Here’s the moment I realized I’d been avoiding a conversation that could actually change my family’s life.

It happened last week, scrolling through my feed (as one does), when this headline stopped me cold: I work for an estate planning company. Here's how I talk to my daughter in a non-morbid way about what happens if I die.. At first, my defenses kicked in—who wants to think about that? But the more I read, the more I realized this wasn’t about doom and gloom. It was about love, honesty, and preparing your kids (and maybe even yourself) for the wild unexpectedness of life.

And then it hit me: this is the same energy I wish I’d had when I started thinking about becoming a parent.

The Unspoken: Why We Avoid 'What If' Talks

We love sharing the cute stuff—the nursery Pinterest boards, the baby names, the “first kicks” milestones. But open, honest talks about real-life stuff? Not so much. Whether it’s estate planning, fertility struggles, or just what to actually expect, it’s so easy to put those convos off. Maybe we worry we’ll jinx something, or maybe we just don’t want to face things we can’t control.

Here’s the irony: avoiding tough talks often makes things harder, not easier. (I learned this firsthand when a friend’s relative landed in the hospital last year and nobody knew what she wanted for her kids.)

The Business Insider article doesn’t sugarcoat it. Casey Cohen, who works in estate planning, started talking to his own daughter about what would happen if he passed away—way earlier than most of us might think. Instead of feeling heavy, the conversation brought his family closer. It made me realize: prepping for life’s curveballs is the ultimate act of love.

The Same Goes for Pregnancy (But Nobody Tells You That)

When I was trying to conceive, I was obsessed with ovulation apps, vitamins, and “optimizing” every part of my life. What I wasn’t doing? Talking honestly with my partner about our hopes, our fears, and, yes, our “what ifs.”

• What if things don’t go as planned?
• What if we need help—emotionally, medically, or financially?
• What if the “normal” route to parenthood just doesn’t happen for us?

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The truth is, fertility isn’t always a straight, predictable line. Getting real about that—out loud—can be so freeing.

Real Talk: How to Start the Conversation (Without Freaking Each Other Out)

The key? Start small and stay curious. Here’s what worked for us and other families I’ve chatted with:

• Name your worries out loud. You’d be surprised how often your partner feels the same way.
• Share what you hope for (beyond the obvious). Maybe it’s a close-knit family, or maybe it’s just someone to binge-watch Netflix with at 2AM.
• Ask each other: What if things go differently? If you’re considering at-home insemination, donor sperm, or even adoption down the line, saying it out loud isn’t a commitment—it’s an opening.
• Check in with each other regularly. These aren’t one-time talks. Parenthood is a moving target, and so are our feelings.

The Tools That Make Real Prep Possible

Here’s the plot twist: tackling these conversations doesn’t have to feel clinical or cold. There are amazing resources (and real people!) out there to help.

One thing that lowered my stress, especially as someone who gets anxious in medical settings, was discovering that there are at-home solutions that put more control back in your hands. This site has tons of info and real-life stories about insemination at home—including kits for all kinds of needs (like sensitivities or low motility sperm, which nobody talks about enough). Real talk: the average 67% success rate using these kits was the confidence boost I needed to actually have the “what if we need help?” conversation, instead of quietly spiraling in my head.

Best part? I love that these tools are reusable, not wasteful—because let’s face it, the world doesn’t need more single-use plastic, and my bank account liked the break too.

Why Honest Prep Is the Most Loving Thing You Can Do

I get it—talking about the hard stuff can feel…well, really hard. But every time I’ve pushed myself (and my family) to get honest about the tough topics, something surprising happened: we felt more connected, more prepared, and way less isolated.

If you’re prepping for pregnancy, parenting, or any big life leap, start those conversations early. Keep them open. And remember: it’s not morbid to plan ahead—it’s courageous, practical, and even kind of beautiful.

So here’s my challenge to you: What’s one “what if” you’ve been secretly stressing about? Can you bring it up this week—with your partner, your best friend, or even just in a journal?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below, or let us know what’s helped you get real with the ones you love. Remember, you’re not alone—this community is here to support you, every step of the way.