Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be challenging, and not having your parents’ approval can be even more difficult.
While you may want to please your parents, no one should pressure you to make a decision about your pregnancy that you don’t want to make – not even your parents.
Continue reading for some tips on how to best communicate with your parents when sharing that you don’t want an abortion.
Tips for Talking with Your Parents
1. Have a Plan
Going into the conversation with a plan can give you the confidence to clearly communicate your feelings. Taking time to write out your thoughts before meeting with your parents is a good way to be sure you aren’t coerced by others’ opinions.
2. Communicate That This is Your Decision
It’s important to recognize that this decision will affect you first and foremost. This is your pregnancy.
Try to have an open dialogue with your parents and communicate your thoughts, feelings, and how you came to your decision. If they don’t understand, find support with other loved ones, whether that be another family member or a friend with experience.
3. Share About Your Pregnancy and Options
Learning more about your pregnancy and your options before speaking with your parents can help guide the conversation and show them that you are taking the responsibility of your pregnancy seriously.
Before meeting with your parents, having an ultrasound scan to find out how far along you are and if there are any complications can be helpful.
Additionally, thinking through and researching the options of parenting and adoption can prepare you to discuss your plan with your parents.
4. Give Your Parents Time to Process
Just as you may have been shocked and overwhelmed when you found out you were pregnant, your parents could be feeling the same way.
Giving your parents time to process and have follow-up conversations can be helpful. Stepping back may allow them to think more clearly and more effectively communicate with you.
Get the Support You Need
After speaking with your parents, they may come to respect your decision and offer you their support, or they may not change their feelings.
However, remember that this is your pregnancy and your decision to make.
Whether you have already spoken with your parents or are preparing to share with them the decision you’ve made, Palm Beach Women’s Clinic is here for you.
We can help you learn more about parenting and adoption and provide resources to support your journey.
Additionally, we offer no-cost pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans so you can learn more about your pregnancy and your options.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.