Activities for children

At our London conferences

Our London conferences are very much a family affair. Where possible we offer childcare and children’s activities so that parents can bring their children and include them in the event. We know that this can really help stimulate and support conversations the family are having at home. Meeting other children made ’just like them’, as well as the potential for subsequent connections, can make a big difference to how children feel about being donor conceived.

What Makes Me, Me?

What Makes Me, Me? is a 1.5hr creative session for donor conceived children aged 8-12 run by Natalie Tayte, a qualified Art Therapist. The session starts with fun “getting to know you” activities and warm up games. Then the children think about their family, hobbies, interests, pets, talents, friends and any important elements in their lives and express that through an art project. There are variations in the task to stimulate their interest and creativity.

The role and/or place of the donor can be included as they wish but there is no pressure to do so. However, be aware that the donor will be included in the general guidance around completion of the task and may come up in conversations.

This is a relaxed, fun session encouraging the children to interpret the idea their own way. They don’t have to be ‘arty’ or creative and lots of resources and support will be available. The group size will be limited and it’s a good way for donor conceived children to meet others made ‘just like them’. The groups have between 6 and 12 children and where possible we will offer 2 groups to separate children by age.

Please note that this session is only for donor conceived children. All of the other sessions are open to non-donor conceived siblings but What Makes Me, Me is exclusively for those who are donor conceived.

‘Talking about Donor Stuff’

The ‘Talking about Donor Stuff’ sessions are half day workshops for donor conceived children that have run at our London conferences for almost twenty years. They are led by Dr Sharon Pettle, child and family clinical psychologist and others, and are suitable for children aged 9-13 years (UK school years 5-8).

It is an opportunity for DC children to meet others made ‘just like them’, make connections, explore ideas about family, various aspects of donor conception and how they feel about being donor conceived. It’s designed to be fun and age-appropriate and offers a safe, supportive space for children to talk and share. Non DC siblings are also welcome.

As part of the signup process there is a questionnaire to complete, and then a Zoom meeting with Sharon. This conversation is a great opportunity for you to talk with someone who has long experience working with donor conception families. This time allows you to give Sharon more detailed information and background about your child, so she has a good idea about where they have reached in their understanding of issues. You can ask questions about the groups and talk about any concerns you have. We know from feedback that parents often find these conversations enormously valuable. They are also essential as they ensure Sharon and her team are aware of how you are talking about donor conception as a family, and that they have a sense of your son or daughter before meeting them on the day.

The groups are unique and extremely popular. Feedback is extremely positive and children often attend the group more than once.

If you think you might like to know more, check out our info sheet which contains details of what the session covers, who it’s suitable for, how to register and more.

Age ranges

The ages ranges given are guidelines, so do get in touch if you’re unsure.

• The What Makes Me, Me session has some flexibility in terms of age range.

• For Talking about Donor Stuff, the year 5 minimum is fixed, as before year 5 children are generally too young to really benefit. It is not unusual for children to not attend until they reach the upper age range and many children attend more than once.