Telling your school aged children you are pregnant

[sunnygirls]

Hi Guys!
It's been a while since I've been on a site like this! Have recently found out we are pregnant with our 3rd I'm only very early still... Not even 6 weeks..
Our two girls are 7 & 9 and am wondering how and when others may have broken the news?? I know my 7 year old will be over the moon but my sensitive 9 year old will be concerned of the change... Any advice welcomed! Morning sickness kicked in today so not sure how long I'll be able to pretend everything is fine

[dinky]

I had a big age gap between my 2nd and 3rd too. I didn't tell my girls until I was past the 12 weeks. I would make excuses and everything, it was insane. I know that they picked up on things before then but I didn't confirm anything until then. After I told them, they pretty much announced it to the entire school population within a day, so I am glad that I kept it to myself for a while. It took my kids a few weeks to get their heads around the whole another baby in the house idea.....it was pretty tense for a while. But once she arrived they couldn't keep their hands off her!!

[sunnygirls]

Wow you did so well waiting till 12 weeks! My husband is away all weekend on a bucks show and I'm suffering.. Wish I could tell them but totally agree... Once I do the whole school would know hahaha...so nice to hear though the love is there now for you guys xx

[myturn]

I am not planning on telling DSD until 12 weeks either, I don't think its fair on her if something goes wrong - as I know she will be so excited. While I don't have an issue with children learning what real life is all about, I think that it's also important to be careful. She is going to be over the moon, and I want her to be able to share it immediately..... Therefore... We are waiting to 12 weeks.... Which puts it smack bang in the week before Christmas what a lovely Christmas present!!!

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

As Liebs doesn't do well with change, we've already told him we plan to ttc soon. Not in so many words, of course! But changes are already happening and he loves the fact it's a secret for us 3. We will tell him about the pregnancy shortly after we know, as more changes will occur immediately (ie I will refuse to carry a 7yo around). He is already prepared for that change.

Depends on the child, but I say tell you children before extended family or work. It's only fair and does impact them more.

[nickle730]

My older children were 5 and 7 when their little sister came along. We had the intention of not telling them until after 12 weeks, but by the time I was almost 10 weeks people had begun to guess - not drinking alcohol, nauseous and an obsession with Slurpees!! I was really concerned that someone would mention it in front of their own children who would then go to school and tell my children. It was really important to DH and I that we be the ones to tell them. So, at around 10 weeks we sat them down and told them that there was a tiny baby in mummy's tummy but that it was a special secret for just the four of us to share for a few more weeks until the baby was big enough to tell everyone else about. Miss 7 didn't say a word to a soul... but Master 5 walked in to school the next day and yelled across the playground 'Hey, Mrs XXX, my mum's having a baby!!!'. Aaaaahhhh... yes. So much for secrets! I don't have a history of pregnancy loss and fortunately, all progressed well with this pregnancy.

Having a larger gap has been fantastic and that baby will be 3 next week. She is adored by her brother and sister and she adores them back. Congratulations!