How to Tell Older Children About Pregnancy

Suprise you're pregnant! Now you must discuss the information with your children.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. There is no perfect time to tell your children about the pregnancy. Importance should be placed in being open and honest. Take into consideration the age of the child and prepare for additional questions. These may include topics on sex and relationships.

2. Advise them of your love for them and that they will also be involved in the process. Hug and tell your children you love them. They will talk to you more. Allow them to select a middle or first name of the child. Prepare them if they have to share a room how that will make things a little different.

3. Take time out to have a special "date" night with them. Discuss the emotions they may feel about the newborn. Younger children may be excited because they can help out. Provide them with benefits of having a new sibling such as a friend for life, someone to play with, and the fun they will have when the child is old enough to play.

Tips & Warnings

• Your child may take the news better than you think. Allow for a relaxed positive environment.
• Keep children engaged by having them help with shopping and decoration of the room.
• The sooner you tell your children the longer they have to wait. Many children do not realize that having a baby takes time.

Resources

• Parent Center
• Parent Resource

[Psalmist4M]

on 8/10/2008 Great information and article. thanks,