How to Tell Your Parents You’re Pregnant

Talking with your parents about sex is something that’s never going to be easy - even when you have a great relationship with them and you know you can ask them anything. However, if you’ve talked with your parents about birth control and sex in general terms, you still might not have let them know that you’re having sex - and, if you’re pregnant, telling your parents might seem like the worst part of the situation.

You are going to have to tell your parents that you’re pregnant eventually. Even if you are planning to have an abortion, in 43 of 50 states you need to have their consent if you are under 18, your parents are going to need to know (if you’re planning to raise your baby, you may even want them to be a part of the process).

So, how do you tell your parents you’re pregnant? While there is no “right way” to break the news, here are some suggestions that may help:

  • If you have a closer relationship with either your mom or your dad, consider telling that parent first and ask them to help you tell the other.
  • Write a letter to your parents to tell them and ask for support; this way you won’t have to be there for their initial reaction.
  • Talk with another adult who you trust first; you’ll have practice, and you can get their advice as well.
  • Connect with someone at a local teen center that works with pregnant teens to go over what you want to say.

No matter how you tell your parents that you’re pregnant, know that they are going to have emotional reactions just like you did - and just like your boyfriend did and his parents will. While they may be angry, disappointed or otherwise react badly, the shock will wear off. Be honest about your feelings, ask for their support and recognize that it may take a while for the news to sink in.