Finding out your partner is pregnant may leave you wondering what to do first. Telling your parents might be one of the conversations you’re dreading most.
Maybe you expect disappointment or a lot of questions you’re not fully prepared to answer. However, you don’t need to have every answer before you tell them. Brazos Pregnancy Center offers personalized support for men facing an unexpected pregnancy with their partner.
Schedule a free appointment today to learn how we can help you.
Tell Them the Basic Facts
You don’t have to know everything right away.
Start with what you know: your partner is pregnant, you recently found out, and you wanted to tell them yourself.
If they ask what you’re going to do and you don’t know yet, it’s perfectly okay to say that. You and your partner may still be discussing the pregnancy, or you may simply need more time to understand what becoming a father might look like and what support you’ll need.
Being honest is better than trying to sound as though you have everything figured out.
Give Them a Chance to React
Your parents might be quiet, or they might immediately worry about money, work, school, or your relationship. They may also surprise you by being calmer than you expected.
Whatever their first reaction is, remember that they’re hearing the news for the first time.
You don’t have to answer every question immediately. If the conversation becomes too intense, you can tell them you want to continue it later.
Tell Them Where You Could Use Help
Once the initial surprise has passed, think about what help you might want from your parents.
You may want their advice about finances. You might need support with finding resources. Or you may want them to know what’s going on while you and your partner make decisions together.
Giving them something specific to respond to can make the conversation more useful than a long list of questions about the future.
Learn About Being a Father
An unexpected pregnancy doesn’t come with an instruction manual, and no one expects you to know everything about fatherhood immediately. We know this situation can feel challenging, and we’re here to offer the help you need.
Brazos Pregnancy Center offers fatherhood classes in group and one-on-one settings, along with personalized support for men. You can discuss how to support your partner, questions you have about becoming a dad, and resources that may be helpful to both of you.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us to get started. We’re here to support you every step of the way.