You peed on the stick, you are pregnant, and now you are far enough along that there is not much risk of miscarriage, so how do you break the news to your family? The following are some tips for doing it in a fun or exciting way:
1. Ask them to come see you when you are in the hospital.
One way to let people know that you are expecting is to call them or talk to them in person and say, “I am going to be in the hospital, and I was wondering if you could find time to come and visit me.” They will naturally say, “What? When?” then you can say something like, “In 9 months, and then insert your due date for good measure.” Just watch their faces as their worry turns to dawning understanding and joy. You will all laugh about it later.
2. Plant your positive test in a strategic place.
A great way to let your family know you are pregnant is to leave your pregnancy test (positive test), in a strategic place. You will want to put it in a plastic bag, as you do pee on it, and no one wants that touching a surface they touch or eat off, etc. You could invite your family over for dinner, and have the positive pregnancy test as the table centerpiece, possibly on a pile of diapers and other baby paraphernalia. You can leave it on the counter of your parent’s home and wait until they find it. You can put it anywhere you know it will be found, next to the television remote is usually a good place, or in the fridge.
3. Take a cue from the hit show Glee.
In the television show Glee, one of the kids sings the Paul Anka song, “Having my baby” to let his girlfriends parents know she was expecting. You and your spouse could let the family know you have a special performance for them after a family dinner or get together, then lip sync to that song. It will be funny, and will leave little doubt that you are expecting. If you don’t like that song, write your own, or find another one to use as a vehicle to help you announce your pregnancy.
4. Call each family member asking for a favor.
Clue your family in to your pregnancy by calling and asking them to do you a favor (even if they live far away). Then say something like, “Could you pick me up some Saltines and Sprite to help with my morning sickness?” Or, “Would you start saving your box tops for when my kid goes to school?” There are a number of other “favors” you could ask that will let them know you are expecting in a fun way.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to