Dear Alice,
I am pregnant and my ex-boyfriend is the father. He broke up with me
before I found out I was pregnant. He's going out with another girl now
and acts like he doesn't want anything to do with me or our baby!
Neither my parents nor his parents know yet. How do I tell them?
I don't want to go through this as a single parent. What should I do?
Worried,
IN
Dear IN,
If you have decided to keep the pregnancy, you need to tell your
parents. Many parents, perhaps most, will be more supportive than you
imagine. Maybe mom and dad, or people close to them, have gone
through similar experiences. They may be upset at first, and
disappointed; but, trust that they will help you decide about your next
steps. However, if you are afraid they would be so upset that they might
harm you, Alice suggests that you share your situation first with a
favorite teacher or coach at school, a school counselor or nurse, or a
health care provider.
Your ex-boyfriend and his parents may or may not be involved in your
present or future decisions. Alice suggests that as hard as it will be,
that you face the inevitable, and sit down with one or both of your
parents, soon.
- Alice
Go Ask Alice! is not an emergency or instant response service. If you are in an urgent situation, please click here to view a list of 24 hour support services and hotlines.
How do I tell my parents I'm pregnant?
