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.

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

To find out more, please see the information sheet below, which outlines what the session includes, who it’s suitable for, and how to register. After reading it, you can email us at events@dcnetwork.org to express your interest.

Teens 13-17 years

We warmly welcome any teens to come to to our conferences. We’ll offer them a space to meet and talk and, depending on who books, we’ll explore arranging some additional activities.

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.