Ep. #141: They Didn't Grow in My Belly: Talking to Adopted Kids About Bodies and Where They Came ...

Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the story of how life begins. But for adopted children, donor-conceived children, and children born through surrogacy or IVF, traditional conversations about reproduction often leave them feeling like an exception instead of part of the story. In this episode, Rebecca sits down with family physician and educator Dr. Robin Dickinson to explore how parents can talk about bodies, reproduction, consent, and adoption in ways that build confidence instead of confusion. Together, they unpack why the language we use matters, how to make birth stories both truthful and empowering, and why these conversations should start much earlier than most parents realize. Whether you're parenting through adoption or simply want to raise body-confident, emotionally secure children, this conversation offers practical tools that every family can use. In this episode, we talk about: • Why every child shares the same origin story—and how that simple truth creates belonging • How traditional sex education unintentionally leaves adopted children out of the conversation • Why using anatomically correct language helps protect children and build body confidence • How to tell your child's adoption story honestly while honoring their birth parents with compassion • What "the body remembers" means for children adopted at birth and how to parent with greater sensitivity • How to teach consent, healthy relationships, and body safety from the earliest years—not just during the "sex talk" About Dr. Robin: Dr. Robin Dickinson is a family physician, educator, and creator of a comprehensive body literacy and reproduction curriculum designed to help parents have honest, age-appropriate conversations with children. Passionate about inclusive education, Dr. Robin teaches families how to talk about bodies, reproduction, consent, and relationships in ways that affirm every child's story—including adoptees, donor-conceived children, and children born through surrogacy or assisted reproductive technology. Through her work, she helps parents replace shame with confidence and create conversations that foster belonging from the very beginning. Connect with Dr. Robin: Website: https://docrobinschool.com/ Free Parent Guides: https://docrobinschool.com/talk Resources Mentioned: Project 127: https://www.project127.org/ The Body Keeps the Score: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/reso... RG Adoption Consulting Website → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠  Book a Complimentary Adoption Strategy Session → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact Are You Ready to Adopt? Take the Quiz to Find Out → https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com/... Before you choose an agency, spend money, or move forward—start with these 10 honest conversations that will help you: https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com/... Instagram:   / theadoptionroadmap     Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow, a 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU! For questions about adoption, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠