How to Tell Young Children You Are Pregnant

The time has come to tell your small child you are pregnant. Chances are she’s noticed your swelling body or morning sickness bouts, but you need to make it official and let her know she is going to be a big sister. Read on to learn how to tell young children you are pregnant.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Books talking about becoming a big sibling, new babies, and how to be a good big sibling
• Newborn doll
• Calendar

1. Some parents wait until they are past the first trimester or showing before they tell their young child about the baby. Other parents choose to include their child as soon as they find out. Either way is fine. It is a personal choice on when to disclose the information.

2. Whenever you choose to tell your young child about your pregnancy, try to be in a calm, quiet and comfortable setting with little to no distractions.

3. You can begin by just talking about when your young child was a baby. Tell stories of snuggly times, her baby sleep habits, happy times and silly songs you shared. Remind her of the amazing baby she was and how wonderful it was to have a baby.

4. Then be direct and honest about the new baby. Let your young child know that you are going to have a baby, and it will be part of your family. You can use this time to give her a newborn doll. Explain to her she was about that size when she was born, and the new baby will be about the same.

5. This is also a good time to provide lots of snuggles, lap time and gentle assurances that you will always love her. There are several books you can get at the library or local book store that talk about being a new sibling, having a new baby, and how to be a good big sibling.

6. 
   Big sister and new baby

   Your child may have lots of questions and concerns or she may just continue playing and show no interest in talk of a new baby. Tend to her response as needed. Do not push the issue; do not over-explain. Let her needs and curiosity guide you and the baby talks. Remember, she’ll have several months to ask her questions and get clarity on the whole thing.

Tips & Warnings

• Your child may have lots of questions. You need to answer them in age-appropriate ways. If your child is two-years-old, there’s no need to go into the entire birth process if she asks how you’re going to get the baby. A simple answer of going to the hospital and having a doctor help you will likely be fine.
• When you are out in the community with your young child, point out other families who have a young child and a baby. Talk about how exciting it is that she’s going to be a big sister, and share all of the ways she can be a big helper.
• When other people begin gushing over the pregnancy and the new baby when your young child is listening, be sure to talk about how well she is doing. Sing her praises and your confidence in her big sister skills. Help her feel as important as the news of a new baby.
• Use a calendar throughout your pregnancy to show your young child how long until you all get to meet the new baby.