Help! How to tell my parents.....

[kitty1013]

I know it's ridiculous, I'm 44 years old and expecting my 6th DC
My parents were very disapproving of the last two. I am terrified to tell them.
They live nearby and my mum helps with school lifts for my eldest two DC but she is getting really old now and looking forward to "retiring" when my eldest two finish primary in 2 years time. but I wouldn't expect any help with this baby; nothing at all.
I am too scared to tell them face to face as my mum will look horrified and my dad will tell me off!(I can imagine him saying "how ridiculous!!" And going red in the face!)
Is it really bad form to email them so I don't have to deal with the immediate aftermath?
Thank you..,

I think if you're close enough for them to be helping you out with lifts/childcare etc then it would be bad form to e mail them yes. You need to make it clear that you won't be expecting any help with the baby.

They don't do any childcare, they are in their 80s, but my mum gives my DDs lifts.

I know it's pathetic but I cannot bear the thought of their reaction . They will be upset, and my dad cross. I don't have the emotional strength at the moment to deal with "why on earth are you having another one" "you're too old" etc etc!

I am 14 weeks and don't know how long I can go on like this. I haven't told my kids or my sister as I know I must tell my parents first :(. Although I think my sister will be horrified too!

Lol brand new. I dont think that would work as I do see them quite often. My dad said I was "looking trim" today! He must be blind as I have an obvious bump!! (Or certainly a very fat looking stomach compared with two months ago...)

Congratulations kitty , nowt wrong with another baby in your forties. So good I did it twice.

Why not be honest, and said" I've got some good news, but I'm dreading telling you, as I think you're going to rain on my parade.Im happy, and hope you can be happy for me".

Thank you dancing. You're right maybe if I sound positive rather than apologetic they may be a bit more upbeat! Possibly....

Personally, I would just not be telling them. If that's their reaction then they can find out from someone else and give their opinion to them. If they get upset explain exactly why. It's horrible that you feel so sad when you should be happy you're having another baby! Congratulations

Thank you rolling! I feel quite upset to still be in hiding- you saying congratulations is really nice...I won't be getting that from everyone.

I do totally understand people who don't approve of having more than two children but luckily we can afford it, don't take anything from the state (apart from Gp appointments , and maybe secondary education in the future).

I just have to bite the bullet, I am stressing about it every day! And I'm sad to not be able to confess to my children! Xxx

Tell your children they should know before your parents!

With any luck ( and maybe some prompting) they can share the good news!

Congratulations OP don't over think this.

Huge congratulations!!
I would tell your DC and leave it at that, when one mentions it infront of your parents, just say didn't think you'd be that excited and be quiet negative so didn't bother.
I had the same with DD my 4th -told my kids, then posted it on FB and people could see on there - I had some comments from my Sister 'nice way to tell the family' and I replied with 'I did, I told them around the dinner table and they were all very excited.' I never got a congratulations from some people. Not sure if people just raise eyebrows at larger families or don't think it matters.
But it's your family, your choice, if your not asking or expecting any help, not sure what their problem is.