Resources for Kids
These resources may be helpful when discussing tricky topics with children.
Children's Books
Age-appropriate books to help families explore topics like conception, donor families, DNA, diversity and identity with children.
The Amazing True Story of How Babies Are Made
The go-to book for parents wanting help with that talk… Funny, frank and embarrassment-free, it gives a fresh take on the incredible tale of where we all come from.
My Family and Other Families: Finding the Power in Our Differences
A heartwarming tale about friends, family and Ferris wheels, and shows a world where different families are equal.
The Family Book
From New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Todd Parr, comes a delightful picture book that celebrates the diversity of families!
Our Story
The DCN offers a series of "Our Story" books designed for children under 7 to explain their donor-conceived origins in an age-appropriate way. These books, including tailored versions for two-mum, solo-parent, and embryo-donation families, feature human characters and support open, honest conversations.
Sometimes It Takes Three to Make a Baby
An expert-backed, illustrated children's book designed to help families gently navigate and explain egg donor conception to young minds.
What Makes a Baby
A gentle, inclusive book that explains the basic story of how babies are made and born, while creating space for families to share their own unique experiences and pathways to parenthood in ways that feel right for them. The book also includes a helpful reader's guide to support conversations with children.
Making a Baby
An inclusive and informative book that explores the many different ways families are created, including sexual conception, sperm and egg donation, IUI, IVF, surrogacy, and adoption, while also explaining how babies grow during pregnancy.
Family Detective
A thoughtful and engaging book that explores themes of family, friendship, identity, and belonging. Suitable for all children, not only donor-conceived children, the story gently introduces concepts including genetic half-siblings, known and anonymous donors, and donor identity information becoming available later in life.
The Secret Code Inside You: All About Your DNA
A colourful and engaging picture book that introduces children to the basics of DNA, genetics, and individuality in an accessible and empowering way. While not specifically written for donor-conceived families, the book includes gentle and inclusive messaging about genetic connection, identity, and the many ways people and families are connected.
Love Makes a Family
A colourful, inclusive picture book celebrating the many different ways families can look. Through playful illustrations, it shows children that families are built on love, care and connection, regardless of their size or structure. A lovely resource for helping children understand and celebrate diverse families.
Guides & Support
Online resources to help parents navigate early childhood, breastfeeding, sleep, and conversations about loss with young children.
Raising Children Network
Online help for Breastfeeding, Sleep, Crying Babies, Maternal Mood: Because Beginnings Matter. Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC or the Possums programs). The evidence-based knowledge revolution in baby and toddler care, transforming lives since 2011. We offer ONLINE RESOURCES AND CONSULTATIONS for help with breastfeeding, sleep, babies who cry a lot, and maternal mood. Are you concerned that your baby has gas, colic, intolerances, reflux, or oral ties? We offer you gentle but highly effective help.
13 Tender Children's Books about Death of a Sibling
A curated list of gentle, age-appropriate books to help children understand and process the loss of a sibling.
Talking About the Loss of a Baby With Young Siblings
Grieving parents may wonder how to discuss their loss with young children. Here are some guidelines for talking about the loss with your older toddler or preschooler.