Telling your parents you are pregnant can be a mixed experience.
You might be excited about your unexpected pregnancy, while they might be shocked. Or, you could feel nervous about your pregnancy and unsure how they will react.
Regardless of your situation, here are tips for telling your parents.
Pick the Time and Place
Choose a time when your parents are relaxed and not in a rush. Maybe it’s a Sunday afternoon or a Saturday morning when neither of them works.
Then, choose a place where they will be most comfortable. Maybe your family likes to share news around the dinner table or watch TV together in the evenings.
If you select one of these times, having a conversation won’t feel out of the ordinary, and your parents will feel more relaxed and potentially more receptive.
Avoid telling them when they seem rushed, stressed, or preoccupied. While there’s never a perfect time, try to set yourself up for success by being strategic about when you break the news.
If you don’t live with your parents, you may have to set up an intentional meeting time. The same principles apply. You can choose a private setting if you feel it’s safe, and a public one or on the phone if you have a rocky relationship and are nervous they might overreact.
Share Your Heart
When telling your parents about your pregnancy, share your heart and genuine feelings. How do you feel about your pregnancy? What would you like from them during this time?
If they are supportive off the bat, then this is an easier conversation. However, if your parents don’t seem supportive, but you would love their support, ask them for it and tell them how they could help you during this time.
Remember, you don’t have to have all your next steps figured out. You can share where you are in your pregnancy decision-making process right now. You can say you don’t know what to do and are trying to figure it out.
Ask your parents not to pressure you because, ultimately, it’s your pregnancy and decision. If they do pressure you, give them space. They may need to process the news before you can talk more peacefully about pregnancy options with them.
You Can Do This
Telling your parents about your unexpected pregnancy can be daunting, but once you tell them, you will feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. You can do this!
Before telling your parents, consider confirming your pregnancy at First Care Clinic.
A medical-grade pregnancy test and an ultrasound can verify that your pregnancy is progressing within the uterus and tell you how far along you are. These details will inform your next steps and give you important health details before you break the news to your parents and partner.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today!