Telling the Parents
Okay, you're pregnant. Now what? My guess is that by now you have had a chance to think about your situation and have a rough idea of a plan for your child, whether you plan to keep him/her or give him/her up for adoption. Now comes what may seem like the hardest part: telling your parents and/or guardian.
As a young parent, one of the most important tools that we will have as a parent, is our support system. Without physical, emotional, and spiritual support, the wonderful task of parenting can seem daunting and impossible. It is essential to tell your family early on. It may seem frightening, after all, who knows how they will react. They may be angry, sad, happy, disappointed, or a mixture of many emotions all bundled together. However they may react, it is your first responsibility as a parent to step up to the plate, and make the announcement, no matter what frightens you.
I Want to Tell My Parents, But How?
There are a million and one ways to tell your parents the big news, and only you can decide which method works for you. Here's a short list of ideas to help you out:
- Just walk in the room and blurt it out
- Silently show your parents the home pregnancy test
- Write your parents a note before school, or going out, prepare to discuss it upon your return home
- Tell a close friend, and have a meeting with your parents. If you can't get the words out, ask your friend to break the news
- Phone from a friends house, and tell them personally, give them a while with the idea and chat when you return home
- Have a message put in a fortune cookie and give it to them, message could be simple as: Congratulations Grandma and Grandpa!
- Buy a baby bib (or onesie, or t-shirt) with a baby loves grandma/grandpa message and wrap it up for them
- Get your baby picture and write a little poem about how you've grown up great because of them, and now it's time to try to be as a great a parent as they were - possibly frame these 2 items together
There are as many ideas as you can possibly think up. If you think your parents will be okay with the news, something a little more creative might be a great way. But if you are worried about their reaction, something calm either sitting them down and telling them, or leaving a note, might be the solution for you.
Any Suggestions On How NOT To Tell Them?
Our greatest suggestion is to tell them in a way that will be easiest on everybody. No 2 people will react the same way to the same news, so what might work for you, might not work for another. Here are some fairly general "do nots" for telling your parents.
- It is strongly suggested that you do not tell them while either of you is operating a moving vehicle. Big news such as this can cause many unknown reactions, and it is best to avoid this time
- Do not tell them as you are going into labour to deliver baby. The earlier that you tell them, the less hurt and angry they are likely to be. As well you and the child will likely be much healthier, the earlier that you announce it
- It is recommended that you do not tell your parents when you are angry, or out of spite
- Also suggested that you do not allow your parents to discover the news through rumours and gossip, they will be grateful to hear it straight from the horses mouth, or from a close friend
Anything Else?
You have our tips, and a few ideas to get you moving, now go tell your parents. You were responsible enough to have sex and create a life, now step up to your responsibility and tell your parents.