One of the scariest things to do when you’re 16 and pregnant is deciding the best way to tell your parents, guardian, or other adult responsible for your care. Regardless of how scared you are, this is something that must be done because you’re going to need all the support you can get. Pregnant teenagers who have a good support system are more likely to seek quality prenatal care, finish their high school education, and go on to raise healthy, happy children. All parents are different, and all situations are different, so no one can tell you the exact right way to approach the conversation, but there are a few ways to go about it that may help give you the extra courage that you need to get it done.
Telling Your Parents That You’re 16 and Pregnant
Rehearse the conversation with a friend
Chances are, you’ve already told your best friend that you’re pregnant, so use her to help you decide how to tell your parents. Try out different ways of starting the conversation, and take notes if you have to. Once you have your basic script memorized, you’ll feel a little more confident when talking to your parents about it.
Chances are, you’ve already told your best friend that you’re pregnant, so use her to help you decide how to tell your parents. Try out different ways of starting the conversation, and take notes if you have to. Once you have your basic script memorized, you’ll feel a little more confident when talking to your parents about it.
Take a friend with you.
If you need to, take your friend with you to talk to your parents. Yes, this is a very private conversation, and there is a good chance that your parents are going to ask her to leave before the conversation goes beyond, “Mom, dad, I’m 16 and pregnant,” but if having her (or him) present gives you the courage you need to start the conversation, then it can only help.
If you need to, take your friend with you to talk to your parents. Yes, this is a very private conversation, and there is a good chance that your parents are going to ask her to leave before the conversation goes beyond, “Mom, dad, I’m 16 and pregnant,” but if having her (or him) present gives you the courage you need to start the conversation, then it can only help.
Time your news wisely
Don’t drop a bombshell on your parents in the middle of a family dinner, or worse, during an argument with your parents. Wait until things are relatively quiet and peaceful, and then tell them you need to talk to them about something important.
Don’t drop a bombshell on your parents in the middle of a family dinner, or worse, during an argument with your parents. Wait until things are relatively quiet and peaceful, and then tell them you need to talk to them about something important.
Anticipate their reaction and give them time to adjust to the news.
It is the rare set of parents that does a happy dance when they find out that their daughter is 16 and pregnant, so you already know to expect them to be at least a little upset by the whole thing. Just keep in mind that the first reaction to this news is not necessarily an indicator of how they really feel, so give them a little time to adjust after you deliver the news.
It is the rare set of parents that does a happy dance when they find out that their daughter is 16 and pregnant, so you already know to expect them to be at least a little upset by the whole thing. Just keep in mind that the first reaction to this news is not necessarily an indicator of how they really feel, so give them a little time to adjust after you deliver the news.
Enlist professional help.
If you really feel like your parents are going to react in a way that could be harmful to you or you just don’t feel like you can do it on your own, talk to a qualified counselor or medical professional and ask her to be present when you talk to them. Just because you’re 16 and pregnant doesn’t mean you should have to deal with a potentially abusive situation.
If you really feel like your parents are going to react in a way that could be harmful to you or you just don’t feel like you can do it on your own, talk to a qualified counselor or medical professional and ask her to be present when you talk to them. Just because you’re 16 and pregnant doesn’t mean you should have to deal with a potentially abusive situation.
Talk to them about your plan. If you’ve already gone over your options and have a plan in place, tell your parents about it. You’re going to need their support to help you finish school, raise your baby, and finish growing up yourself. If you don’t have a plan, tell your parents that, too. Let them know that you’re feeling overwhelmed with the news, and quite honestly, just aren’t sure what you’re going to do yet. They may be able to help guide you, but remember, it’s ultimately your choice.
