Telling your parents you’re pregnant may be weighing on you, but it’s important to share the news with them. It will give you an emotional release and help you move forward.
Here are four steps to telling your parents you’re pregnant.
1. Pick the Ideal Time and Place.
Where and when are your parents most relaxed? Picking the right time and place will influence how they react to the news.
You want to avoid times when they seem stressed, are having an especially bad day, or are in a rush.
Where is your family most comfortable? Around the dinner table or in the living room in the evening? Consider the location as well because the atmosphere makes a difference.
While there will never be a perfect time, be on the lookout for when the time and place seems right.
2. Choose and Rehearse Your Words.
While winging it might seem easier, rehearsing your words can help you feel more confident and comfortable. Your delivery can make them feel more at ease, especially if you start it with an intro that transitions them into the news.
Even though you could start with “I’m pregnant,” you may want to avoid shocking them. A natural conversation that progresses into your pregnancy message will have less of a shock factor, though the information will still surprise them.
You can rehearse these things to yourself when you are alone, write your thoughts in a journal, or pre-write them in a note on your phone or on a piece of paper. If reading from a pre-written message helps you, you can do that, too.
3. Prepare Yourself for Their Reactions.
If you’re very close with your parents and know them well, you may be able to guess their reactions. However, their reactions could still be unpredictable.
Think through their potential responses and how you may react to each one. This will also help you feel more prepared for the conversation. Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers about the next steps in your pregnancy.
You can be honest with your parents and say you are as surprised as them and are trying to figure it out. If comfortable, ask for their support and encouragement. Tell them your true feelings.
On the other hand, take precautions if you’re concerned about your safety or potential violent reactions. Consider telling your parents on the phone, in a public setting, or with a trusted person with you (not your partner) for support.
4. Tell Your Parents.
At this point, you have done the preparation, and it’s time to tell them. You can do this. We believe in you.
Pathways Clinic Can Support You.
Pregnancy is an emotional time with lots of choices. Pathways Clinic can support you with resources, information, and early pregnancy services.
Do you want to talk more about your plan to break the news? Are you looking for pregnancy testing and an ultrasound?
Pathways Clinic can help. Schedule a free-of-charge appointment today!