820,000 teenagers become pregnant each year in America alone. If you’re one of them, you’ll need to figure out how to tell your parents.

Step 1: Rehearse

Practice what you want to say beforehand. When the difficult moment comes, you don’t want nerves to tie your tongue.

Step 2: Pick the right time

Pick a time when your parents are usually relaxed to break the news. It’ll help things go more smoothly.

Step 3: Be direct

Start by saying you have something difficult to share with them. Then be direct: Say that although it wasn’t planned, you are pregnant. Give them a chance to absorb your announcement before you continue talking.

Step 4: Don’t get defensive

Try not to become defensive or angry, no matter what they say. Remember: you’ve had a little time to adjust to the big news. Your parents haven’t.

Step 5: Listen attentively

Show your maturity by listening attentively to what they have to say once they’ve recovered from the initial shock. Most likely they have your best interests in mind. If nothing else, they have a lot more life experience.

Step 6: Ask for support

Acknowledge the huge impact that this event will have on all of your lives, regardless of how you plan to handle the pregnancy. Let your parents know that no matter how surprised or disappointed they may be, you will need their support.