a good bet.  Keep it simple and matter of fact, if they have questions they will ask.

NotSharknado

I don't think there's a lot of judgment in this thread, at all. @Fredalina

I was simply asking questions because I am curious.