How do I tell my family?

You will have some idea about how they will respond. What will concern them most? Is it your future? That they don’t think you are old and/or mature enough? That the relationship won’t last? That they will end up being responsible?If you think you are ready and mature enough, and also think the relationship will last, then demonstrate that to them. Don’t overreact if they go off the deep end. It will be difficult, but the younger you are the more likely they will be angry, upset or anxious.Most families, once over the initial shock, come to terms with it and usually become supportive. If you have an uncle or aunt who you can talk to, who is more even-tempered, then ask them to help you break the news. If you are going to become a parent, you may be asking for help a lot from now, so get used to it.

Does this mean my whole life is gonna change?

Yes probably! Let’s not kid ourselves, if you are going to be actively involved with your child they will become the centre of your life. They demand and you respond, that is the deal, but you will also get the great pleasure most parents who are actively involved get.Of course if you are going to be a ‘winger’ dad, coming in and out and being on the edges, you can carry on doing pretty much what you do, but you also don’t get the good bits!.

Is my partner going to go crazy with the hormones?!

Women respond differently to hormonal changes during pregnancy, so you won’t know until it happens how your partner will react.However if she has mood swings, know they will pass. There is no point in overreacting or getting too far up in the air.

What else are you missing?

Too many dads don’t realise just how important they are to their children. Did you know that the closer and more involved you are the better they will do socially, emotionally and academically and the less you miss out on!