Pregnancy announcement for 7yo SS

[OneSereneShark]

We're telling my partner's 7yo (almost 8) son he's going to be a big brother when I'm 12 weeks. I think he'll be excited but also confused.. His parents split up when he was 3 but I suspect he will be confused about how he's going to have a sibling when his mum and dad aren't together.

We're going to keep it low key and give him space to have any/all feelings but was thinking it would be nice to get him a "big brother" gift.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Or anyone been through it already and have advise?

How often does he live with you?

He might not be as confused as you think. Chances are there will be someone else at school with a similar situation so maybe you could compare it to that if he is confused. __

Congratulations! I agree with PP - blended families are quite common. Still, I'd suggest you get him a book about different types of families e.g. single parent, step parents, adopted etc. There are lots of nice ones, I think the Usborne one is good.
This game might be good as well - a modern version of Happy Families.

https://shop.freud.org.uk/products/we-are-family-happy-families-reinvented-card-game?srsltid=AfmBOor_ynfA_cz6Zf3Fz9u-Bz0AODt3l3Zl5sRFdO_teVWqXg0erNUK

Also, It's your decision of course, but I do wonder if 12 weeks is a bit early for such a young child? Things can go wrong and it is a very long time for them to wait. Just a thought. But if you're going to tell other family and friends and it will be difficult to keep it from him then go ahead :)

Etsy do personalised t-shirts with ‘big brother Charlie’ etc on

It’s a much bigger deal for you than it is for him. I’d have a book about lots of different families anyway for children so maybe have a look - the Big Book of Families is a good one. How often does he stay with you, what changes will there be to living arrangements? I’d have that sorted in your mind in case he has questions. Also how’s the relationship with his mum, is she likely to struggle with your news, in which case I’d tread lightly.

Have you told his mum/will you tell her before you tell him, he could be in a tricky position if you don’t. I’d tend towards being fairly low key to be honest bit much depends on the situation. A child who you see every other weekend is a different prospect to one staying with you half the week.

Every weekend and half the holidays!

@MissJoGrant @matchaleaf @Gillettegirl Thank you for the recommendations! I spent ages trying to find a book around a new step sibling but failed! Will check these out 🙏🏼

@Jellycatspyjamas To be honest I thought that was the normal time! Do people wait till later? When is the usual? Problem is, I'm incredibly bloated so I've had multiple people congratulate me... 🙈 Don't want someone to do that in front of him!

I forgot to reply to half your message, sorry! Yes we're going to tell his mother first. Things used to be awful but they've been good for a while now so hopefully it will be fine! I say that with anxiety though... He's with us every other weekend and half the holidays and nothing will change arrangement wise. He's a very curious and scientific child so I'm confident he'll have questions!

@OneSereneShark re timing of announcements I think it's a really personal decision. Yes, 12 weeks is quite traditional because you have had the scan etc and it's much more likely to go ahead without any issues. But I just think for a child, it could be a long time to wait (if he is likely to be a bit anxious, this could be both a good or bad thing ) and potentially very distressing if the pregnancy doesn't progress as expected. If it's going to be difficult to hide though, I would go ahead and tell him.