The truth always works

You need to be sure he can handle and understand something like that, so it’s kind of difficult. I would wait it out a little bit and wait he starts to ask questions because that is an awful lot for a five year old to process and understand. When he does try to present it in a way that does not portray his “dad” as a bum (even if he is). He will be able to draw his own conclusions about that as he gets older. But i would wait until he really starts to ask about it or until he gets a little older, then the best you can do is to be as truthful as you can with what you have to work with.

With your son being only 5 he would still find it a little hard to understand. If anything you could explain to him that your partner loves him like his own son if he were to ask however trying to explain all that to a 5 year old would be a little much. Maybe waiting a little longer so he understands better. In the meantime if you and he are serious and are getting married or are married you could always allow him to adopt if you feel comfortable with that and he wants to. Then he would have the same last name and there would be no need to explain for some time.

I myself am adopted, my step dad raised me from the time I was 2 on and had adopted me along the way. I personally didn’t know he wasn’t my biological father till I was in my early teens at which time we had an open sit down family discussion about it. I know he loves me, has cared for me, and has treated me like his own son. To me I have always looked at him as my dad and will, the sperm donor who gave me life I decided to look up a couple years ago. To be honest as far as I am concerned after having met him. My step dad isn’t a a step but my dad. If he were a step he would be one closer to the same type of man I have tried to be all my life. He has been my hero and taught me all that I know, I thank God for the day he came into my mom’s life.

Good luck and wish you all the best.