Is telling the child really a good idea? Isn’t it better for them not to have to deal with such difficult information?

Research has shown that children can receive with ease any information if it is given to them in an age appropriate way by people who are comfortable and confident with the information they are conveying. See our document Why Openness about Donor Conception is Good for Children and the Whole Family and sections within each family grouping about Openness and Telling.