An unplanned pregnancy is usually scary, confusing, and overwhelming, but if you’re in school and still living with your parents it can feel even more complex.
You may feel nervous to tell your parents about the pregnancy, wondering what their reactions will be. The truth is, you can’t know how they’ll respond and you aren’t responsible for their feelings. But they do deserve to know and will be glad you told them.
Because telling your parents you’re pregnant can be a daunting task, we’ve put together a list of tips to keep in mind as you get ready for and then have this conversation. If you’d like additional information or need help preparing, please let us know!
Before You Tell Your Parents You’re Pregnant
Before having this conversation with your parents, you’ll want to do a few things to prepare.
Confirm the Pregnancy
If you’ve taken one pregnancy test and it came back positive, it’s worth it to take another one just to be sure. We offer free pregnancy tests at our pregnancy center and can also provide free ultrasounds to give more information about your pregnancy. This information will be valuable to have before your conversation so you can answer questions and show you’re taking this seriously.
Contact us if you’d like to schedule a free pregnancy test and/or ultrasound and we can get that scheduled for you right away!
Talk With Your Partner
If you haven’t already, let your partner know you’re going to have the conversation. If you think it would help to have him there with you and your parents, you can ask him to be there. If your parents didn’t know you were having sex, the news will hit harder, so make sure you factor that into your decision.
Sometimes it’s helpful to have another person there to keep the conversation on track, and he could play that role if you let him know that’s what you need.
Know Your Options
It’s important for you to understand all your options for your unplanned pregnancy. Abortion, adoption, and parenting are all serious decisions and it’s important you gather as much information about each one before your conversation so you have a better understanding of what you’d like to do.
How to Tell Your Parents You’re Pregnant
Tell your parents at the right time
Timing is very important. You’ll want to pick a time when they are not distracted and can listen with undivided attention. You can let them know you have something you want to discuss and want their opinions about and ask them when they’re available to chat.
The anticipation of this conversation can be really hard, but use the time between now and then to prepare so you’re less nervous.
Be prepared for their questions
Try to anticipate questions they may have and think through your answers to them. They will want to know who the father is if you’ve chosen not to have your partner with you, how long you’ve known you’re pregnant, and what your plans are.
It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers, and you can let them know you need their help at this time.
Tell them your game plan
It will show responsibility and that you’re taking this seriously if you have a rough game plan you can share with them. This can be as simple as letting them know you’ve taken a pregnancy test and ultrasound and are weighing your options. If you’re leaning one way or another, let them know that and ask for their advice and support.
Preparing for this conversation can be hard, but it’s worth it to put in the time to plan it well. We’re here for you and can help answer any questions you have as you prepare for this important conversation. Contact us for a free consultation if you have additional questions.