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Telling your family, especially your parents, that you are pregnant can be scary and overwhelming. Our family wants the best for us and often an unplanned pregnancy is not in their version of how your life should play out.
Below are a few ideas to help you in telling your parents and other family members you are pregnant.
- If the prospect of telling your parents (or other close family members) that you are pregnant alone is too frightening, consider asking someone (such as a close friend, counselor, teacher, clergy person, or your baby’s dad depending on the relationship and situation) to be there with you when you tell them.
- Tell them as soon as possible but choose a good time to tell them. Don’t tell them just as they are about to run out the door. Make sure they have an adequate amount of time to sit down for a discussion.
- Don’t create a negative mood right from the start by saying “I have some really bad news…” Try not to have an attitude like the girl in the picture.
- You may even want to write down your words in a letter. This seems a bit silly, but if you get easily upset writing a letter and then reading it to them may make things easier on you as you can take your time in choosing the right words for the letter.
- Be prepared for different reactions. You may be met with silence, anger, disappointment, disbelief, denial, tears, etc. Give them some time to think and deal with the initial shock.
- Be prepared for questions such as “are you sure you are pregnant?” or “How far along are you?”
- Be prepared for their opinions. Each family member may have their own opinion on what you should do about your unplanned pregnancy.
In the end, it’s important to keep in mind that our parents and families really do love us and they are hurting for us.
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Related posts:
How to tell Your Baby’s Dad you are Pregnant
Dealing with Well Meaning Advice
I really like your letter idea.
Another thing that is useful and it sometimes works out very well…. It can apply to any difficult and emotional conversation.
Tell the people you are talking to how you want them to react.
“Mom, I am feeling emotionally tired right now. And this is hard for me. Please don’t ask any questions just yet. And please don’t cry. You are important to me so I need to tell you…..”
Tell the people you are talking to how you want them to react.
That’s a very good idea Angela! I’d never thought of that but definately see how it could work.
Wow! Great blog and great comments!