When will you tell your older kids?

Question

If you have kids already, when will you tell them you are expecting? I have heard a lot of people wait to tell them in case something happens, they don't want them to be sad... Also a lot of people don't tell early because they don't want their kids to have to wait sooooo long to meet their sibling! What is everyone's plan?

Answer

We're waiting until the 2nd trimester.  We were pregnant a few months ago and told our 7 yr old son when we were 7 weeks....he was sooo excited!  We had a miscarriage a few weeks later and it was sad for him.  He even had to tell the teacher and his whole class "Our baby died" when they were talking about siblings and she said something about him having a sibling.  I just don't know how I'd explain that TWO babies died if something happened again.....so we're waiting til his birthday (I'll be 13 weeks)  it's killing me not to tell him, especially since we've heard a healthy heartbeat twice now....  ☺

Answer

I told my daughter right away with my last two pregnancies. She was 3 1/2 when I found out we were having my son. She had actually told me about a week before I had a baby in my belly. And then the day I found out I was pregnant with this one she told me again and told me she misses my big belly. So when she got home from school We told her. She is so excited. I figure if something happens it's just something we will deal with as a family. But I feel like every baby should be celebrated even if it's only here for a short time.

Answer

We are waiting until the 2nd trimester.  A couple reasons: 1. Both of our sons really want a sibling and are young, 4 and 5, to have to explain the baby not being there 2. We are in a custody dispute with our oldests mom (trying to get more time) and don't want this affecting her willingness (or lack of) to work with us.

Answer

After our 9 wk ultrasound appt we will tell our 4 and 8 yr old.  They have been asking for a little sibling for a while now!  We have had a loss at 15wks so they understand too well how some babies don't make it.  I know my belly won't be able to hide longer than 9wks and we will have a pic to show if all looks well!

Answer

I told my 11 and 7 year old at 7 weeks. They were upset I didn't tell them sooner. Lol. They are both excited and they keep planning on things to come. It is a precious  part of life and I want them to be excited bc it's their baby as well and I want them to be apart of our pregnancy journey. My mother doesn't  feel I should have told them so soon though. Do what you feel is best! 😆

Answer

Well my 8 year found out!!! She totally called us out on it bc I've not felt well & have been going to bed early & bc every time daddy says mommys not feeling well he smilies really big.  LOL! We told her no at first but she got sad we were hiding a secret!  So, we just old her the truth! Too smart for her own good! I've been stressed out about her knowing since!!  Worried something will happen.  We explained I was still very early & I had to see the dr in a couple weeks bc sometimes mommys get pregnant but the baby doesn't stay in their tummy.  And if that happens I didn't want her to be sad which is why I didn't want her to know!!!  Ugh.  She's very excited though.  I tell her every day NO ONE KNOWS!!!  We have to keep it a family secret until we know the baby is healthy!!!! She's SO EXCITED though and already talks to my belly! I just remind her that there's still a chance the baby may not stay in my belly. I think she understands- she says she does anyway. I've tried to not stress anymore.  It is what it is now. 4w5d currently.

Answer

Our plan keeps changing... My husband wants the kiddo to be told before the rest of family and friends... She is 7 years old. I have my first ultrasound at 9 weeks (3 weeks from now)... Maybe soon after that once it is confirmed that all is well. It is torturous to wait!!

When will you tell your older kids?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey