by R.L Hanlon

Created on: July 31, 2008   Last Updated: September 15, 2008

Whether you're sixteen or twenty-six, telling your parents you're pregnant can be a very daunting task. The decisions you make and how you approach your parents depend on individual circumstances. Some of us have parents her are easily approachable and many of us do not.

Besides dealing with the possible emotional roller coaster you're on personally, you also need to consider how those around you will react to the news too. If the pregnancy is unplanned, it may pose some difficulties, but if it is planned telling your parents can be fun and welcoming.

Following are some ways to help discover how your parents may react and the best way to approach them to advise them you're having a baby.

THE FACT OF THE MATTER

The fact of the matter is you're pregnant. Regardless of how it occurred, whether by accident, heat of the moment passion or if planned, you are still pregnant. Always ensure that you have received a confirmation that confirms you're pregnant before you advice anyone of your pregnancy.

PLAN THE APPROACH

As mentioned earlier, how you tell your parents is going to depend on your personal circumstances. You will need to consider you first.

Are you ready to become a parent? This includes financial, support needed, your future and the circumstances surrounding the father of your child and your own health. Have you advised the father of the pregnancy and discussed what you are to do?

How will your parents react? Do you come from a family who has supportive and close parents or are your parents emotional and unapproachable? What sort of views do your parents have on the matter of pregnancy? Or their particular views on your future?

Prepare a few of the different scenarios that you may encounter by writing down responses to some reactions you may receive. You may also want to write down your wants in regards to the pregnancy. Do you want to have your baby or not? How will you support your family and what are your plans for the immediate future?

By doing so it will show where you stand in regards to your maturity and emotions to being pregnant, whether they're negative or positive.

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

The best way to enlighten anyone on the fact you're pregnant is by coming straight out and saying so. Once the initial reaction is over, the support you may require will be provided.

This approach can also be extremely difficult if you're young and find yourself pregnant. It can also be difficult when older and find you have unsupportive parents or in-laws too.

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