No matter what your age, sometimes sharing the news that you are pregnant with your parents can range from nerve-racking to intimidating.  Maybe you’ve been raised in a family with strict religious or cultural expectations, or maybe they wanted you to finish your education first.  Perhaps your parents don’t know of your significant other or know them but don’t approve of your choice.

Here’s some hints to help your conversation play out a little smoother:

1. Set expectations. You want your parents to react in a way that supports you and to suppress any negative emotions they might be feeling. Ideally, that’d be wonderful!  But think of it from their perspective.  This news may come to them as a complete shock. Give them time to process this life change, just as you’ve had time ever since seeing those two lines on the pregnancy test.  Regardless of their initial response, many parents come alongside their daughters and support them in their pregnancy.
2. Timing, timing, timing.   Chose the time and location you share the news with your parents.  It can be easy to blurt it out right as everyone is heading to work or when you’re in the midst of an argument.  Give everyone a favor and try to choose a time that will be free of other distractions and when your parents aren’t tired or overly stressed.
3. Consider your support.   If you’re afraid to tell you parents, don’t think you have to do it alone.  Ask a sibling, family member or friend to be there with you.   Depending on the situation, it could be a strength or a stress to have your significant other there. Think through your family dynamics to choose what would be best.
4. Know your rights.   Even when you are a minor, your parents cannot make decisions for you about your pregnancy. Whether you consider parenting, adoption or abortion, you have the right to make your decision without coercion. Phone us at 970-353-2673 if someone in your life is forcing you to make a decision you don’t want.
5. Keep the future in sight.  A high school student shared that her dad really wanted her to have an abortion, but the girl had already made the decision for herself to carry. A year and a half after that initial conversation, I ran in to the family at a park. The dad was now a Grandpa. . .bursting with pride as he was sharing the accomplishments of his 10-month-old grandson. His attitude didn’t change overnight, but now he is the biggest cheerleader of his daughter and grandson.

At the Resource Center, we offer free pregnancy tests, STD testing and treatment, along with confidential options advising.  Call today for an appointment, or schedule a pregnancy test online. We are here for you every step of the way!