text: should i tell my 9 and 8 year old children that their mom's 'friend' is really their biological grandmother? six years ago i successfully located my biological mother who had given me up for adoption at birth.  we've established a relationship and see each other a few times a year as we live in different cities.  both my adoptive parents are alive and i have a great relationship with them.  my biological mother is terminally ill and i fear she doesn't have much time left.  she never married or had other children.  should i tell my children she's my biological mother before she passes away?  my adoptive father is also terminally ill and my children know he's sick but don't realize he won't be with us much longer.  i don't beleive there's a right or wrong answer here but i'd appreciate any advice i receive.  either way, one day i have every intention of telling my kids that this 'family friend' was their biological grandfather. i dont see what it would hurt to be honest. it would probably make your biological mother happy to have her recognized for who she really is. plus what if later when you tell your kids about your mother they wish they had known so they could get to know her better but its too late? will they be mad at you for not telling them sooner? its a possibily. dont over think this just be honest it will be easier in the long run.