If you don’t know very well how to tell your parents that they are going to be grandparents, postponing it will only increase anxiety and worry. This is one of those situations that should be faced as soon as possible.
How will your parents react?
This is one of the first thoughts that comes to your mind when you think about that moment when they hear the news. Beyond the initial reaction, when your parents may be taken aback if they weren’t expecting the news, most parents offer unconditional support to their daughters in this situation.
Each person is different. Therefore, it is possible that you can predict a more assertive response in your father or mother based on how they have reacted in other previous situations in your family life. This reaction can be conditioned by many aspects: character, values, expectations… However, after that initial reaction, comes the definitive moment of assimilation and acceptance of the information. For this reason, once you have communicated the news, try to give your parents time.
To foster empathy with your parents, you can ask them how they feel. Likewise, you can express that you would appreciate having their support.
Ask someone to accompany you
But, also, if you need emotional support at this moment to communicate the news, you can ask a family member you trust and also that of your parents, to accompany you at that moment. It is very important that he be a person who, in addition to mediating, be discreet to put itself in the background when it is convenient. For example, your brother.
Of course, if you have a partner, you can also ask them to accompany you to share the news together. However, this may not be the option that makes you feel most comfortable at first because the decision depends on other circumstances. For example, perhaps your parents and your partner have known each other for a long time and have a close bond, but it may also happen that this family bond has not existed.
You can also make the decision to talk to one of them first, the one you think will understand you better, and then, with their support, tell the other parent. Together you will find the most opportune moment for the conversation.
Get ready for that moment
Put yourself in the situation and think about what you would like to say. Can write some ideas on a sheet of paper that you will later develop. It is not about having a script to communicate such personal information, but about trying to think clearly at a time when you may feel overwhelmed.
Imagine that you are talking to your parents right now: what would you like to tell them? What information do you want them to know? What would you like to share with them and what aspects would you prefer to keep for yourself? Say your words out loud. In this way, through your own auditory memory you internalize that message. Express your words focusing on yourself, that is, do not anticipate how you think they will react.
Keep the conversation at home
Given the importance of the conversation, it is advisable that you choose a space for intimacy and family well-being to keep the conversation going. The house is the best place because it provides this context of privacy that you all need to talk. Your parents will ask you questions and you will answer everything you think is appropriate.
When you express something that you need to say, you feel the release of relief. Therefore, although you may be worried about how your parents will react when you tell them that you are pregnant, this conversation has a therapeutic function for you.
Turn off the mobile phone
Once you have found the right time to break the pregnancy news to your parents, it is important that you turn off your mobile phone or silence it to avoid any type of interruption external. Try to focus on that moment.